What is a kicksled?
According to Wikipedia, the kicksled or spark is a small sled consisting of a chair mounted on a pair of flexible metal runners which extend backward to about twice the chair's length. There is a handlebar attached to the top of the chair back. A kicksled looks very similar to a dog sled and some people even use it that way. The kicksled is also very portable, just loosen and undo a few wing-nuts and the kicksled can be folded down flat and packed into the back of a truck or under the seats in a minivan for an awesome winter adventure.
How do you use it?
The kicksled is propelled forward by the user standing on one runner, kicking backwards on the ground with the other foot. The flexibility of the runners allows the driver to steer the kicksled by twisting the handlebars. The steering movement can also be similar to turning on skis, if you want to move the sled to the right you would push the left runner out with your foot.
The kicksled can also be used as a dog sled, although it is not designed for this purpose, it can be fun.
We have used it to haul fire wood, carry our daughter,take the dogs for a run and sit around a campfire while roasting marshmallows.
The kicksled can also be used as a dog sled, although it is not designed for this purpose, it can be fun.
We have used it to haul fire wood, carry our daughter,take the dogs for a run and sit around a campfire while roasting marshmallows.
Where did kicksleds come from?
The kicksled has been around for many years, although they are relatively new to North America. They date back to the 1850's in the Norrland/Lappland area of Sweden where people used them as a form of transportation and to carry firewood and fish. Kicksledding is still very popular throughout Europe and is gaining popularity in Canada. Kicksledding was a demonstration sport at the Lillehammer Winter Olympics in 1994. Kicksledding is also a racing sport in some Scandinavian countries, where competitive athletes have reached speeds of up to 40km per hour.
What is the best surface to kicksled?
The best conditions to kicksled are compacted snow or ice. When kicksledding on ice it is best to remove the plastic runners and use icers or a mini-crampon for boots,to get more traction.
Where are the kicksleds made?
The Norax AS kicksleds are manufactured in a city called Tynset, 400 kilometers north of Oslo,Norway. Norax AS is one of the largest Scandinavian Kicksled manufacturers and has a reputation for making quality kicksleds. The kicksled is made with solid birch wood, high strength steel and rigid tubular steel; these sleds are durable and flexible.