Fun and fitness on snow and ice

The Kicksled

The kicksled is an everyday means of transportation in some parts of the Nordic countries. In small towns and villages you can see both old and young people moving around with kicksleds on their errands. The athletic aspect of kicksledding, that was commonly recognised more than one hundred years ago, is experiencing its revival. The kicksled is gradually spreading to all parts of the winter world. Kicksledding is a pleasant and environmental-friendly activity for everybody and for every age. Besides the traditional kicksled with a wooden chair-like frame attached to gliding steel runners, you can nowadays choose a metal-framed kicksled that is more rigid and sturdy especially at higher velocities.

Ordinary kicksleds come with a pair of all-round runners that suit natural surfaces ranging from hard snow to natural ice. The kicksled is the ideal vehicle for conditions where the snow is too icy for skiing or the ice is too rough for skating. Minor roads that are ploughed but not sanded or salted often provide this kind of surface. A kicksled can be equipped with broader runners that work like skis on softer snow or with narrow-bladed runners designed exclusively for ice.

The experience
Kicksledding on snow tracks is an unsurpassed trekking experience, while kicksledding on ice gives you the ultimate feeling of speed and lightness. You can race swiftly over frozen waters or simply enjoy the scenery. When kicksledding on natural ice, however, you should always keep in mind that ice can be a very hazardous and treacherous element. Better to keep out if you don't know how to play it safe.

A kicksledder has to cope with varying weather. Often the decision to use a kicksled on a particular route cannot be made too long beforehand. An active kicksledder will gradually become observant of the local changes of weather and climate. You will learn the places in your vicinity where you can go kicksledding in different conditions. You will also learn to adapt your pace and kicking technique to the type of terrain and to your current fitness level.

Besides the kicksled you need footwear that provides enough traction not to slip backwards while kicking. In cold and snowy conditions ordinary winter boots might do, but often crampons or athletic spike shoes will be your preferred choice. Furthermore, no special equipment is needed. Winter sportswear that suits the intensity of your activity is enough.

When kicksledding in traffic, you should wear reflective or otherwise visible clothing. While ice-bound you should absolutely carry appropriate safety equipment if you're not absolutely sure that the ice is strong enough.

Next to 2 runners also 1 runner kicksleds
Along with the 2 runner kicksleds the market also provides monogliders, snowgliders and let's not forget the famous alloy mini-scooter which can also be equipped with ice runners and snow gliders. The advantage that kicksledding has over other winter sports is that the kicksled does not need groomed snow or quality ice conditions. All snow and solid ice conditions are favourable.

Kicksled sport
Just like the summer sport of footbiking the sport of kicksledding is evolving . Tour and race events are organized in several countries every year culminating in the Kicksled World Championships. Hundreds of people of various ages take part in these championships where a good kicksled competitor may reach a speed of 40 km/h.

Although kicksledding is something that you can well do all by yourself, it's not a bad idea now and then to get together with other enthusiasts. Kicksledding is an amateur sport, and everybody is welcome to make it bigger.



If you have questions mail the IKSA kicksled committee