Sledding is a popular, inexpensive way to have fun and get some exercise during the winter. It can be dangerous, however, and emergency rooms throughout the U.S. treat more than 20,000 sledding injuries each year. Here are some tips for choosing the right sled and sledding hill, staying safe and avoiding injury.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 2-4 hours
Here's How:
Choose your sledding equipment. A good sled should allow the rider to go feet first and sitting, and should have handles for secure riding. Foam snowboard-style sleds with handles are inexpensive and popular. A large, sturdy inflatable tube with handles offers a good bouncy ride but with less control.
- Dress in layers to stay warm. In very cold temperatures it's advisable to have a good base layer, such as thermal underwear or Under Armour, plus an insulating mid-layer and a waterproof outer layer, with a lined hat, wool or other warm socks, snow boots and waterproof gloves. For sledding safety, it's also a good idea to wear a helmet, such as a bike or snowboard helmet.
- Find a good sledding location. Ask your neighbors where to go sledding - parks and neighborhood schools are popular choices. Avoid trespassing on private property. For safety, sledding hills should be not too steep and free of obstacles, with large flat area at the bottom. The most serious sledding injuries are caused by collisions with other riders or with obstacles, so look for a clear area. Avoid a hill that leads to a road, pond, fence, clump of trees or other obstacle.
- Evaluate hill conditions. For safe riding the sledding hill should be snowy, not icy, and free of rocks, large bumps or holes.
- Practice safe riding. Slide feet first and seated. Wait for a clear path to avoid crashing into other riders. Roll off a sled that is out of control. Once off the sled, move quickly out of the path of other riders. Closely supervise children. Never ride or allow children to ride a sled being towed by any kind of motor vehicle.
