Smooshboarding — the thrill of victory, the agony of ‘the feet’

• Smooshboarders from a previous Hot Air Affair

You too can be part of a smooshboard team at this weekend’s Hot Air Affair. The competition starts at 1 p.m. Saturday on the grounds of E.P. Rock School, 340 13th St. S. To participate, four people are strapped to two “skis” and compete against another team on an obstacle course. So, gather up your friends, throw together a set of smooshboards and show up a little early to register.

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• Hot Air Affair ready to fly Feb. 6-8

Smooshboarding: By definition, it is the art of competitive skiing – collectively with four people – while navigating an obstacle course.

Casually, it’s the most fun you can have with friends while being absolutely silly!

A comical event that has been a mainstay at the Hudson Hot Air Affair for years now, smooshboarding puts two teams against one another in a spirited competition. The teams are comprised of four individuals of any gender, age, size or semblance of any other descriptor who will be strapped or adhered to boards, or skis.

The four people need to ski or move in unison to effectively and efficiently make their way around a course of obstacles or cones between the starting line and the finish line.

To win, one of the teams simply needs to navigate the course properly and finish with all four people on the skis. When their respective boards or ski tips cross the line they are declared the winner of the heat.

The competition is usually a double elimination tournament — but does depend on the number of entrants, so everyone usually gets more than one opportunity to compete.

The rules for smooshboarding are purposely few to encourage and promote creativity. One rule is that four people need to start and complete the course while maintaining their positions on the boards across the start and finish lines; the second rule is that no sharp or dangerous objects can be used in the construction of the smooshboards.

Boards with bungee-type bindings are made available at the event for those who do not wish to make their own — but again, the event strongly encourages participants to be creative on their boards and graphics.

Past winners have included teams such as The Four Flying Females, RPG’s Red Hot Chilis, and many others. A prize is also presented to the best costumed team in the competition.

Those brave enough to endure the scorn and ridicule of not only emcee John Knutson and spectators but friends and family, as well, can pre-register for only $10 per team, or come out on Saturday afternoon, Feb. 7, around 12:45 or so to register the day of the event. Prize packs will be awarded for the competition winner and also for best costumes.

For more information on the competition, contact Knutson at jknutson@RescoCompany.com or Cindy Brown at cbrown@Resco Company.com or call either one at (715) 386-7300.

Tags: community, hudson, smooshboards, hot, air, affair