In bobsleigh, a Wave Section refers to a specific part of the track designed with a series of rhythmic, undulating bumps in the ice. Unlike the smooth curves found on the rest of the course, this section forces the sled to move up and down rapidly.
What Happens in a Wave Section
As the sled enters this area, the vertical “waves” in the ice test the stability of the equipment and the skill of the athletes.
- The Sled: The sled bounces slightly as it travels over the crests and troughs of the waves. This creates a lot of vibration and physical stress on the sled’s frame and runners.
- The Pilot: The pilot must keep the sled pointed straight. If the sled is crooked when it hits a “wave,” the bumps can kick the sled sideways. That leads to wall contact or a crash.
- The Brakeman: The person in the back must stay tucked in tight. The jarring motion of a wave section can easily throw an athlete off balance or cause them to hit their head against the inside of the sled.
The Purpose of the Waves
Track designers include wave sections to increase the technical difficulty of a run.
- Speed Control: The bumps create extra friction and air resistance, which can naturally slow a sled down before a particularly dangerous or sharp turn.
- Skill Test: It separates the best pilots from the rest. Maintaining a “clean” line through a bumpy wave section requires perfect timing and a very steady hand on the steering rings.
The Feeling Inside
Athletes often describe the wave section as the most uncomfortable part of the ride. It feels like driving a car over a “washboard” dirt road at over 100 km/h. If the pilot handles it poorly, the sled “porpoises” (dives and climbs uncontrollably), which ruins the team’s momentum.