Kick it up this winter

Kick the season into gear with a winter activity everyone can enjoy. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or more of a stroll-inthe- park type, this piece of equipment will have you acting like a kid again – literally bursting at the seams of your waterproof pants to get out and play in the snow.

What is this cool toy, you ask? A Potkukelkka – translation from Finnish: kick sled! Used by outdoor enthusiasts in Finland, Norway and Sweden, the kick sled has served as a winter substitute for the bicycle for over a century while providing fun and exercise without the expense of costly lift tickets or special gear. The Scandinavian pastime of kick sledding is catching on in North America and what better place to have fun with an ecologically-friendly outdoor toy than on the frozen lakes, snow-covered trails and unsanded back roads of Simcoe County?

Families and individuals with mobility issues can enjoy an outing in a natural setting with the assistance of a kick sled at Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Midland. Two sleds are on hand to facilitate winter hiking through the wetland on snow-covered trails and boardwalks. A nominal fee applies and it's a good idea to call ahead to reserve.

Be the envy of Lake Simcoe's ice-fishing community by gliding silently across wind-swept ice on tempered-steel runners with fishing gear secured to a sled designed especially for fishing enthusiasts. Trade up the white plastic bucket for the comfort of a slatted wooden seat while you leisurely put your feet up and wait for the "big one" to come along.

Self-propelled sports fans will be impressed at how quickly heart rates increase when running behind a kick sled on a hard-packed surface. And those who like to share their workouts with their canine companions will be thrilled to discover a winter sport that is truly dog-friendly.

Most kick sleds have rings mounted to their frames to accommodate a bridle and tug line, so the family pet can get in on the action, too. But be warned that there is a bit of a learning curve. Suiting up your canine with winter booties and a harness may be straightforward, but trying to keep the sled on the straight and narrow with Fido at the helm can be difficult if distractions get the better of him. Dogs and their people interested in trying out kick sledding should contact www.dogpaddlingadventures.com. The company has experience with canines and one kick sled available to try.

Let's face it, an attractive frame with long legs commands attention. Be prepared for lots of curious stares when you take the kids to the bus stop on your handcrafted sled on a snowy morning. Every child and parent on the block will want a test drive before the school bus shows up!

A kick sled on the roof of the car will also turn heads wherever you go. Weighing less than 20 pounds, it's easy to lift, relatively aerodynamic and travels much more quietly than do the kids. Acquiring a sled will require online research. Sled manufacturers and distributors in North America work from original Scandinavian designs with some modifications and most will ship their products directly or provide you with a list of Canadian retailers. Prices vary but expect to pay between $200 and $350 (about the same as quality snowshoes).

You've unpacked and assembled your sled and are ready to test it out. Head to Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and glide across a section of the world's longest freshwater beach where winter squalls dump copious amounts of snow and grinding ice sheets can be heard moaning in the distance. Or, find refuge from the prevailing winds under the snow-laden branches of pine trees that pepper the sand dunes on the west side of Powerline Road. Ample winter parking and an extensive network of snowmobile trails make the park a great sledding destination. Caution should be exercised while travelling on OFSC trails as snowmobiles can appear suddenly and without warning. So, be attentive when meeting up with power-driven sleds and step off the trails to ensure everyone's safety. Now get out, fly some snow, and kick up a storm this winter. SLM