Recruiting
The USA Bobsled & Skeleton Federation (USBSF) is looking for a few good men and women. The US Bobsled Team is always looking for “push athletes” – powerful athletes with the essential and burly job of launching the bobsled on its way and then quickly hopping in for the thrilling ride. Here are some of the requirements:
Men
- Height: 5’10” to 6’3”
- Weight: 180 to 240 pounds
- Speed: 3.80 seconds or faster in 30m standing start sprint 3.10 seconds or faster in 30m fly start sprint
- Jumps: Vertical jump of at least 30 inches
Women
- Height: 5’6” to 6’
- Weight: 150 to 175 pounds
- Speed: 4.10 seconds or faster in 30m standing start sprint 3.80 seconds or faster in 30m fly start sprint
- Jumps: Vertical jump of at least 25 inches
Domestic Sliding Program Recruiting Camps (Lake Placid): $1850+
Development Selection and training takes place during two separate 12- to 14-day sessions, in January and February.
- $1300 – Housing ($50/night)
- $200 – Lake Placid (ORDA) season pass
- $300 – Coaching fee
- Unspecified – Track fees
- $50 – USBSF Membership fee
Domestic Sliding Program Recruiting Camps (Park City): $1500+
Development Selection and training takes place during three separate sessions that take place in December, January, and February. The scheduled days are not necessarily consecutive, though, and housing isn’t provided, so the best solution is to either live in the area or have generous and loving friends with guest rooms or comfy couches.
- $500 – Session 1 fee
- $500 – Session 2 fee
- $500 – Session 3 fee
- $50 – USBSF Membership fee
20% discount if all three sessions are purchased
Equipment
Once you’re serious about the sport, you’ll need to purchase your gear.
- Helmet with full-face chin guard and face shield – $300 to $500
- Shoes (made exclusively by Adidas) – $400
- Speed Suit – $180 to $250
- Sled and Runners(4-man) – $20,000 to $100,000
- Sled and Runners (2-man) - $5,000 to $40,000
Club sleds are available for training purposes, although you will probably have to share. If you plan to race, you are required to have FIBT Steel runners, which are very costly as well!