Pogoing in the winter presents unique challenges, but with the right approach, you can keep bouncing even when the temperatures drop. Having filmed “Winter Sucks” back in 2008, including sessions in a frigid -13°F (-25°C), I learned firsthand how to conquer the cold. This Pogo Guide shares essential tips to help you power through tough winters and continue your pogo passion year-round.
Stay Motivated: Your Inner Drive is Key
Motivation is the bedrock of winter pogoing. It takes serious determination to step outside when it’s freezing, whether you’re filming tricks or just practicing. Back in the early to mid-2000s, my drive was fueled by the need to stay competitive. Knowing that riders in warmer climates like Florida (Team Hyper Pogo) were progressing year-round, I felt compelled to brave the cold just to keep pace. This pogo guide emphasizes that mindset is your first and most powerful tool.
Layer Up: Dress for Pogo Success
Years of winter pogoing have taught me the superior warmth of layering compared to relying on a single heavy jacket. Thermal underwear (pictured above) is an excellent base layer for trapping heat. My typical winter pogo outfit includes thermals, a long-sleeve t-shirt, a flannel shirt, and a light jacket. As you pogo and your body temperature rises, you can easily remove layers to maintain comfort. This pogo guide highlights layering as crucial for temperature regulation during winter sessions.
Wool Socks: Warm Feet, High Jumps
Keeping your feet warm is paramount when pogoing in cold weather. Cold feet hinder performance, preventing you from jumping at your peak. Wool socks are ideal insulators, and they excel at wicking away moisture compared to cotton socks. For extremely cold regions, invest in heavy-duty winter wool socks, often used by outdoor workers like construction crews. This pogo guide stresses the importance of proper footwear for winter pogoing.
Hand Warmers: Pocket-Sized Heat Boost
These hand warmers are a winter pogoing lifesaver. Personally, I find it impossible to pogo effectively while wearing gloves. While I carry gloves for warmth between jumps, they always come off when it’s time to ride. Keeping a set of hand warmers like HotHands in your jacket or pants pockets allows you to quickly warm up your hands during breaks. This pogo guide recommends hand warmers as a practical solution for maintaining dexterity in cold conditions.
Find Shelter: Pavilions are Your Winter Pogo Parks
Seeking out covered areas is a smart strategy for winter pogoing. Take some time to explore your local area for pavilions or sheltered spots suitable for riding. These are invaluable when it’s actively snowing or the ground is still wet. I was fortunate to discover a spacious pavilion at a nearby college, complete with small stair sets, which became a regular location for my winter Chicago pogo videos! This pogo guide suggests scouting for sheltered locations to extend your pogo season.
Snow as a Soft Landing: Embrace Winter’s Cushion
Snow can actually be an advantage in your pogo progression. One of my first backflips (circa 2007) was landed into a large pile of snow I had shoveled. This old-school technique for learning new tricks, especially flips, is genuinely effective when done safely. Just ensure your takeoff area is clear of snow and ice – a lesson I learned the hard way! This pogo guide encourages using snow strategically for safe trick progression.
Stay Determined! The Winter Pogo Payoff
The core message of this pogo guide is to persevere. Staying determined is the ultimate key to pogoing throughout the winter months. In the future, you’ll look back with pride at your winter pogo sessions, marveling at your dedication to jumping in freezing temperatures. So, get out there, create amazing memories, and definitely capture it all on film!
