How to Pull a Sled

Kids on sleds are common sight in winter.

Some sleds are designed to for winter fun--you can pull your kids through the snow or go sliding down a hill. There are also sleds designed as exercise equipment that pull weight and let you build muscle as well. Regardless of the reason for pulling a sled, the techniques and challenge are similar. Sleds with passengers or pull sleds with weights use the same pulling method to move the sled.

Instructions

1. Set your sled on the ground so that it can move easily. Level, flat ground is ideal for getting started, but the main factor in pulling the sled is making sure the entire sled is touching the ground.

2. Add passengers or weight to the sled. No matter whether you're going to be pulling passengers such as young children or weight for exercise, make sure the sled is firmly on the ground in a position where it will not move before adding anything.

3. Connect any straps. Sleds for sledding do not have straps, but exercise pull sleds do have straps that must be connected. Connect the straps to the sled and then attach them to the body as necessary. Most exercise sleds will have straps that connect to your chest or waist as well as to your hands. The point of the straps is distribute weight evenly. If you're pulling a snow sled, grab the handles or rope as the design of the sled dictates.

4. Brace your feet firmly on the ground, lean forward slightly and start walking. The sled should follow. Walk slowly to adjust to the dragging weight, then increase to a comfortable speed. Set a sustainable pace.

5. Slow to a stop upon reaching your destination. Do not stop abruptly or the sled can hit your feet and potentially result in injuries.

References

• Snow Sleds: Pull Sled
• Rock Solid Pits: Tracks and Sleds

Resources

• PBS: Sled Dogs