In my previous post I shared with you how to use the Kahuna Creations Land Paddle with Snow Grip for both - downhill as well as flat snow paddling...
This time we decided to use the land paddles for snow paddling down a hiking trail !
Personally, I find hiking... boring ☹️ but going downhill is always fun, especially if it's on a mountain board, a sled, or riding a snowboard/snowskate !
But there are a few tips I want to share with you from our own experience going hiking and snow paddling :
- Choose the right trail !
You want a trail wide enough to edge/break... Most hiking trails are relatively narrow, and steep making the way down... fast, and fun, but quite dangerous...Another reason you want to use a wide hiking trail is so you can use your paddle efficiently...
- Check the trail's snow conditions
Riding on an icy trail could be tricky... It's harder to control your speed, and hard for the ( Kahuna Creations Snow Grip ) paddle to grip the surface to push or/and break...
- Choose a trail that is not super popular/crowded
We made a mistake picking a trail that is super popular among hikers, snowshoers, and even sledders... plus, we went on a Saturday... Riding down a mountain on a crowded trail might be quite a challange ! Remember - most people, seeing something/somebody who doesn't fit into their world, make them angry...
Go on a weekday, and try to find a trail used more by (backcountry/cross country) skiers, snowshoers, or even snowmobilers...
- Choose the gear that works for you !
In the video below we used both a Kahuna Creations land paddle with their Snow Grip, as well as BraapStik... It's all about personal preferences as there are not many things to compare in terms of advantages/disadvantages/features... And even though the Snow Grip was specifically made for snow paddling, the plastic tip is NOT that great to use on icy/frozen terrain...Surprisingly, BraapStik's tip worked just fine gripping the ice covered trail when pushing, and dragging behind when braking...
As for snowboard vs. snowskate, I'd actually recommend to go either with a short(er) snowboard, or this SLOPEDECK ( snowdeck snowskate with a blade underneath )...
In conclusion :
Can you just use a snowboard/snowskate without a (snow) paddle ?
Of course ! But a paddle might help you better control your speed, balance, direction, and go through flats/deep snow with ease !
Plus, the amount of attention you'll get from people on a trail is plentiful ! They'll look at you like you're a genius inventor of a new outdoor activity ! ... Or an asshole who doesn't belong on "their trail" ( people are so fucking closed-minded nowaday 😡 )...
Anyway, hop you will give snow paddling a try this winter 🤙 🏂 !
