Winter is just around the corner, and to people across thecountry, that means summer sports end and winter sports begin.
One of the least-known winter sports in the world is skijoring.Skijoring is similar to dog-sled racing only because you have acanine companion to help you out.
It's different because, well, you're on skis, not in a sled.
You can call it 'extreme winter dog walking,' but skijors don'ttake it as a joke. Skijoring could be one of the most-competitivesports in the world if anyone but Norway knew about it.
In skijoring, a harness that is attached to a bungee cord isplaced on a dog. The bungee cord is then attached to a hook, whichis commonly placed on the belt.
I want to stress right here that if you are not a good skier, doNOT attempt to skijor. You will merely be dragged through the snowuntil the dog finds something more interesting. In Alaska, themost-popular state for skijoring, that might be a while.
Skijor is a Norwegian word that means "ski-driving." People usedit for transportation in an area of Norway, and it has beenresurrected of late.
To start skijoring, you must first become a decent cross-countryskier. This is not to gain any skills. It merely gives youconfidence in yourself and your dog.
Obviously, a good skijorer needs a good dog. Huskies, malamutes,mastiffs and rottweilers are recommended, but any dog that is over35 pounds can enjoy skijoring. This sport is not for chihuahuas,poodles or Boston Terriers.
You also need a good set of skis, of course.
The kind of path you are going to skijor on changes the kind ofskis you should use. Skate skiing is faster and easier on wider,more-defined trails, but they are less stable than classical skis,which you would use on ungroomed trails.
Skijoring is raced competitively in several states with slightlymore-consistent winters than Indiana, including Maine, Alaska,Wyoming and Minnesota.
The North American Skijoring and Ski Pulk Association inAnchorage, Alaska, is trying to get skijoring into the Olympicgames, and why not? It's definitely a better cardiovascular workoutthan snowboarding.
Skijoring can be a fun way to take your dog for a walk and getsome exercise. If you are going to skijor, however, please be ashumane as possible to the dogs. Skijoring is not a chariot race,and you are not Ben Hur. Don't act like it.
Write to Will at wjohargan@bsu.edu
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