We have all had people incredulously ask us if we play disc once the snow flies. In my case I usually chuckle, settle in and tell stories about my coldest round (TC Jan 2018 -14 degrees), my snowiest round (Ice Bowl, The Hill at Devens, Feb 2015 2 feet of fresh snow), or my most miserable round (Stupid Castle in the Clouds Oct 2017 AND Oct 2018)
And I really do get it when folks hang up their bag for the season, but at same time I feel like they are missing out. Otter Brook in winter is both a whole new course and at times ridiculously beautiful. Being the first one through after a snowfall can be magical. So dont hang up the bag quite yet. Take some time to prepare and see what Otter Brook has to offer during our New Hampshire winter!
And I really do get it when folks hang up their bag for the season, but at same time I feel like they are missing out. Otter Brook in winter is both a whole new course and at times ridiculously beautiful. Being the first one through after a snowfall can be magical. So dont hang up the bag quite yet. Take some time to prepare and see what Otter Brook has to offer during our New Hampshire winter!
I think # 1 is Ribbon Up! Is it a pain? Yes! Does it affect flight? Yes! Do you find tape and ribbons stuck everywhere? Yes! Do you lose discs? NO! It does not take much snow to make a disc disappear. And honestly if you are not going to take the time to Ribbon Up, then I am not inclined to take the time to look for your disc.
TIPS: Dont ribbon up cold discs, Use decent tape, Use 1/4 inch ribbon used for presents.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq7onUGx5So
#2 This could just as easily be #1 but it is the obvious dress for the weather. For snow, my key piece of gear is a good pair of gaiters with my usual hikers. Deep fresh snow I have a pair of high top Sorels with felts I break out. My other winter must is hand warmers. Having tried electric, Zippo and Hot Hands I have to say Hot Hands are my fave. Just make sure they are fresh. Zippo would be the best, but they are just too unreliable. And electric just seem to run out of juice at worst time, or you forget to charge.
I dont wear snowpants and only occasionally long underwear. I will leave those recommendations to others.
I also dont do gloves. I dont like taking them on and off, certainly dont like throwing with one on and typically lose one when I do bring them out. I will bust out the mittens if it is super cold.
#3 is GOOD spikes. Once all this snow gets packed down, tee areas and trails WILL be icy and you are going to want good spikes. So you are going to head down to Sams and you are going to see a wide variety of options and a wide variety of prices. And you are going to probably say "No way Im spending 60$ on spikes"
SPEND 60$ ON SPIKES. Specifically spend it on Kahtoola MICROspikes! They have out performed every other option I have seen at Otter Brook. Disc golf is hard on spikes, dont be chintzy. Otter Brook eats Yaktraxs and Stabilicers for snacks. Then has Diamondgrips for lunch and finishes with the Hillsound Freestep 6's for dinner.
And yes I know, it affects how you throw and all that. This is coming from the old guy that does not want to break a hip. So be safe, buy the good stuff and learn to stand and deliver!
SPEND 60$ ON SPIKES. Specifically spend it on Kahtoola MICROspikes! They have out performed every other option I have seen at Otter Brook. Disc golf is hard on spikes, dont be chintzy. Otter Brook eats Yaktraxs and Stabilicers for snacks. Then has Diamondgrips for lunch and finishes with the Hillsound Freestep 6's for dinner.
And yes I know, it affects how you throw and all that. This is coming from the old guy that does not want to break a hip. So be safe, buy the good stuff and learn to stand and deliver!
#4 This is a tricky one, but shake up your bag. Hard stiff plastic out...Soft grippy plastic in. Plasma, Frostline and GStar come to mind. This video has links to each companies softer plastic plus an excellent tutorial on what cold does to your game. Winter is a chance to work on different aspects of your game, like new discs, new throws (flick or overhand) and new stances (stand and deliver).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcESTPPXh7w
#5 This I guess is more of an AM50 tip. I have not used a ton in the past, but find myself using a trekking pole more frequently in icy conditions. The "Pro" is that a third point of contact with the ground really helps with stability. They are also easily adjustable and you can stash in your umbrella pouch. The "Con" is that I tend to leave it lying all over the course. Would also be a good option for someone that does not want wear spikes to help you out on those icy patches.
So be smart, stay hydrated, stay warm and dont miss out on what Otter Brook has to offer in the winter! You wont regret it!
Please leave your winter disc "must haves" in the comments below.
Please leave your winter disc "must haves" in the comments below.
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