Finnish sled - a sea of delight and he alth without age limit

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Finally, snow is visible outside the window, bright New Year holidays, long holidays and winter entertainment are waiting. At present, the passion for Finnish sleds is suddenly returning to us. Apparently, there are more places for retro sledding. What is so attractive about these sleds with a handle?

How they work

The appearance of the sled to modern people resembles a chair from Ikea on runners or skis. We are not used to such a high seat compared to ordinary sleds.

There are no guard rails or armrests. The runners of Finnish sleds are much longer and directed backwards. They can be up to two meters long.

This design is due to their functionality. The sled was originally designed as a vehicle. There is a person or load on the seat. And another person stands on the long runners. Pushing off with one foot, as on a scooter, he holds on to the handles or frame. If only the one who sits in them rides on ordinary sleds, then two people ride Finnish sleds with pleasure.

Where do Finnish sleds come from?

Judging by the name, this sledge comes from Finland. But here a paradox awaits: Finnish sleds are not from there at all.

It turns out they were invented in Sweden!They are still very popular there. In order to ride in the summer, the Swedes install roller wheels on their favorite sleds!

Amazing sled with a handle appeared at the end of the nineteenth century. They quickly spread in Scandinavian countries, and later came to Russia from neighboring Finland. Perhaps that is why we call them Finnish.

Abroad they are known as Potkukelkka. Until the Second World War, they were used only to transport goods through dense snow and ice. It never occurred to anyone to ride them, since the Finns were considered dangerous for moving people.

Apparently, after the war, the concept of "dangerous" ceased to apply to the sled. They have become a favorite winter activity for both children and adults.

What is so good about unusual sleds?

The skid frame itself is made of durable alloy. The seat is wooden, slatted. Thanks to the gaps between the slats, the snow easily spills out of the sled. This design provides them with strength and durability, and also allows them to easily withstand a load of up to 90 kilograms.

The most exciting Finnish sledding is on a dense layer of snow and ice. There they can develop impressive speed. It is convenient to ride them along the paths of the park or from small slides.

The main reason these sleds are loved is the great family vacation they offer.

Finnish sleds from Russian manufacturers

If the snow is deep and loose, the sled will go badly. Narrow skids just forit is not intended. But our manufacturers have coped with this problem. For such cases, plastic slips on the skids have been developed. They look like skis.

Russian-made Finnish folds. They can be easily folded by unscrewing a couple of nuts. And now they are ready for transportation or storage.

Shops offer to buy a five-point safety harness specially designed for Finnish sledges. Each of the five straps is adjustable in length, providing a secure fit for the passenger. With this belt, you can safely ride kids and people with disabilities.

All models are good

Sleds are available for both adults and children. The model range for each of the categories takes into account the characteristics of consumers, so the sizes of Finnish sledges are different.

Modern Finnish sleds for adults weigh 7.5–10 kg. Dimensions:

• height - 90 cm;
• length - 155 cm;
• width - 42 cm;

Load capacity - up to 120 kg.

Finnish sleds for children are designed for children aged five to twelve. They weigh 5-5.5 kg. Dimensions:

• height - 74 cm;
• length - 130cm;
• width - 39 cm;

Capacity - 50 kg.

Fishermen are happy to use Finns. The sled itself is an excellent chair for fishing, it is convenient to transport tackle with a catch on them. In this case, you do not have to stomp on the ice into the foggy distance, but you can roll with the breeze. In the north of Russia, craftsmen make such sleds with their own hands. And also skisrunners are attached.

Unexpected Role

In the usual view of most people, Finnish sleds are associated with children riding in a crowd. Or elderly couples decorously rolling past in the park, or even fishermen - lovers of ice fishing. Few people know that athletes drive them! Yes Yes! Finnish sledding is an attribute of one of the sports!

They can easily reach speeds of 15-20 km/h. And on the descent, and even with a tailwind, they go much faster.

The most famous long distance race was held in 1891 in Sweden. There this sport was very popular in 1890-1910. Sledges of that time had hard wooden skids and a lot of weight.

The Scandinavian Games preceded the modern Winter Olympics. Finnish sleigh racing was the main part of them. In the 90s, these races were officially recognized as a sport in Finland. They are held on a track of 100 km, and the speed reaches 30 km/h.

The Finnish and World Championships in this sport are currently being held.

The popularity of kick sleigh racing is gaining momentum. Today in our country this is one of the few types of competitions where everyone can participate. Not only young people participate, but also 70-year-old elderly people. And both grandfathers and grandmothers. The championship does not matter, because everyone gets a lot of pleasure from participating!

Kickback sleigh competition is a fun sport in the fresh winter air! Even simple skating provides a wonderful exercise and workout.muscles.

Give your family a Finnish sleigh no matter what. After all, it is a great pleasure to rush on them along a winter road in the evening in the light of lanterns on shiny snow!