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Got the OK form my dad. Need help with ramp length etc.

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Ski303
Posts: 468 - Karma: 22

My dad says it okay if I build a summer set-up.  This is perfect because the starting ramp is pre-built and a ladder is built in.

It is 7 feet tall.  We will add 2 more 2x4's on the ends and put plywood on the top. We will be using indoor/outdoor carpet (turf) w/ water and soap.  I have a couple questions.  Please note the swings are staying their for my 4-year-old bro (although that shouldn't affect anything).

1. How long should the ramp coming off it be?  2 pieces at different angles or 1 at the same angle? 
2. How long off a rail can I expect to build and complete (based partially on the above)
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Apr 19 2008 9:38PM
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Ski303
Posts: 468 - Karma: 22
Question 3.  How long should I have be flat for after the incline?
Apr 19 2008 9:46PM
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Bepo
Posts: 8195 - Karma: 17
IMO thats kinda big for a summer setup, and i'm not sure if a ladder is the best way to go.  jumister and I built one that's 4 ft high, and has a step on the side so you can go up without even taking your skis off.  We get enough speed to clear a 20 ft pvc rail.  It's set up on a bit of a slope tho, so for flat ground 5 or 6 feet would probably be high enough.  I can see the ladder getting annoying after a while, you want a summer setup to be quick and easy.  The way we have it set up you dont even have to take your skis off
Apr 20 2008 12:37AM
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Ski303
Posts: 468 - Karma: 22
It is 1 foot higher than your suggestion....I think it will suffice. I also think that if we are hitting 20' +, I wouldn't personally minding climbing the ladder. 
Any ideas on ramp size?






Apr 21 2008 12:20AM
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Ski303
Posts: 468 - Karma: 22
I was thinking a 12' drop in (35.5 degrees) to 6' flat to up 1-2'
Apr 22 2008 5:00PM
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jmason
Posts: 1595 - Karma: 136
12' ?!? My 5' works just fine... You'll be hauling dick ass if you make it that big!

It's up to you though... I'm building a bigger ramp this summer, but I'm not sure how big yet...

Also, don't worry about incline angle too precisely. I built a ramp 4' tall with an 8' ramp... it worked just dandy shmandy
Apr 23 2008 1:42PM
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skiwoj
Posts: 2286 - Karma: 52
I think he means 12' ramp which is not ridiculous at all
Apr 27 2008 9:57AM
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squibble
Posts: 4569 - Karma: 104
i have a 4 ft drop in with an 8 ft ramp and its not fast enough even for a 10' rail. i'm making it bigger this weekend, probably 7 ' drop in with a 12/14 ' ramp for a 24 ft rail. we use turf with soap (biodegradable which is actually the same price as non biodegradable) and water. its easy to make your drop in slower.
Apr 27 2008 1:53PM
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Ski303
Posts: 468 - Karma: 22
We were thinking either 14/12ft too.  24ft would be do-able though? 

How long is your flat before your rail? How high is the rail? 12 flat plywood or 2 different angles?
Apr 28 2008 12:58AM
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eazylax
Posts: 206 - Karma: 17
I used to use a set up just like that at my old house, i highly suggest putting about 6 ft. of astrotuf between the end of the slide and your rail that way you have somewhat of an attempt at speed control.  Trust me you will haul off that slide but it is doable.
Apr 30 2008 12:19AM
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