Sleigh riding isn't about the force with which you step on the accelerator or how fast the handlebars move. Driving a snowmobile involves perfect and continuous speed control, proper steering of the vehicle and a rapid change of body weight back and forth. A snowmobile can be difficult to ride for beginners who are just starting out, but while it may be difficult at first, it gets easier over time. The biggest obstacle that beginners must overcome is to steer and maneuver the snowmobile correctly.
Snowmobiles have come a long way from the original 20-ton machine that was first designed to transport logs, as most modern machines weigh more than 500 pounds and are capable of speeds of 110 miles per hour (Heisler 20). If you spend a lot of time on the machine, you are exposed to uncomfortable upper body positions, extended periods of sitting in a forward leaning posture, and vibration tensions. Not to mention lifting heavy objects, pulling and pushing when you need to get out of a mess. The most common aches and pains when riding a horse are the lower back, neck, shoulders and the onset of white finger syndrome (Heisler 20).
You yourself know your strengths and your limits better than anyone else, which means that you know what you can and cannot do with a snowmobile. Skiers will buy a snowmobile to access new places, only to discover that approaching by sleigh is actually more fun. While you wait for the engine to reach the desired temperature, you'll need to position yourself correctly on the snowmobile. When driving, both the driver and the passenger must rest their bodies against the snowmobile to prevent it from leaning backwards.
Driving a snowmobile requires a lot of muscle strength, but that doesn't mean you have to feel uncomfortable right away. Although there's no hard and fast rule and you'll find different opinions, there's an optimal amount of snow for snowmobiling. Whether you have one or if you have the opportunity to drive one during your vacation, a snowmobile is definitely something you should try if you have the chance to do so. Such driving is unwise because the small amount of snow in such cases can damage both the base of the snowmobile and cause accidents that can injure the driver.
Here's an excellent video that talks about some of the most common mistakes that beginners make when driving snowmobiles, so you'll know what to avoid. The minimum number is somewhere in between, four to seven inches of snow for a good snowmobile experience. To fully understand the process of driving a snowmobile, you will have to familiarize yourself with the structure of the vehicle. For those who have never driven a snowmobile before, it won't be easy, but it won't be difficult either.
They are people who have experience dealing with beginners and who do their best to teach people like you to be good drivers who enjoy their snowmobile.
