Just because it is the dead of winter here in Southern Pennsylvania, and it is below 30 degrees on any given day, doesn't mean that the activities at the nearby state park come to a screeching halt. Nope. As a matter of fact, the lake and state park are busier than ever this time of year. As the snow still surrounds frozen Lake Marburg, visitors from all around come to enjoy the winter activities, such as ice fishing, ice skating, ice sailing and sledding.
Ice sailing is a popular sport that has been around for many years. However, wind conditions and ice thickness need to be just right for these sailors to launch their vessels. We were lucky to witness and talk with some of the sailors this weekend. Here are some photos of the ice sailboats, which are a cross between a soft water vessel and a sleigh. I have included a brief video as well. Please excuse the wind noise in the background.
Apparently you can steer this vessel, but it takes a steady hand so that the vessel does not spin out of control.
This fellow got a little too close to the edge. See the "soft" water behind him?
There are one seater and two seater vessels.
Some of these vessels can glide up to 70 miles per hour on bare ice.
Nature Girl was offered a ride, but she declined.
This fellow was Ice Sailboarding. It takes a little more patience and alot of balance and control to stay upright.
This video gives you an idea of how fast they glide across the ice. It was a thrill to see them in action...a rarity at Lake Marburg.
6 comments:
What a treat to see that. I wouldn't try ice sledding, either. If it was 90 plus degrees, no problem. Cool pictures.
That is amazing, never knew this existed in these parts. Looks like fun (to watch from the shoreline) I would be terrified to be out there on the ice.
Seeing the water behind them in some of those pictures frightens me for them! it sure looks cool, though!
I never heard of ice sailing. Wow! That looks like fun. We have plenty of frozen lakes around here to glide on. Thing is...I don't like being cold! I know, I'm a big baby...
it must have really been neat to see the ice sailing in person as they sped across the ice! I can't imagine going that fast on ice and enjoying it, LOL :)
I bet it was a fun adventure for all; those who participated and those who watched from the sidelines; thanks for sharing it with us :)
betty
I never knew this sport existed either. But it sure looks fun, maybe a little scary and cold. You have to find things to enjoy that long winter weather.
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