In 1965 Muskegon's Sherman Poppen invented the Snurfer. At the time it was a radical new way to get from the top of a sledding hill to the bottom. The Snurfer was the predecessor of the snowboard. "The Turning Point," a statue that commemorates the invention of Poppen's Snurfer can be found along W.Western Ave., across the street from the L.C. Walker Arena.
Grand Haven resident and Kendall College of Art and Design professor Jon Moroney hopes Sled Legs catch on like the Snurfer did decades ago.
Sled Legs eliminate the need to drag a sled to the top of a sledding hill. That's because as the name suggests the sleds attach to a rider's legs.
"Gives you the ability to walk in them," said Moroney.
Sled Legs are made of an exterior polymer shell with a shock absorbing foam to protect knees and shins.
"Similar to what they use in a car bumper," said Moroney.
Sled Leg users get a running start, fall to their knees, and ride the individual sleds to the bottom of the sledding hill.
"You get up and walk back up the hill and do it again," said Moroney.
He believes the new invention actually improves sledding by making it more exciting and faster.
Sled Legs come in small for riders 4'-5' tall, up to 125 lbs. And large for riders over 5' tall, up to 250 lbs.
"It's just a different thing to do on the hill," said Moroney.
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