Toboggan


A toboggan is a simple sled which is a traditional form of transport used by the Innu and Cree of northern Canada.
In modern times, it is used on snow to carry one or more people down a hill or other slope for recreation. Designs vary from simple, traditional models to modern engineered composites. A toboggan differs from most sleds or sleighs in that it has no runners or skis on the underside. The bottom of a toboggan rides directly on the snow. Some parks include designated toboggan hills where ordinary sleds are not allowed and which may include toboggan runs similar to bobsleigh courses.
Toboggans can vary depending on the climate and geographical region. Such examples are Tangalooma where toboggans are made from Masonite boards and used for travelling down steep sand dunes at speeds up to.

Overview

The traditional toboggan is made of bound, parallel wood slats, all bent up and backwards at the front to form a recumbent 'J' shape. A thin rope is run across the edge of end of the curved front to provide rudimentary steering. The frontmost rider places their feet in the curved front space and sits on the flat bed; any others sit behind them and grasp the waist of the person before them.
Modern recreational toboggans are typically manufactured from wood or plastic or aluminum. Larger, more rugged models are made for commercial or rescue use.

In popular culture

The toboggan is a recurring prop in the Calvin and Hobbes comic. Comic author Bill Watterson uses it as "a simple device to add some physical comedy to the strip, and most often use it when Calvin gets longwinded or philosophical."
In the film Home Alone, eight-year-old Kevin McCallister rides a toboggan down the stairs after his family "disappears".