If you have never ridden a snowmobile, you are missing a lot of fun. People who have ridden one, have stated many times the joy and thrill they had when riding. It was not only exhilarating, but they had the time of their lives.
As long as you understand how snowmobiles work and how to run on one, you should have no problem riding one. There are a number of issues involved before you can start. It’s like driving a car — you couldn’t get behind the wheel until you learned the rules first. Learn the rules, etiquette and more before you even touch a snowmobile. By educating yourself, you will know what it takes and you won’t put yourself in danger.
First, here are some things you need to consider:
• Go with a friend: Before you do anything, go with a friend to see if you will like it. If you do, then you can proceed to step two.
• Training: It is best to learn from an expert. If you know someone who has been in the field for quite a long time, this person can show you how to ride it properly. He can show you how to hold the bar, hit the brakes and more.
• Etiquette: After you know about the rules of snowmobile riding and have been trained to use one, you still need to know proper etiquette when getting on the slopes. Get to know the right way to act or you may find yourself getting into a bad situation.
• Safety: Besides training to operate the snowmobile, you also need to be trained in security and safety. What good would all the training in the world do for you if you die from injuries as a result of an accident because you failed to follow safety guidelines?
Below are tips you need to know that will expand on the information above. This way you can understand what is involved to make better and more practical use of your time and talents.
• Taking a course: The best thing you can do is learn how best to handle a snowmobile. Don’t just take a course where you read a book. Make sure the course you take will allow you to go to the snowmobile and, with the accompaniment of your instructor, take it for a ride to see how it handles. Only ride it at pre-determined locations until you get used to bigger and tougher trails.
• Learn the controls: When you learn about the workings of the snowmobile, understand how each part works. Learn the braking system. Use it as you practice on the training area. This way you get used to how it feels and functions. Learn the throttle — this is what gives the snowmobile more power. If you are not sure how to handle it, you could force it to ride faster than you want. Notice where the lights are. You might not use a snowmobile at night, but you still need to know where the light switch is.
• Test drive: After your instructor believes you are ready to test the machine, go to where you are designated and do exactly what your instructor tells you to do. He may go with you a few times until you get the procedures down. When it is time for you to test it on your own, remember what your instructor taught you and go for it. Above all, pay attention and be safe.
• Get your own: When you have progressed up to the point where you can ride safely and within the guidelines set out by your instructor, and your instructor has released you, it is time to think about getting one yourself. Don’t go out and spend a huge amount of money on one, at least not right away. Remember you are just starting out. Get a used machine for now. You can always sell it and buy an upgraded model later. You can always rent one when you want. This way you don’t have to worry about keeping it and maintaining the snowmobile.
• Get an owner’s manual: You will need it down the road so make sure to purchase the one that fits the model you have.
Going to school to learn about how to handle a snowmobile is great. The course will teach you all you need to do about how to handle the snowmobile and how to protect yourself. But it doesn’t go into details about safety and other legal issues. Let’s look at some issues you might have to deal with:
• Safety course: Don’t ignore this part. You will need it.
• Age factor: One legal problem that many people have faced in one place or another is age. In Alberta the minimum age for someone to ride a snowmobile is 14. You have to wear a helmet.
• Ease of use: Just how easy is it to ride a snowmobile? According to many snowmobile riders, it isn’t difficult at all. It just takes practice. You basically have to learn when to use the throttle and when to use the handbrake.
• Safety tips: Until you get more experience, it is best to ride with someone who knows more than you. And when you are given the helm, ride the trail like you never rode it before. Even if you have ridden that trail, a tree could have dropped to the ground since. So always be prepared for whatever might happen.
Even with knowing and doing the above, there are still things you might want to know that will better equip you to handle the snowmobile and better prepare you for future snowmobile riding adventures:
• Join a snowmobile club: This is the best way to improve your riding and you get to make new friends. You will constantly work trails and be shown tips on how to handle each situation better. The more you know, the better you will get.
• Mistakes to avoid: When learning to ride a snowmobile, it would be a good idea to avoid three things — being improperly dressed, not knowing your machine properly and riding in a way that endangers either yourself or someone else. When riding any trail, don’t forget there are people out there who don’t care about anyone so they drink and go out to ride, not knowing they could be putting someone’s life in danger. When you go out to ride, do not drink beforehand, always dress appropriately so you don’t get hypothermia and always wear a helmet. You might not prevent others from doing stupid things but you can at least prevent yourself from doing them.
• Riding danger: The one thing to think about when riding a snowmobile is the fact you are riding on snow and possibly ice. It is just like driving down a major highway that is covered with ice. That’s why you have to be careful, drive sensibly and wear a helmet.
