Now that I have a bit more experience, I'm thinking it might be a good time to start thinking of towing a sled so that I can drag my kids around the field this winter. Anyone know how the best way to do this??? I was thinking a cattle sled and rope attached to my harness. The trouble I find with that is that my buddy had his harness rip after trying to tow someone. Also what are the best conditions i should be doing this???? The extra weight is bound to cause me to up a size or wait for more wind. Any suggestions, cause I think my boys would really have a blast if they could tag along like this.

shaggs

Google "shoulder resistance harness" or "sled harness"





Generally used for strength training of the upper body and legs.

Should run about $18-$35 USD depending on model, but at least it keeps your harness from getting shredded.

You did realize you were going to get a quirky/left field response from me, right?

ATB,
Sam

i used to do some sled dragging when i was lifting--i just connected a chain to my power belt and off i went.......

I think I would want the kite pulling in line with the sled , that is thru a kite harness. Find a way to attach to the main supports of the harness otherwise you will be one tired boy.

Some kind of figure 8 with some worthy rope to the harness - so that the pull is at your centre of gravity, attach a caribiner to the figure 8 arrangement. If there was a quick release for the rope that attaches to the caribiner it would be good methinks, just in case.

A calf sled has directional "grooves" on it = maybe some sort of tube for the "powerslides" might be better... . My daughter is getting to the age that I'm thinking the same thoughts of pulling her in some sort of sleddy thing... .

Thanks for the pointers guys. I'll give the harness that Sam suggested a try. If that doesn't work you guys have given me a few ideas to look into. The tire tube idea sounds like it might be fun, the only thing that worries me is if the tube starts swinging all over the place making it harder to stay on course. Definitely gonna be all sorts of fun giving this a try. Before I put the kids on for a ride I'll place a couple sandbags as a comparison and get practice.
:wee::wee:

Quote:

Originally posted by indigo_wolf You did realize you were going to get a quirky/left field response from me, right?

You definitely have a way of finding a solution to just about any question people ask here. Its like you're own own personal yoda or something.:

I've towed my kids on a sled several times. Think I started doing it when they were 6 and 8 (now 9 and 12). Now I can pull them on skis behind me so the sled doesn't come out as much.

I have a dakine fusion harness and I attach the tow rope to the metal O-rings that secure the harness straps.

Couple things to keep in mind...

I use a suicide saucer and it works great as its unidirectional.

Shorter tow ropes are better then longer. The saucer will inevitably pass you as you are the one edging and they are just skimming along. If the rope is real long it will pass you and then wrap your legs on a turn which is NOT cool.

I think the tow rope I use now is 6-8 long.

Couple options on the tow rope...
1) attach it directly to the saucer. Works great as the kids don't have to hold their own weight they just need to hold on to the tow line or sides of the sled for support. One down side is the sled is always attached to you and if they need to bail they bail without a sled. Other down side is that I've broken a saucer or two doing it this way as the rope has pulled through and snapped the pre-drilled hole in the saucer - not meant to support that much force.

2) have them hold the tow rope (I use a bar on one setup). Problem with this is they fatigue fast and the deeper / wetter / tougher the terrain, the more they struggle.

Best conditions are super hardpack or close to ice. If its deep and you really have to be powered to get them moving and they pop off you get a slingshot effect. Have them scootch a bit to help break the initial surface resistance if necessary.

Helmets are highly recommended and googles are a huge help as they are very low to the ground and often close to you and can take on some snow spray, etc.

My kids always enjoyed it. When the rope isn't fixed to the sled I'll do a full on speed run with them and then I'll turn up wind a bit and have them let go and zip on by.

They have taken some major bails. Probably wouldn't be allowed to continue if the wife saw but my kids love the snow and sledding and literally roll with the punches.

I tried it once with a tube designed (according the the packaging) for snow and behind a boat but the thing had so much drag that I ended up tethered in between and lifted. Make sure you have a good sliding unit. I've seen guys out there with all sorts of the simple, plastic ride-in kinda things.

Helmets/goggles for sure if pulling the kids on ice and snow. I attached pull rope to rings on my fusion as well. I was on downhill skis and they were in a plastic sled. The only complaint I heard from kids ( while they still were smiling ear to ear) the small ice chunks and frozen snow was hurting their butts, as we got moving pretty quick. Plastic sleds are not very thick. Next time around was a junky pillow under them and the only complaint I heard then was...."Why are we stopping"...cause Daddy can't feel his legs anymore after doing this for hours.

One other comment as I read BEC's post. I use a two line tow rope system or a Y cord set up so I can attach the tow rope to both the rings on my harness. This allows for a more balanced load distribution on your hips no matter the direction of travel.