Rodeln: Control (Turning,Braking, Speed)

Learn to turn, stop and control the speed of the Rodel (sled). Learn weight transfer, body position and theory behind the motion. What to wear (see below).
Clothing: Choices are a cross between what is worn for running, alpine skiing, xc skiing and mountaineering. NO COTTON! The Killer Cloth (mountaineers call it) holds moisture and loses insulative properties. Polypropylenes, Capilene...synthetics, wool. Keyword is baselayer. Must hug the body and move moisture (sweat) away from your skin. Do not go cheap here. You will have 3-5 layers, all synthetics, all breathable, all moisture-moving. Exterior should be a wind and water resistant shell. No thick layers. You want to be able to move, no bulk, this an active sport. Hat (wool or poly) or hood, your choice. I find a hood visually restrictive. A poly or poly-wool (light weight) stretch balaclava is good when temps drop below 10°F. Ski goggles keep eyes from tearing excessively, when speeds rise above 30MPH. Water resistant insulated gloves with durable synthetic palms and fingers work on dry snow. Wet snow needs monkey-grip type gloves of pvc, bulky but very effective. I wore them for descent of Table Mt in Spring conditions and they worked beautifully...no style points though. Shoes water resistant hikers moderately stiff, over the ankle with sticky "waffle stomper" sole. Braking relies on a stout construction and ability to plant the heels. In icy conditions, pull-on or strap-on ice CLEATS are needed for braking safely, springs will not work. However, disable the forefoot cleats! Heels only! The forefoot can roll under and cause injury.

[@Turboganz]

Rodels: S115 (mine), S105 (hers). Clothing: NO COTTON! Mountaineers call it killer cloth (gets wet, stays wet). Wool and synthetics only. Everything breatheable. 3-4 layers, wind resistant exterior. You'll warm on the uphill hike, but need protection on the downhill. Skin(base) layer most crucial and most expensive. Helly-Hansen polypropylene Lifa Dry stripe crew and dry fly pants $80, but had mine for over 20yrs. Briefs, polyester or polypro.
Hmm, I'll add this in main info above. Too long.

[@RoddieRI]

Thanks for posting. You're right... one finds themselves "intellectualizing" the steering technique by "looking" at the sled, rather than sitting in the riding position. As far as braking is concerned; a steep hill with a short run-out, obviously isn't for a beginner... unless of course; they want a "real" thrill. Was this vid with your T-115... or your "S" model? Boots/gloves-mitts; What works good for you?

[@n145ya]

thank you

[@Turboganz]

You're welcome. Any particular reason why you liked it? I'm curious because I am trying to help people to understand the sport.