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Introduction to Sledding Day

 

Each year SHCNSW holds an Introduction to Sledding Day in late April or early May, where the public and their dogs are welcome to come along, learn about the sport of mushing, and give it a go thesmelves - for free!  If you've ever wondered what it's like to be pulled along by dog power alone, and you think your dog would enjoy the chance to run in harness, then this day is for you.

 

 Come join us for a great day out!

 

The event is open to the public and completely free to attend.

 

The SHCNSW Introduction to Sledding Day is held at Belangalo Forest, about 2 hours drive south of Sydney just past Berrima.  Facilities are camp-ground only at Belangalo.  Toilets are available but please bring your own food, water and other drinks with you, as well as warm clothing as the temperature drops quickly once the sun goes down.

 

The 2013 event will be held on Saturday 20th April from 1pm

 

Click here for directions to Belangalo 

 

For more information contact Rob Kite

0403963726

 

 

 

Free Intro to Sledding Manual

 

Download this introductory guide to the sport of dog sledding!

 

Topics covered include:

- Equipment needed

- Calendar of events

- History of sled dog racing

- Mushing commands

- Getting started in mushing

- FAQ about sled dogs

- All about harnesses and towlines

- Mushing with pride: feeding, watering, housing

- Bloat - the mother of all emergencies

- Mushing equipment suppliers

 

 

 

About the Intro to Sledding Day

 

The occasion is a social event and competitors participate for the enjoyment, not usually to win.  The grounds are open all day but visitors can aim to gather after 1pm.  Come and meet our Committee and member mushers who would be happy to talk to you and answer your questions, and help you get kitted up for a run.

 

Heats begin when the temperature drops around 4-5pm, and beginner heats are always held while there is still plenty of daylight.  The mushing tracks are marked out on the trails that run throughout the plantation pines, and the compacted dirt is a surface for the dogs to run on. The beginner course is several kilometres long and takes 10 or 15 minutes to complete.  Mushers and dogs can go at their own pace and marshalls are posted at each turn to help guide which way to go.  A pee-wee class is often also run for younger mushers who need to be accompanied by an adult.

 

 

 

You don't need a husky to be able to participate (but it helps) and dozens of new mushers turn up each year with dogs of all breeds, for some fun running in harness.  Please make sure your dog is fit, healthy and able to participate though, else the day won't be any fun for you or them.

 

And for those who prefer not to run, the event makes a great spectator sport, particularly if you stay for the night-time races that follow and watch the 4 and 6 dog teams come home.

 

 

 

You don't need experience or equipment in order to participate, just yourself, your dog and a sense of adventure.  All mushers must wear a helmet as a safety requirement though, so please bring a cycling helmet with you.

 

The usual mushing kit consists of:

     • A scooter for 1 and 2 dog classes

     • A harness for your dog

     • A tug line to connect the harness to the scooter

 

All this equipment is available for you to borrow on the day and a variety of sizes are on hand to ensure a proper fit.  Our sledding committee will show you how to fit and use all gear properly before you head out.

 

So bring your friends and your camera, and enjoy a day of mushing fun!

 

 

 

 

(Last Updated 11 MAR 2013 13:35:13)

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