SLEDDIN'

The Kindergarteners of Hwajeong ECC Athletic Alliance League (or...KHEAAL...) has the distinguished honor to present:

Sled Day 2011....

Haha that picture above cracks me up - they look like an old couple on the farm.

Below is the YMCA where the field trip took place, The Hill is behind that building.

The Hill.

This is the man, the myth, Raphael. He's pretty goofy and funny, also sort of a kiss-up. Yesterday I told him I shop at EMart, and he replied, "No, I think teacher shop at HANDSOMEMart!" hahah Also keep an eye on his beanie, it makes another appearance in the video later.

Here's a first-person view taken, as were all of these great pics, by my co-teacher, Nick.

The Glory!! This is taken just after a comical incident described previously. That's me and Ha Yeoung being all victorious!

COACH'S NOTES: Some of you might be wondering, "How does one become sled-eriffic?" I'll tell you. We'll use young yellow-jacket (YJ) in the background as a counter example of what to do.

1. YJ's legs are in what I call 'The Awful Position" not only is it uncomfortable but when the sled comes down over bumps gravity digs your heels into the snow and you slow down. If you try to lift your stiff legs over the bumps you run the risk of pulling a hammy. What you want to do is get a nice aerodynamic tuck of the legs inside the sleigh.
2. No snow jackets. They increase wind resistance and limit mobility with the arms-out method. Plus running back up that hill a dozen times or so will get you warmed up just fine. 
3. Notice the position of YJ's hands. She's grabbing the attached rope thinking that'll help her control the sled. BIG mistake. The best way to control direction and speed is with the ol' hands! Consequently I spread my arms like wings during the descent because A) it looks cool to go down with no hands, and B) you are ready to plant the hands in the snow to change directions, slow down or deflect incoming wayward sleds at a moment's notice, and C) you are in perfect position to raise throw up the double-1s like I'm doing above to indicate and solute victory. Also Ha Yeoung is employing what I call The Lazy Man's Wing variation, which starts out as a wing position but eventually ends up in a sort of Sunday-afternoon-lounge technique.


All those plus a strong push off and you are ready to challenge the best of the best.