How to Work a Bobsled

Working a bobsled, as it slides along an ice track, relies chiefly on a driver to steer it and a brakeman to slow it. Operationally, little has changed since the sport's invention in 1890 by English holidaymakers. However, bobsledders now compete only in male and female teams of two and four. Bobsleds are constructed of a steel frame under a fiberglass body, with fixed rear runners at the back and movable runners at the front. Bobsleds reach speeds approaching 90 miles per hour.

Things You'll Need

  • Brakeman
  • 2 side push men (optional)
  • Bobsled
  • Track
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sprint for about 164 feet into the start of an ice track with your team pushing the bobsled to the fastest speed you can. As gravity takes over from pushing, team members should jump into the bobsled in turn. The driver goes first, followed by the side push men and finally the brakeman.

    • 2

      Tuck your heads down as low as possible to decrease the amount of drag caused by air resistance. Only the driver should look up, but this should be kept to a minimum.

    • 3

      Pull on the bobsled's steering rings to adjust the front runners' position as you approach turns. The front runners may only turn a maximum of three inches either side. Try to steer just the right amount, without having to adjust back, as this will cause a loss of momentum.

    • 4

      Find the best racing line. Steering too low in the turn will result in the bobsled taking a shorter route but at a slower speed. Steering too high will result in higher speeds but force the bobsled to travel further.

    • 5

      Shift your weight into a turn to help the bobsled go round smoothly. Call out to your teammates so they can help by shifting their weight with you.