Astro Sled

Growing up in Canada I used to have what we called 'Crazy Carpet' sleds. They were thick sheet plastic rectangles with holes cut out for handles. They went SUPER fast. (read: they were pretty dangerous)

What added to the danger/fun/terror was that the top was also slippery, so it was hard to stay on. The down side to this was that it was also hard to drive/maneuver. And because it was so thin and un-padded, you felt EVERY bump and rock you went over.

So for a recent trip up to Tahoe, I wanted to make a revamped version of my childhood favorite that would hopefully solve the two problems of comfort and control. Enter the Astro Sled!

Not only did it make hurtling down the 'almost' snow covered California mountains more comfortable, the grip that the astro turf provided allowed for total directional control which was helpful when heading straight for big exposed boulders...

Here's my quick, easy, and inexpensive way to customize your sledding adventures. Let's head for the hills!

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Check out some of my other cold weather projects!:

Pocket Pancakes
Beer Koozie Mittens
Hot Toddy Recipe
Mason Jar Tea Set

Step 1: Supplies

Materials

• plastic sheet sled(s)*
• 2' x 4' piece of astro turf (1 per sled)
• 77 3M Multipurpose spray adhesive**

* make one, make 10! They'd make fun gifts for the kids, nieces, nephews, grandkids, etc.
** Silicone adhesive or Household Goop also work well, they're just harder to spread and apply.

Tools

• long metal ruler or straight edge
• boxcutter knife with fresh blade
• 30" x 50" piece of scrap wood

NOTE: Before you move onto the next step, be sure to acquaint yourself with the two sides of the plastic sled. There's a shinier side (the sledding side) and a dull/textured side (the non-sledding/ body side). You'll be gluing the textured side to the bottom of the astro turf.

Step 2: Get Sticky!

NOTE: It's best to do this step outside, in a well ventilated area that can handle a bit of sticky overspray.

Place the piece of astro turf green side down onto the surface you're going to spray on.

Standing upwind (or wearing a good respirator), spray a thick, even coat of adhesive onto the backside of the turf.

Step 3: Stick It

Quickly take the freshly sprayed piece of astro turf into your work area and place it green (non-sticky) side down on your work surface.

Lay the non-sledding side (the dull/textured side) of the sled carefully down onto the sticky backside of the astro turf, so that the whole sled will be within the borders of the turf.

Place toilet paper or paper towel over the remaining exposed edges of the sticky turf backside. This will keep the 'squish' board from getting stuck to it.

Step 4: Apply Pressure

Place the scrap board over the glued pieces and weight it down with plates or books.

Leave the glue to set/dry for however long it says to do so in the directions for your chosen adhesive.

Step 5: Wait...

Relax and enjoy the wild life while you wait for the glue to dry.

Step 6: Cut Prep

Once you've waited for the glue to dry, take the scrap wood and place it under the sled-to-be. It will be used as a cutting board.

Remove the paper from the edges of the turf.

Step 7: Cut a Rug (snicker)

Using your box cutter, first cut out the inside of the handles. Do it slowly and be careful not to cut into the plastic.

Repeat for the curvy outside of the handles.

Then, using your cutter and straight edge, cut off the excess astro turf from the edges of the sled.

Step 8:

And voila!! You have a customized snow ride! And the plus side of using faux grass, is the reminder that spring will eventually come again... :)

Have fun and play safe!

Comments

[bigalinsk]

Nice ible.

When I was a kid, we lived in a hilly grassed area that was ideal for this kind of activity. The thing that we did was to do this in the summer. The material we used was a piece of flexible fibreboard from a local factory. It was made for the linings of shoes. The smooth strong board would slide easily over the dry gass, and it was a lot nicer than getting soaking wet and cold.

[omikeo]

yeah cool, i had this idea with a large recycled dog food bag, a super slippery one. I would put 2 pieces(or more?) of recycled carpet cut to exact size inside and reseal(not sure how yet? (glue tape or sew ?) yours reminded me of it thanks, mike

[stephenf]

Nice! Thank you for sharing. Think I will add some astro turf cushioning to the grand-children's plastic shell sled.

Also, like the 'wildlife' - did you make?

[Paige Russell]

That's a great idea! And no, I didn't make the wildlife. They're by a company called Cardboard Safari.

[stephenf]

RE: Astro Turf - seems like it might also insulate a little.

RE: Wildlife: A couple of years ago, I saw a buffalo head made of corrugated cardboard, the individual pieces were laser cut. Got the laser, need a design/pattern.

[jimrittenour]

Where can I get Astro Turf?

[Paige Russell]

Any hardware store should carry it in their outdoor carpet department.

[jimrittenour]

Thanks Paige.

[trailogy]

Whoa thats awesome! I think I'll make one of these.

[Paige Russell]

Sweet. If you do, I'd love to see a picture.

[CJA3D]

Wow, this is cool..

[Paige Russell]

Thanks!

[Honus]

Perfect! Took my three boys sledding this past weekend and we were talking about getting some new sleds.

[Paige Russell]

Yay!

[ianheavy]

Thanks. This is going on my project's list.

What's the next development? An Astrosled jumper with arm patches? Just dive and ride!

[Paige Russell]

Haha, that is exactly what one of my co-workers made: https://www.instructables.com/id/Sled-Suit/

[mikeasaurus]

I can confirm that crazy carpets were both terrifying and exciting.

Source: fellow Canadian