Being a woman new to sledding can feel like stepping into a world where you’re not quite sure you belong - and like you constantly have something to prove. Every year, without fail, I hear the same comment from new riders: “I just started sledding, and now my crew is pressuring me to speed up.”We all...
What seasoned riders sometimes forget is that they were beginners once too. Sledding was new to them at one point. Some people pick up a new sport and excel right out of the gate - but many riders improve over time with patience, encouragement, and supportive coaching.
A new-to-you sled, fresh gear, unfamiliar terrain, and the thrill of making new memories. What often goes unnoticed, though, is the pressure that can come with it - pressure to go faster, keep up, and push harder. Sometimes we listen to that pressure even when our gut is telling us we’re not ready. Then doubt creeps in. We feel defeated because we’re not “keeping up with the pack” or “doing what the guys do.”
But for new riders, learning how to ride is just as important as learning when to slow down. Caution is ingrained in us for a reason. A fun day on the snow is a million times better than one that ends in injury or an accident. Too much pressure, too soon, can turn excitement into fear - and some new riders end up disliking the sport altogether. We want snowmobiling to grow, not scare people away.
Being new to the sport can feel overwhelming, exhilarating, and intimidating all at once. You want to ride, prove yourself, and show that you belong. Sometimes that means pushing yourself alongside riders with years of experience. Somewhere in that mix, pressure shows up - whether it comes from others or from within. It can be as subtle as a glance back to see if you’re keeping up, or a comment that makes you feel like you’re holding everyone back. When I first started riding, this wasn’t something I expected - but it definitely happened. And it’s something new sledders deserve to hear about.
To a new rider, that can sound like encouragement - but it can just as easily become pressure. Pressure to ride faster, take risks, and try things you’re not comfortable with. Confidence doesn’t come from being pushed beyond your limits; it comes from respecting your abilities and building skills over time. Learning fundamentals like not riding past your headlight, respecting speed limits, and being prepared for emergencies matters. Rome wasn’t built in a day - and a sledder gets better with every ride.
Talk to your crew. And remember, it doesn’t always have to be your significant other you talk to; sometimes an outside perspective helps. Share your concerns. Is there something specific you want to work on? Loading and unloading, cornering, side hilling, weight transfer? Ask for help. That’s how you grow.
I’ve ridden with many new sledders and heard all the familiar worries:
“I won’t be fast enough to keep up.”
“My crew says I’m not fast.”
Every time, my answer is the same: “I’ll ride at your speed. It’s going to be a great day.” We start out slow, I check in often to make sure they’re comfortable, and I encourage questions. As a female rider, I’ve had my share of rides where the pace pushed beyond my comfort zone. And on those same rides, I’ve seen “experienced” riders get themselves into sketchy situations -confidence running out somewhere between riding too fast and launching over a snowbank, only to land in a drift far away from their sled.
So, find a crew you feel comfortable with. Connect with riders in your area. Social media is a great tool for finding clubs and local groups. There are also incredible female-focused communities, like the Women’s Snowmobile Focus Group on Facebook, where you can ask questions and learn from others. You’d be surprised how supportive and knowledgeable these groups are.
If you’re a new rider, take your time. It will come. The more you ride, the more confident you’ll become. And don’t worry - even seasoned riders get put in their place once in a while when we get a little too cocky.
And if you’re a seasoned rider, look out for the new ones. Coaching and supporting someone new to the sport is incredibly rewarding. There’s nothing better than sharing something you’re passionate about - and you just might gain a great new riding buddy along the way.
— Written by Amy Gregorio, Sponsored DSG Snow Ambassador
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