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
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Leafs star Auston Matthews finishes season with 69 goals
Auston Matthews won't be joining the NHL's 70-goal club this season.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'
Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error
Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.