new sled owner/rider

[QuintinG]

So I decided to finally get into snowmobiling. I did so by snowchecking a freeride! I know that's a bit much to start with but I intend on taking it easy in the foothills and fields before I move into the harder stuff. What i'd like to know is as many tips and tricks about riding as the fine, experienced folks here on MandS. I was also wondering if there was any riding courses that I could participate in to get me a bit of help. Any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated!

 

[smokindave]

In March of next year we have Bret Rasmussin coming up to Revy to put on a riding clinic for four days.
Its a little pricey but am sure you could learn a lot a the clinic.

Other than that just ride it as much as you can,following an experianced rider can help if you do as they do.

 

[maxwell]

find some friends that can already ride. you will learn more from them than any course.

 

[hypnotoad]

find some friends that can already ride. you will learn more from them than any course.

friends that know how to ride and ride a lot will be the biggest help in getting better. if you want to get decent you have to get a tonne of seat time.

 

[E to the v]

Go out and try to follow your buddies. Pushing yourself to keep up with talented riders will improve your skills the quickest. And way to go picking a big boy sled to start with. They are easy enough to ride that you will be comfortable before long!

 

[~Rowdy~]

I wouldn't say you'd have to stick to the flats for your first year sledding. I sure didn't, just go with a group and make sure they know you haven't ridden in the mtns before. Stick to the trail and only easily accessible play areas. And seat time for sure! Ride as much as possible....but before you get on that sled and into the mtns get avy training and gear!!!

Have a blast!

oh and pinning it gets you out of a lot of sticky situations...and looking where you want to go, not where you don't, lol

 

[magnet]

find some friends that can already ride. you will learn more from them than any course.

this coming from the guy that taught Brett how to ride.:d:d:d

but seriously get out more often than you possibly can and ride ride ride. it'll come to you.
friends give you pointers that help but like anything you get better with expierience.

 

[SidewaysInto3rd]

Watch "Schooled" and "Schooled again" They go over some basic and advanced riding skills.. It helped me quite a bit after a year on the saddle.

Seat time is key, ride as often as you can

"when in doubt, throttle out" you'll hear everyone tell you this and it can't be closer to the truth in this sport

And don't be disappointed / frustrated if your shovel gets more milage on it than your sled the first 2 years. There is a steep learning curve with mountain riding. It gets worse, then it gets better then you just want summer to be over already and your "non sledding" friends will think you are crazy.

ps. when you go riding with new / current friends, be sure to tell them you are new at this.. Things can get ugly if you try to follow your pro friends into places you shouldn't be going when you first start riding!

Welcome to the madness

 

[snopro]

Remember these 3 important reminders for mountain riding:
1. The throttle is your friend.
2. When in doubt, wind it out.
3. Don't park uphill.
:d:d:d

 

[QuintinG]

Haha yeah I've been told not to park uphill. Thanks for all the tips guys. I told the girlfriend that you guys told me I need as much seat time as possible so I'm gonna be gone lots in the winter! She didn't think it was very funny!

 

[snopro]

Haha yeah I've been told not to park uphill. Thanks for all the tips guys. I told the girlfriend that you guys told me I need as much seat time as possible so I'm gonna be gone lots in the winter! She didn't think it was very funny!

Some girls don't like sledding just so you know.

 

[QuintinG]

I meant go out sledding to get some time away from her, jokingly. She actually used to have a summit years ago when she was living in the yukon. She showed me pics of sledding in alaska, beautiful! Once she can afford it she's gonna buy another sled.

 

[snopro]

I meant go out sledding to get some time away from her, jokingly. She actually used to have a summit years ago when she was living in the yukon. She showed me pics of sledding in alaska, beautiful! Once she can afford it she's gonna buy another sled.

That is one region I would really like to ride someday. I've seen pictures and the scenery is incredible.She is pretty lucky.