The year of the newbie - Introduced 12 people to sledding

[Snowlover]

Since I had back surgery in November, it has been a good year to take out new people on rides. I have taken 12 new paople on their first sled rides this year. So far, about half of them have loved it, most liked it and only 2 did not like it. One was a gal that had no desire to drive be herself, so she spent the day being bounced around behind her boyfriend on a rental sled. No wonder she did not like it.

My son loved it, my wife put up with it and my 9 year old daughter was mostly frightened.

I hope to continue taking out new people to increase the awareness of how enjoyable sledding can be. It doesn't have to be a perfect fresh powder day with the boys, just riding with friends and teaching them how to not get stuck makes for a good outing for me.

Family shot

 

[cookiecutter]

It doesn't have to be a perfect fresh powder day with the boys, just riding with friends and teaching them how to not get stuck makes for a good outing for me.

i'll second that! i'm not that great a rider, but some of my favorite rides have been showin the newbies the little that i do know. over Christman break we had the cousins over at the cabin and i spent two whole days diggin my cuz out of every place you can think of.
it lots of work diggin a sled out 30-40 times in just under 48 hours.
..ok ok it wasn't 30-40 times, but it was a yamaha, you understand

 

[KLYMAZZATION]

One was a gal that had no desire to drive be herself, so she spent the day being bounced around behind her boyfriend on a rental sled. No wonder she did not like it.

My wife was that way. First time I took her she didnt' want to drive so she sat on the back and just bounced around. Also didn't have proper fitting clothing, too big. Its taken me 3 years to get back on one. This year I finally said I'm getting you gear and you are riding your own sled. Got her gear that fit, borrowed some first. Put her on my fathers M8. She is now more into snowmobiling that I wished. She already has a new helmet, new coat, eye on a new sled, looking to get new pants, boots and gloves. I can barely afford to keep me in new gear and sled every year. Guess the new sled will be for her next year. I'll have to wait another year.


I've also had the opportunity to take a couple of groups one from Atlanta and its worth not going with the guys one ride to get new people to enjoy the greatest sport on earth.

 

[Lake Cle Elum]

Good for you, and it' a nice choice of sleds you have there. We need to reminded this is a family sport and if it gonna grow, it's out obligation to expose new folks to what it's all about.

Too often here, we get caught up in who climbs the highest, has the biggest motor, track, turbo, or whatever........Good job......

 

[catmt]

I agree

We are having a winter picnic on Mar 22 for a bunch of people that have never been on a sled before, it should be fun. Going to have a bonfire and the whole deal. By the way what kind of back surgery did you have? I had total disc replacement in Dec 06 the best thing I could have ever done.