INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BASICS

Choosing a toboggan to fit you. The narrower the toboggan, the easier it pulls through the snow, but the longer it must be to resist tipping. (If it is too narrow, it will tip all day, ruining your snow fun) The wider the toboggan, the more stable it is to resist tipping, but the slower it is to glide.

Once you are out on the hill the basics are simple:

1. Position the sled sideways to the slope, and straddle the sled. We recommend starting your first time on a gentle slope so you get use to the steering action.

2. Now you’re ready to direct yourself down the hill. Lift the sled and turn down the slope. To get a good start just push off with your feet. Once you begin to glide place your feet on the side skis. Keep you body low so that the sled does not tip over. A repeatedly tipping sled kills your sledding experience.

3. Practice on a gentle slope leaning from side to side to steer, but remember leaning will only provide limited directional control. Note: The "Chief Lines" of the All American Toboggan are crafted with runners on the bottom making them trakc straight down the slopes! (Runners are slats that are 1/8" thicker than the others to provide for better downhill tracking. There are three on the Big Chief, 2 outer & 1 center. The Little Chief has only the two outer runners. The Beaver does not have runners.)

4. As you pick up speed and confidence, you will begin to get the hang of manuevering, but always remember that toboggans are not made to make sudden turns and quick stops!

5. STOP ME! Toboggans can be down right difficult to stop. Your best bet is to choose an open slope that gently evens out at the bottom and glide to a stop naturally. Because of the wide variety of techniques being practiced and the differing ability levels of those handling toboggans we cannot advocate a particular methodology. A few methods we do not advocate:

• Digging your gloved hands and/or heels into the snow. Take care that you don't "dig-in" right away and twist your ankle!

• If the toboggan is out of control do not simply roll off the sled.

Most injuries are caused by colliding with an object (e.g., trees/rocks/signs) or from being thrown from the sled. While we want to encourage people to continue sledding and having fun. Please realize that potential dangers do exist. By planning-it safe, everyone can enjoy the benefits and limit the risks.

All riders should consider protective clothing such as a helmet, goggles, gloves and warm clothing. The toboggan should not be towed behind any vehicles.

Attempting stunts, standing or jumping with your toboggan increases your risk of being seriously injured and damaging your toboggan. Therefore, we do not instruct or advocate the use of any toboggan in this manner.

MAINTENANCE Use ski wax to protect the wood surface on the bottom, especially on the “runners,” which are a little bit thicker and get more wear than the rest of the bottom of the toboggan.  For wooden toboggans, make sure to check the base before each and every trip very much like a surfboard. Without a thoroughly glide-waxed base of many layers, your wooden toboggan will not glide across the snow. If the base does get wet in above freezing conditions, the sled will stop dead with caking snow so take the time to wax thoroughly. With proper care, an All American Toboggan will a last a lifetime and pass down to your children and grandchildren.

FOR YOUR SAFETY – REVIEW THESE SAFETY POINTS BEFORE YOU TRY A TOBOGGAN. If our toboggans are not used in accordance with the above instructions all warranties are void. All other use may risk injury. The toboggan should be used on clear and open areas, clear of roads, rocks, trees and ice, etc. Children must be under adult supervision at all times during the use of the toboggan

Questions or comments? Contact our Customer Service: 1-877.773.8242