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.
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
Please leave your winter disc "must haves" in the comments below.