Teens Flip for High Speed Sleds

Back flips and high speed turns are not maneuvers normally associated with sledding. Advances in technology have led to a resurgence in the sport and teens are taking notice. Long gone are the days spent trudging up the local hill in soggy wool socks with a cheap plastic contraption for a short unrewarding ride.

Sledding has been around for over one hundred years, since the Flexible Flyer went into production in 1889. For decades, two things cut into the fun of sledding for many teens: wooden sleds like the Flyer were supremely uncomfortable and weighed as much as a heavy backpack. Over time, toy manufacturers replaced classic wooden sleds with inexpensive offerings like plastic toboggans and tinny metal saucers. These flimsy devices appealed to young children looking for a little fun in the snow, but afforded a more serious sledder little incentive to stick with the sport.

Things have changed with modern-day sledding and there are plenty of reasons for teens to head for the hills. Today's sleds are made of lightweight materials and are eminently more controllable. Thanks to polyethylene seats and aluminum frames the newest sleds can withstand the rigors of tricks and provide a stable ride.

To get inspired for your next sledding adventure, check out www.freesledding.com a website for creative sledders. Teens designed the website to capture the latest developments in the sport. The site features cool video clips, as well as, edgy digital photography. These daredevils are executing jumps and stunts taken from the pages of skateboarding and snowboarding. Tricks like the "corked 540" are cataloged and explained.