How to Go Fast Down a Toboggan Run

No matter your age, riding a toboggan is great fun in the snow.

Winter brings cold weather, short days and hills of snow. Tobogganing is a great way to enjoy the winter outdoors, but how can you make your toboggan go faster? The key is decreasing friction and air resistance (the forces that slow you down) and increasing your toboggan's weight (greater mass increases momentum). Doing some of these things will make you slightly faster, but doing all will make your toboggan jet down any run.

Things You'll Need

• Paste wax
• Dull knife
• Clean rag
• Large stone or brick
• Helmet

Instructions

Decreasing Friction

1. Use a dull knife to open the lid of the container of paste wax.

2. Use your clean rag to scoop out some wax.

3. Use the rag to rub the paste wax onto the bottom of your toboggan. Cover the bottom in a thin, even layer of wax.

Increasing Your Toboggan's Weight

1. Find a stone or a brick (about as big as your fists put together) in your yard or garden.

2. Find a place at front of your toboggan in which you can put your stone or brick.

3. Put the stone or brick into the front of your sled when you are ready for your run. The extra weight will increase your toboggan's momentum.

Decreasing Air Resistance

1. Wear a helmet that has a front or visor that extends to a point a few inches out in front of your face. A helmet is a good safety precaution and the extended front/visor helps cut through the air more efficiently than the flat surface of your forehead.

2. Tuck in your arms and legs when you go down your run. This decreases the air resistance that slows you down.

3. Lean forward when you are going downhill so your head is low and as close to the highest part of your toboggan as possible. Keeping your head at this level reduces air resistance and makes you more streamlined.

Tips & Warnings

• Try some runs without applying any of these methods so you can get a feel for the snow.

• Warn other tobogganers when you are starting your run to avoid a possible collision.

• When you go fast down your run, you won't have much time to react to obstacles or hazards. Be sure your run is completely clear before starting down.

• Look for a stone or brick after you arrive at your toboggan run so you don't have to carry it with you from home.

• Rub the bottom of your toboggan vigorously with the clean rag before you add wax. This warms up the bottom of your toboggan and helps the wax adhere to your toboggan's running surface.

References

• "College Physics"; The Laws of Motion; 2011.
• Physics Help and Math Help - Physics Forums; Toboggan Speed Theory; 2011.