Grass sledging is the summer equivalent to the winter sport of tobogganing. The difference being that the participant travels down a grass slope whilst sitting on a sledge, which in place of runners uses small wheels to enable it to travel. It can be run as a timed event or if more that one sledge is available it can be a straight race to see who reaches the finish line first. The sledger will start at the top of the slope and will usually have a helper to hold their sledge while they get on to it. When the participants is ready the sledge is released and with the aid of gravity will proceed at an ever increasing speed until it reaches the bottom of the course or stops on the way! The course is usually a straight line as there is little that the sledger can do to influence the direction of travel. Most sledges that are available are for a single rider only.
The sledger will experience the thrill of appearing to hurtle down hill at high velocity, whilst they balance themselves and try to maintain direction.
Often available on campsites that have purpose built sledges, alternatively equipment can be hired from suitable companies. The course needs to be clear of hazards, both along its route and at the end, and have a gradient that will allow assent at an appropriate speed for the age group participating.
For younger members there are versions of grass sledging available that use a track system, so that they can be set up on flat ground and the distance travelled is much reduced. These also give a greater degree of control over speed and stability.
