01/09/2005: "Ski Jorring 101"
mood: Very Chowy
It's Winter.... we've got cabin fever and have to spend some time outdoors.
Here's our great way of getting some really good exercise
SKI JORRING - Great Fun
Ski-Jorring 101
We really didn't know how successful we'd be with the whole ski jor thing, (Merlin being blind and all),
so we didn't want to invest a fortune in equipment and supplies to get started.
I went to the Salvation Army store and purchased used x-country skis with boots and poles.
Total price $ 6.99 (yes - six dollars and ninety-nine cents)
I went to a sewing store and purchased 3 yards of 1 inch wide webbing at 50 cents /yard
I made a tow harness with spare parts from old broken leashes.
To create the bungee effect, I used a regular bungee cord at one of the ends of my tow line.
With plenty of creative knots, I managed to replicate a standard, typical ski-jorring kit
for a total cost of $3.00.
The most expensive part of our equipment was the actual dog harness at $15.00 each (and these are not
"real" ski-jor harness, but certainly will do for now). A good eye will ferret these out at most second hand shops too.
... and off we go............
Chows have a wonderful, natural "chow-trot", - which is an excellent pace for both them and for the human.
No one gets tired that way. This morning we ski-jorred about 5 miles (or 3 kms), (with small breaks in between)
Everyone had a great work out! If you keep your tow team tied within 15 inches of each, there's no tangling either.
Now that we know we love this, we will go out and get better equipment for next season.
I'll wait until the sales start.
Lessons Learned Today:
#1 - Don't leave your equipment within reach of your silly little puppy. It might just get MeiMei-ed, like my new ski pole did.
Says Human: ooooooo MeiMei, MeiMei, MeiMei.... one of these days - KA-POWIE ! right in that little kisser of yours!!
#2 - Get a good harness. The wider the better. If your budget allows - get a real ski-jor harness. Average price for authentic ski-jor dog harness anywhere from 30-50$ and not readily available everywhere.
#3 - Make sure everything fits your canine properly.
#4 - Don't do this on a full stomach. Leave a good 2 hours AFTER your meal.(you and your poochie)
#5 - Take along your good intentions to have a really darn, good time.
#6 - Dress in layers
#7 - If you drive to a ski center, make sure you have a towel and blanket and water for your chow.
#8 - Expect to have loads of fun. Expect for you and your companion to have loads of fresh air and good exercise.
#9 - Last but not least, I found out that people have now started ski-jorring on sand.... so no excuse for you southerners!