From riding waves to riding snow, the thrill of sledding feels awfully familiar for surfers bombing snowy backyard hills. For us, it was a morning of watching and learning from the neighborhood kids before plowing down the slope with a squealing snow-covered toddler.
Sledding with a little one required a bit more coordination. Just like tandem surfing, it's a balance between steering and securing all passengers on board. Both board riding activities could end up bad if safety isn't just as much a priority as waxing a surfboard or assessing the snow.
While we can't pretend to be experts on sledding, we can share a few things we picked up to keep from looking like complete kooks. But most importantly, tips to keep everyone safe.
Layer up. This took some getting used to–because all we're really used to is wearing bikinis and board shorts. Several snow trips later, and we definitely have a better idea of how to bundle up for the snow.
Dress in the usual winter wardrobe: boots, a thermal layer of clothes, snow pants and a winter jacket. Don't forget your mittens, scarf and a beanie. This might be overkill, depending on the weather and how long you're actually going to be outdoors. It is important to remember that kids get much colder than adults. Make sure to secure all articles of clothing, like tucking in and zipping up, so nothing gets stuck in the sled!
Lather up. Being at the beach almost every weekend has taught us a lot about proper sun protection. We always pack sunscreen, even for snow trips. The sun can be deceiving when it feels so cold, and you're layered up. But wear sunscreen anyway, and reapply every few hours to avoid nasty burns.
Find the right hill. Sledding, along with tubing, can happen wherever there’s a snowy slope. That doesn't always mean it's safe. The snow should not be icy but rather soft and packed in. Fresh snow is the best. Make sure the hill isn't too steep and that there's a flat stretch at the bottom for slowing down. We stayed with family and sledded in the backyard. Ski resorts have areas marked off just for sledding and tubing, too.
Hold on. Secure your child on the sled in a forward-facing position. Adults should always ride with children under five years old. Then ask someone to give the sled a nudge forward. Hang on and enjoy the ride!
Move out of the way! Once the sled comes to a complete stop, move quickly and out of the way of other sleds whizzing down. That might mean picking up your child and the sled in each arm. You can always readjust and dust off snow when you're off to the side.
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