New 2013 Minnesota Winter Thread - MSP Minneapolis St. Paul MN Tips Courses Discs

[Monkeypaws]

Almost lost a Stag today, even though there is barely an inch of snow on the ground. It sliced in right near some boot prints and mounded up snow on top of itself.

Last Winter I had DX Beast and Shark ribboned up - worked a charm. I'm going with Pro D this winter, Buzzz and XL. I've found Pro D to be even grippier than DX in cold weather.

 

[Martin Dewgarita]

If you're looking for a day trip. Albert lea has a handful of dedicated players that keep the courses in top shape all winter. If you've played the courses before, you know it's worth checking out, if not - get down there and check them out, If water worries you (tons of plastic is lost every year at oak island in season), no threat of losing it this time of year.

Also another day trip I will recommend is in my back yard - give me a couple weeks and I will have the blue tees ready, right now there's 27 holes playable to 9 baskets.Winter will be the best time to play the blue and gold tees.

 

[namar]

-Layers are key, preferably a vest to keep down bulk.
-A pair of gaiters is clutch if you're playing in 6+ inches of snow. Keep the snow out of the boots and the warmth in.
-Flask of fireball and/or box of wine if you're so inclined.

I've used the chalk technique before and it does help, but it got a bit annoying having to re-up on each hole. I'll have to try out some thin ribbon this winter, can't imagine it has any appreciable effect on flight.

 

[Aim For The Chains]

ribbon does nothing to flight at all. I do find it easier to tape the ribbon on the rim vs center as it holds better and also it can get caught up on your hand/arm or whatever when throwing easier when its on the center-- with on the rim you can hold it away from you. Also too LONG and it will rip off but too short and you wont see it after sliding into the powder.

So how can you enjoy a round without having to spend the majority of the time kicking snow up looking for your disc like a squirrel hunting for food?

-Take your standard 1/8th inch gift ribbon, duct tape as well as sissors... Clean your discs!
-Cut the ribbon into 2' long strands and stretch out to be straigh/uncurl.
-Cut 1/4 inch strip off duct tape roll and adhear the ribbon with the tap to the inside rim of your disc
-Press hard and cover with additional tape if desired.
*Tip: Heat taped area of disc and ribbon with lighter to ensure it will not come off once cold and thrown.

 

[smarkquart]

I go the lazy route and only play courses where I can see it land if I am playing alone. Otherwise I force/ wait for other players in my group to spot if it has a blind alley. I do not powder or ribbon up my discs because of the laziness factor.

On average I only lose one or two discs a winter, but I usually play with discs I will not agonize over if they are lost. All my good stuff is packed away for the winter.

However, I have become quite good at finding discs in the snow. It is not quite a skill or science, but you get used to distinguishing disc marks versus natural disturbances in the snow.

 

[MNThrower]

Awesome! Thanks a ton for the posts guys. I probably can't get to Albert Lea or your backyard this weekend but I certainly will take you up on that at some point Martin.

Cool so it's pretty basic. Put ribbon on disc, tape, throw

I'm planning to layer up pretty good. Underarmor, long sleeve, hoody, and I'll bring my snowboard jacket just in case. I have some snowboard pants I'll wear but no waterproof shoes yet, which I forgot would be necessary to enjoy the round. I'll have to go out tonight or in the morning to see what I can snag up for cheap.

Probably only in for a quick 9 tomorrow but if it goes well I'd love to join some of those winter rounds that are on that calendar.

 

[elmexdela]

Awesome! Thanks a ton for the posts guys. I probably can't get to Albert Lea or your backyard this weekend but I certainly will take you up on that at some point Martin.

Cool so it's pretty basic. Put ribbon on disc, tape, throw

I'm planning to layer up pretty good. Underarmor, long sleeve, hoody, and I'll bring my snowboard jacket just in case. I have some snowboard pants I'll wear but no waterproof shoes yet, which I forgot would be necessary to enjoy the round. I'll have to go out tonight or in the morning to see what I can snag up for cheap.

Probably only in for a quick 9 tomorrow but if it goes well I'd love to join some of those winter rounds that are on that calendar.

if you ever go to albert lea hit me up. i live in kato and albert lea is always a treat

 

[Martin Dewgarita]

I typically use cassette tape ribbon - either you have hundreds of them in the attic, or you pick one up from the thrift store for a nickel, one tape should satisfy your needs for a few years. Lightweight, has less effect on the disc (I'm not convinced that there's no effect, if anything though it's a minor loss of distance, which isn't a bad thing when your main priority is keeping track of it), I tape it in the middle on the underside with a piece of weatherseal tape (frost king or other all weather vinyl/silicone tape. The ribbon isn't as strong as gift ribbon, which isn't a bad thing either, I've noticed less grabbing of tree branches by the ribbon, and if it does, it doesn't pull completely off, just gets a bit shorter, in which case you can tie on another section.

 

[ru4por]

I see more people overdressing than getting cold. Now a days, with all the great base layer stuff, a couple smart layers, good waterproof boots, wool socks, gloves..... I usually stay warm enough just hiking around in snow.

 

[Kodachrome]

One thing I'm going to start doing is bringing a shovel to every course I throw so I can shovel the teepads when I throw. Can't throw in the snow well at all with a runup or even a walkup. It doesn't make a magical difference, but it's enough that it significantly helps me off the tee. Takes what, like 30 seconds.

 

[Aim For The Chains]

I have some snowboard pants I'll wear but no waterproof shoes yet, which I forgot would be necessary to enjoy the round. I'll have to go out tonight or in the morning to see what I can snag up for cheap.

Check out thrift store for cheap kicks if your not picky and backpacks for that matter too'

 

[MNThrower]

http://www.the-house.com/cb0wa2m08ct12zz-columbia-hikingshoes.html

Snagged these up today and was very satisfied with them through 9 holes at Acorn. Pretty warm and completely dry with just regular socks. Had snowboard pants on that went right over them and the deep snow was no issue.

Thanks for the tip on the cassette ribbon stuff. I just happen to have an collection of cassettes and had a couple blank ones hanging out. Perfect use for them and it definitely helped me find my discs more than once. Was also good to see other crazy people playing at Acorn today too - pleasantly surprised with winter disc golf!

 

[ru4por]

Remember to try to stay off unshoveled tee pads. Packed down snow turns to ice and does not clear later, usually makes an uneven mess quickly. Throw from the side or back of the covered pads.

 

[Cgkdisc]

...or clear them.

 

[BionicRib]

My brother is staying up in the twin cities (close to hyland ski area) for most of January. What are the chances for 30+ degree temps??? 1 in a million?

Whats open other than BRP? And what course is "playable" when there is a foot of snow on the ground?

 

[Cgkdisc]

I believe only the Three Rivers courses are closed. Kaposia, The Valley, CP Adams and Acorn are some courses where tee pads are kept clear due to leagues. Hit or miss on some of the other 18s being fully cleared.

 

[Monkeypaws]

I'm the only person disc golfing in Winona since we got a dusting of snow. The only other tracks I've seen are my own.

 

[HeavyCritters]

One thing I'm going to start doing is bringing a shovel to every course I throw so I can shovel the teepads when I throw. Can't throw in the snow well at all with a runup or even a walkup. It doesn't make a magical difference, but it's enough that it significantly helps me off the tee. Takes what, like 30 seconds.

And if there's no snow in the air they will stay clean till the next time you play. :thmbup:

I'm going out to the local course tomorrow to do this.

 

[Martin Dewgarita]

I'm the only person disc golfing in Winona since we got a dusting of snow. The only other tracks I've seen are my own.

Got a few Winona folks playing here today.

 

[BionicRib]

One thing I'm going to start doing is bringing a shovel to every course I throw so I can shovel the teepads when I throw. Can't throw in the snow well at all with a runup or even a walkup. It doesn't make a magical difference, but it's enough that it significantly helps me off the tee. Takes what, like 30 seconds.

Some friends and I bring a shovel. Whoever is BOB has to carry the shovel to the next hole and shovel the tee for everyone. Good motivation to play well.