Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in the second-ever issue of the ICERIDERS! zine. Some of the terminology might be slightly out-of-date, but it remains a good resource for those looking to get into the scene. Sections of the original article are reprinted here for your perusal.
So You Want To Become An Icerider
Great! What’s inspired you to become a part of the fastest-growing aquatic mounted sport in Io? The thrill of a close race, chilly air on your face, inches away from the ice-cold water? Were you enchanted by the vicious, yet cute looks of Glacialfin Leviathans? Did you want to spend all day out on the water hanging out with your cove? No matter why, we’re glad to have you.
Vocabulary
- Glacialfin Leviathan: the proper name for the waterborne creatures we call Icefins. They bear some resemblance to dolphins, but are larger, faster, and are accustomed to cold waters. They normally live and hunt in packs, and are quite amenable to allowing people to interact with them and even ride them, as long as they are respected.
- Icerider: The common name for a Glacialfin Leviathan—not “icefin,” which is a common mistake. Also used for those who participate in Icerider races.
- Rider/Jockey: Another term used for people who ride on Iceriders for sport.
- Iceriding: Usually not capitalized. The term used for riding a Glacialfin Leviathan for recreational purposes or for racing.
- Chill: An Icerider get-together, usually involving races and some good-old-fashioned carousing. Sometimes used as a verb (”Let’s chill!”) but can also refer to an individual race (”Best of 3 chills”)
- Cove: A group of icerider jockeys who get together for chills on a regular basis. Coves set up races, help their members with training, and are a great source of camaraderie.
- Dive: A dangerous move wherein a jockey dives underneath the surface of the water with their Icerider. The freezing waters of most icerider courses, combined with limited visibility, sharp ice chunks, and the incredible speed of a fully submerged Icerider, make this a risky maneuver even for skilled jockeys. Don’t try this one at home!
Taguzen-Style vs. Cirrhonian-Style Iceriding
Iceriding has been practiced independently in both the Taguzen Shogunate and in certain Cirrhonian provinces in the Altus Highlands. The difference in climate, ecosystem, and culture have resulted in two distinct styles of iceriding, each with their own characteristics:
Cirrhonian-style iceriding got its start in coastal communities in the Altus Highlands that rode Iceriders around ice floes for sport. The frigid waters of the mountainous region (meaning a greater chance of injury if you fell off), as well as the crowded ice floes that early iceriders liked to use for racecourses, has resulted in a style of iceriding that focuses on control, navigation, and maneuverability. Quick turns and clever routing are essential to competing on Cirrhonian-style icerider courses, which tend to be shorter than Taguzen-style ones, although they’re much more likely to feature obstacles.
Taguzen-style iceriding has its early history stemming from fishing communities in the northern regions of the Shogunate who trained iceriders to help them hunt for food. This goal of sustenance hunting, combined with the relatively temperate waters of the northern Shogunate, meant that an icerider might be out on the water for most of the day with a whole pack, the length of the hunt limited mostly by the stamina of the rider, and any individual catch relying on the ability of the icerider to jump into action at a moment’s notice. Taguzen-style iceriding as a result maintains a focus on speed, power, and stamina, with some riders training to specialize in mounted combat. Instantaneous acceleration as well as sustained speed are key to winning on Taguzen-style courses, which tend to be longer than Cirrhonian-style ones, with fewer physical obstacles to route through—though they are more likely to have wildlife swimming around the course, so watch out!
Taguzen-style chills are also more likely to feature group events instead of individual ones, although both group and individual events have become popular on both sides of the Channel as of late.
Getting Started
While it’s perfectly possible to get into iceriding as a solo endeavor, it’s fastest and easiest to join an icerider cove, especially if this will be your first time out on the water. If you live in the right areas, finding an icerider cove near you might be as easy as asking around. A good cove will be excited to have a prospective member, help you out with supplies and training, and get you out on the water faster than you can say “Icerider!”
Tip
Although you might be excited to compete against your fellow riders, keep in mind that pitting iceriders against each other in combat is extremely dangerous not only for the Iceriders who could injure each other, but for their entire communities, who might join in the fighting, causing a frenzy. Icerider fights (sometimes called “icefights”) are against the rules of any respectable cove, and trying to get one started is a quick way to find yourself banned for life.