How to Steer a Toboggan

Pulling a toboggan over groomed trails behind a snowmobile or dog team requires little steering effort. Safely coasting a toboggan full of excited kids and adults down a nearby hill lends itself to a little more knowledge about steering one of these handcrafted delights.

Things You'll Need

  • Sled wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Inspect the toboggan before using. Repair any broken slats, boards or screws so no injuries occur when in use. See the eHow "How to Repair a Toboggan" for more information.

    • 2

      Polish the bottom of the toboggan with wax for easy maneuvering down the hill.

    • 3

      Clear the path of any obstacles before riding in the toboggan.

    • 4

      Choose a toboggan run away from trees, creeks, boulders and other tobogganers. A well-designed course guarantees a clean ride down the hill.

    • 5

      Sit or kneel facing forward on the toboggan. Avoid lying down or going head first to avoid injury.

    • 6

      Designate a driver to do the steering and to bark steering orders to the rest of the toboggan team. This eliminates confusion and assures a safe coast down hill.

    • 7

      Use a foot, hand, stick or brake on the toboggan like a rudder on one side to steer the toboggan.

    • 8

      Have the toboggan riders use their feet to slow down the toboggan if going too fast. Maintain control over the toboggan at all times.

    • 9

      Shifting weight may move the toboggan slightly but don't count on it. A toboggan will generally go in the direction it is pointed.