Kicksleds kicking up snow on Renfrew County trails
A Calabogie company has brought the family-friendly activity of kicksledding to the Ottawa Valley.
Mad River Paddling Co. says they received three new kicksleds for rent over the holiday break and have already ordered more stock.
"The kicksleds are the newest thing we have," says Tana Smith, one of the co-founders of Mad River Paddling Co. "They are made in Finland, it's an ancient sport, but maybe new to a lot of people here."
The design is simple and easy to use, making it a fun option for families to use and get outside on a trail or even in a backyard.
"They're so simple, it's kind of like a seated stair," explains Smith. "Think dog sledding without the dogs."
Smith says her local outdoors company started in March 2021 and spent the summer offering canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals. They have already seen demand of the kicksleds, and are anticipating business to increase heading into the latest provincial lockdown.
"Folks are desperate for something to do," says Smith. "Anything, get out there, try something new, and be active, not only for our physical health but our mental health."
The kicksleds are available to rent starting from $30 for half a day, all the way up to $150 for a full week. The sleds are also part of a variety of unique winter gear available including fat tire e-bikes for winter cycling and hybrid snowshoe-skis. (https://www.madriverpaddleco.com)
"They're just super fun and easy to use. You don't need equipment or sizes, in terms of boots and stuff like you do for cross-country skiing. You can just get off the screen and get out there."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
U.S. vetoes a widely supported UN resolution backing full membership for Palestine
The United States has vetoed a widely backed UN resolution that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for the state of Palestine.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.