Finally, snow is visible outside the window, bright New Year holidays, long vacations and winter entertainments await . Currently, a hobby for Finnish sledding is suddenly returning to us. Apparently, there are more places to ride on retro sleds. Why are these sledges with a handle attractive?
How are they arranged
The appearance of sleds reminds modern people a chair from "Ikea" on skids or skis. To such a high seat, when compared with ordinary sledges, we are not used to it.
There are no enclosing railings or armrests. Runners of the Finnish sled are much longer and directed back. Their length can reach two meters.
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 on the long runners another person gets up. Starting with one foot, as on a scooter, he holds onto the handles or frame. If only the one who sits in them rides on ordinary sledges, then two are happy to ride Finnish sledges.
Where does the Finnish sled come from?
Judging by the name, it can be decided that these sledges are from Finland. But here a paradox awaits: the Finnish sled is not at all from there.
It turns out they were invented in Sweden! They are still very popular there. To ride in the summer, the Swedes install roller wheels on their favorite sledges!
Amusing sleds with a handle appeared at the end of the nineteenth century. They quickly spread to the countries of Scandinavia, and later came to Russia from neighboring Finland. Perhaps that is why they are called Finnish here.
Abroad they are known as Potkukelkka. Until World War II, they were used only for transporting goods on dense snow and ice. It never occurred to anyone to ride them, since the Finnish people were considered dangerous for moving people.
Apparently, after the war, the concept of "dangerous" ceased to apply to sledges. They have become a favorite winter entertainment for both children and adults.
Why are unusual sledges good?
The skid frame itself is made of durable alloy. The seat is wooden, rack and pinion. Thanks to the gaps between the slats, snow easily spills out of the sled. This design provides them with strength and durability, and also makes it easy to withstand loads of up to 90 kilograms.
The most exciting Finnish sledding ride 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 thing that these sledges are fond of is the opportunity for a great family vacation that they give.
Finnish sleds of Russian manufacturers
If the snow is deep and loose, sledges will ride poorly. Narrow skids are simply not designed for him. But our manufacturers have dealt with this problem. For such cases, developed plastic covers for runners. They resemble skiing.
Fincas of Russian production are folding. They can easily be folded by unscrewing a couple of nuts. And now they are ready for transportation or storage.
Stores offer to buy a five-point seat belt specially designed for the Finnish sled . Each of the five lines is adjustable in length, providing reliable fixation of 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 lineup for each of the categories takes into account the characteristics of consumers, so the size of the Finnish sled is different.
Modern Finnish sledges for adults weigh 7.5-10 kg. Dimensions:
- height - 90 cm;
- length - 155 cm;
- width - 42 cm;
Payload - up to 120 kg.
Finnish children sledges are designed for children aged five to twelve years. They weigh 5-5.5 kg. Dimensions:
- height - 74 cm;
- length - 130 cm;
- width - 39 cm;
Carrying capacity - 50 kg.
Fishermen enjoy using Finnish with pleasure. The sled itself is an excellent fishing chair, it is convenient to carry gear 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 sledges with their own hands. Also, skis are attached to runners.
Unexpected Role
In the usual view of most people, the Finnish sled is associated with children riding in a crowd. Or dignifiedly rolling in the park past elderly couples, or even fishermen - lovers of ice fishing. Few people know that they are being chased by athletes! Yes Yes! Finnish sleigh is an attribute of one of the sports!
It is easy to reach speeds of 15-20 km / h on them. And on the descent, and even with a fair wind, they go much faster.
The most famous long-distance race was held in 1891 in Sweden. There, this sport was very popular in the years 1890-1910. The sleigh of that time had hard wooden runners and a lot of weight.
The Scandinavian Games were preceded by the modern Winter Olympic Games. Racing on the Finnish sleigh was their main part. In the 90s, these races were officially recognized as a sport in Finland. They are carried out on a highway of 100 km, and the speed reaches 30 km / h.
The Championships of Finland and the world in this sport are currently held.
The popularity of Finnish sled 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. Superiority does not matter, because everyone gets a lot of pleasure from participating!
Finnish sleigh competition - fun sports fun in the fresh winter air! Even simple skating provides excellent physical activity and muscle training.
Present, no matter what, the Finnish sled to your family. After all, it is a great pleasure - to rush on them along the winter road in the evening in the light of lanterns in the shiny snow!