Vaulting in cold temperatures

[mjaubbs40]

Anyone know temperature limits for poles? We've jumped from short runs of 3-4 lefts as low as in the 30's. Gotta love western NY.
But with a 10 day cold front looming with temps below freezing--I was wondering at what temperature are flexible poles no longer safe to use?
And, are rigid poles (straight pole vaulting/non-bending) safe?
(This is of course given the obvious that athletes perform better when warm--our kids have great gear, only complain about cold toes & hands).

[JerryL]

I don't know about temp limits for poles, but I'd be concerned about safety and performance of the athletes in those temperatures. Our rule here in Kansas is that if it isn't above 50, we don't practice PV outside.

This year I set up our pit in our HS gym for the first 2 weeks of practice. I put our rubber rollout runway down first then a wooden box on plywood that extends to the gym wall with the mats on top of the plywood. It's working great.

Jerry

[achtungpv]

As long as you stay between -20 degrees and 150 degrees your poles should be just fine.

[rainbowgirl28]

There's nothing unsafe about the poles themselves in colder temperatures, just the obvious effects it has on the kids, and the poles themselves get pretty cold to the touch which can be uncomfortable.

Just keep them on shorter/softer poles and they'll be fine.