So, some notes so that I can recall this experience in the future.
I have a lot of things to learn...but there are a lot of things I did learn. =)
True to Tammy's word, the reins really will do you more harm than good at first. Avoiding this is tougher than it sounds, because one's impulse when on a moving vehicle is to HOLD ON with your hands. It took me 'til halfway through the day to learn how to hold the reins without a deathgrip on them. =)
The kufins do actually work to steer you, but the sled does take a little time to react before the steering kicks in. Here is where your confidence comes into play, believing that your steering will actually steer you.
Lying back more and getting relaxed really does help with steering (as well as with speed/aerodynamics, as one would expect). It has something to do with applying your weight correctly across the length of the runners, aiui.
One crash. Kinda glad to get it over with, after a fashion. Felt badly that I busted up the fingerguard on one of the sleds, although this is expected, par for the course, and pretty cheap to fix.
IDK if my technique had improved or what, but my 2nd sled seemed much more responsive than the first.
For next time: tight clothes. Seriously! It's hard enough to see without your jacket / sweatshirt bunching up on top of your stomach.
Strong points: I'm very good at braking. =)
Still to learn: getting on the kufins more decisively. Putting the sharp cornering technique together in an organized way (which involves coordinated kufin/lean/reins). Especially the reins.
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I have a lot of things to learn...but there are a lot of things I did learn. =)
True to Tammy's word, the reins really will do you more harm than good at first. Avoiding this is tougher than it sounds, because one's impulse when on a moving vehicle is to HOLD ON with your hands. It took me 'til halfway through the day to learn how to hold the reins without a deathgrip on them. =)
The kufins do actually work to steer you, but the sled does take a little time to react before the steering kicks in. Here is where your confidence comes into play, believing that your steering will actually steer you.
Lying back more and getting relaxed really does help with steering (as well as with speed/aerodynamics, as one would expect). It has something to do with applying your weight correctly across the length of the runners, aiui.
One crash. Kinda glad to get it over with, after a fashion. Felt badly that I busted up the fingerguard on one of the sleds, although this is expected, par for the course, and pretty cheap to fix.
IDK if my technique had improved or what, but my 2nd sled seemed much more responsive than the first.
For next time: tight clothes. Seriously! It's hard enough to see without your jacket / sweatshirt bunching up on top of your stomach.
Strong points: I'm very good at braking. =)
Still to learn: getting on the kufins more decisively. Putting the sharp cornering technique together in an organized way (which involves coordinated kufin/lean/reins). Especially the reins.