| There is a misconception that luge and bobsledding | | | | different. A luge is a small piece of equipment, |
| are actually the same sport. In reality, while the | | | | approximately the size of a few skateboards. This |
| two winter sports are quite similar, there are | | | | does not provide barely any protection in case of |
| some significant differences that you must take | | | | an accident. The tiny surface protects them from |
| into account. | | | | the friction on the track but there entire body is |
| First, the similarities. Both luge and bobsledding are | | | | vulnerable in a crash. A bobsled however is |
| featured as events in the winter Olympics. Both | | | | shaped like a canoe with a larger opening. The |
| of these sports involve plunging feet first down | | | | front and sides of the bobsled do offer a bit of |
| an icy track and are extremely dangerous for the | | | | protection from the elements and in case of a |
| participants. They also both require a great deal of | | | | crash. The bobsled is also designed to absorb a |
| nerve and extremely quick reflexes. This | | | | small amount of the impact in case of collision. |
| however, is basically where the similarities end. | | | | Lastly, while safety is an issue with bobsledding as |
| The first difference is in the number of | | | | well, as a luger, it is imperative that you learn how |
| participants. Lugers are generally working alone of | | | | to protect yourself in case of a crash. Because |
| with a partner where as bobsledders can work in | | | | they travel at such incredibly fast speeds, a luger |
| teams of up to four people. Since bobsledding is a | | | | needs to be able to make lightening fast decisions |
| team effort, the members of the team must | | | | in order react properly to an issue. This can mean |
| learn to function as one. At top speed, | | | | the difference between walking away from a |
| bobsledders find themselves traveling at one | | | | crash and having to be carried away. |
| hundred kilometers per hour. If they are not | | | | While there are significant differences between |
| perfectly in sync, it could spell disaster. As a luger, | | | | luge and bobsledding, both can be a wonderfully |
| you dont have to worry about coordination, so | | | | entertaining sport to watch or participate in. |
| you can spend more time improving their position | | | | Knowing more about each sport can help you |
| and learning how to handle difficult turns. | | | | make an educated decision as to which one you |
| Next, the type of equipment used is drastically | | | | would prefer. |