"Skater" cross (insanity on skates).

[dlbritton]

Wasn't sure which forum might be appropriate (if any  ) but this looks like the definition of insanity.

Red Bull Crashed Ice Season Recap 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Inw-NGscNZM


Downhill Ice Skating Totonto Canada

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ircTExyHUsw&feature=player_embedded

[PinkLaces]

I didn't go, but I know several people that went to watch the crash ice when the event was held here. They said it was nuts.

They also let people try the course the say before the event. I didn't know anyone (hockey or figure skater) brave enough to try it.

[Query]

The Red Bull Crashed Ice Challenge is an invitation only event [I think]. Most of the racers are pro hockey players, and full protective hockey gear is required. Masks sense - it would be really easy for someone to run over someone else, given the speed and the slope, and given the legality of pushing and shoving among competitors. Pro level hockey players practice jumping over each other to avoid that. A lot of the other skating "Cross" events that do downhill skating probably have similar rules.

Notice how fast they stop at the end, so they don't run into the wall. Now that's a hockey stop.

It shows on the "World of Adventure Sports" broadcasts sponsored by Jeep, on the NBC sports channel. They also show things like dangerous kayak first runs, board surfers on very large waves, and pro skiers skiing down near-vertical slopes - they frequently end up temporarily buried in avalanches that they trigger. One of the things some people love about outdoor sports is that there are no artificial upper bounds - you either recognize how far you can go, or you don't.

I often watch the show, but one thing I don't like is that they only show bits and pieces of the competitions.

[Neverdull44]

I was born in the wrong latitude.  How do I become a Canadian?

[JSM]

I have to say this looks like so much FUN.  I've caught it on TV before, and told my husband I wanted hockey skates so I could do this.  He said we had to move to Canada first, haha!

[Query]

They have upcoming qualifier events in 4 countries, including the U.S.: http://www.redbullcrashedice.com. There are other similar Ice Cross events on icey roads. Roller Derby looks equally crazy to me.

Short track speed skating is very aggressive too, though you aren't supposed to push and shove. I tried it a little. Ice time is rare and expensive here.

Many of us have alpine (downhill) and cross country skied down ice covered hilly roads and slopes. (Closed roads are safer than open. Beware of snowmobiles and out of control skiers and snow borders.) Fun and fast.

[accordion]

 

That looks like SO much fun!

[discombobulate]

WHAAAT. I NEVER KNEW THIS WAS A REAL THING!
Ever since I did the half pipe on rollerblades as a kid, I've always wanted to go downhill on skates!!

[PinkLaces]

Here's some pictures of try-outs/training at my old rink.  https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10152130606370240.1073741836.198709395239&type=1  The finals are in St. Paul, Minnesota this year on Feb 22nd. I am thinking of going to see it.