Today we will talk about the need to care for new skis and what to do with the ski after purchasing it. It is worth saying that the culture of manufacturing and preparing skis in modern European industries is extremely high. When purchasing and comparing modern inventory with those produced a dozen years ago, one can notice a strong difference in the quality of the final product. Today we will talk more about cross-country skiing in the segment of racing and expert equipment.

For skis in this segment, the level of glide and speed performance is extremely important, for this we buy fast racing skis. As noted earlier, the quality of modern equipment has greatly increased, and having acquired a new pair, you can unpack it and boldly go to the track without any preparation. Or you can carry out a series of manipulations so that the ski reveals its full potential.

If you do not have the time and tools to prepare your skis, then you can give them to a ski service, where the skis will be prepared in the best possible way. Well, if you are an enthusiastic skier and like to do everything with your own hands, then we will give you a couple of tips on starting preparation.

Initial preparation of new skis

Almost all European-level manufacturers offer racing and expert segment skis with a protected sliding surface for sale. This protection is of two types:

1. Various protective films that protect the plastic surface from mechanical stress and ultraviolet radiation.
2. Application of conservation paraffin on the surface of the base, which protects against scratches and ultraviolet radiation, which also provides additional impregnation of the ski, which avoids the drying of the plastic.

The first thing to do before use is to remove the protective film from the ski, if any, and remove the conservation paraffin. Depending on the layer of paraffin, it is removed with an acrylic scraper. Next, with a fine steel brush, you need to make several passes along the sliding surface of the skis in the direction of travel from toe to heel. Further, it is recommended to apply a special wash to the ski, passing from above with a soft nylon brush for deeper penetration of the wash into the sliding surface. For these purposes, it is recommended to have a separate brush in stock, which will work only with washes.

The ski should be left for 10 minutes, make 5 to 10 passes with a nylon brush with medium bristle bristles or a soft nylon brush in the direction of the ski, remove the remnants with fiberlen. This procedure will allow you to get rid of small particles after machine processing of skis on a machine for applying structures. After such processing, a rather large amount of microfibers of abraded plastic remains on the sliding surface, which at first glance may seem ideal. These formations will deprive the skis of perfect glide, creating excess friction.

We will talk about the importance and process of applying structures in this article.

There are several ways to remove lint.

1. Carefully, without much pressure (so as not to damage the applied structure), treat the sliding surface with a sharp metal cycle, and then with fibertex. Then carry out hot cleaning several times with the help of low-melting paraffin, removed in a warm state.
2. The use of fibertex made of thin nylon fibers and abrasive particles of silicon carbide. To remove the pile, the movements of the fibertex sponge can be made in both directions. In order to raise more fibers for subsequent removal with fibertex, it is worth going through the sliding surface with a bronze brush several times from the heel to the toe of the ski. Finish off with a few passes of Fibertex T266, which contains a softer abrasive. Then you need to use a wash, complete the cleaning with fiberlen and several passes with a soft nylon brush in the direction of the ski from toe to heel.

After these procedures, the skis are ready for applying the base soft-melting paraffin in several layers.

The final finishing of the skis after the basic and temperature training will take place on the track, the skis need to go several tens of kilometers before they show their best glide. You will notice that with each time the level of sliding will improve.

Preparation of skis with paraffins and glide ointments

The modern sliding surface of skis is made of synthesized ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (High Performance Polyethylene - HPPE). The ski fabric is made by pressing crushed polyethylene particles under high pressure to form a crystal lattice with amorphous zones filled with lower density polymers.

By itself, HPPE does not have a porous structure and does not absorb ski wax, however, under the influence of high temperature, the ointment penetrates into amorphous zones and is retained there. From a chemical point of view, ski lubricant creates conditions for changing the hydrophobic, adhesive, chemical and electrostatic properties of the sliding surface due to changes in surface tension forces, and also provides its lubrication, thereby reducing the friction force.

Based on these data, manufacturers of skis and ski lubricants recommend preparing equipment before use, this will allow the skis to fully reveal their speed potential, and you will enjoy the time spent on the track.

The next important step after the re-preservation treatment is the impregnation of the skis with base high-melting paraffin. Weather wax with a low melting point is also suitable for this purpose, but for new skis we recommend using a base wax, as it has a lower melting point and is less likely to burn through a new ski with an iron.

To prepare the skis, we need a ski machine or profile, an iron for lubrication (a regular iron is not suitable for a number of reasons, there is an extremely high risk of overheating the ski core or burning the base without even realizing it), a steel brush, a nylon brush with a hard or soft bristle, acrylic scraper, flute scraper, fiberlen and, of course, the paraffins themselves.

The base impregnating wax is applied hot on the sliding surface of the ski. We set the recommended melting temperature on the iron, indicated on the package, and go through the ski with an iron in one pass, without stopping, from toe to heel.

On average, the passage time of the iron takes from 7 to 10 seconds. If you make stops or move in one place with a hot iron, you can overheat the sliding surface, which will significantly reduce the absorption of lubricant in this area. A long stop at a high temperature of the iron is fraught with overheating of the ski core, which can lead to swelling or failure of the sliding surface or delamination of the ski elements. After the passage, you need to let the ski cool down for 10-15 minutes.

Excess paraffin is removed with an acrylic scraper. First of all, you need to remove the excess from the groove, if suddenly the scraper comes out and goes to the side, then the main sliding surface will be protected.

For further work, the main rectangular scraper is used. Such scrapers have different thicknesses: 3, 4, 5, 6 mm. If we have a 3 mm scraper, then we need to make sure that it does not bend during operation. The scraper must always be in a sharp state, thanks to this we cut off the paraffin, and do not squeeze it out of the sliding surface. This is an important point, since by squeezing out the paraffin with pressure, we can quite spoil the structure of the ski. We make a couple of passing movements on the ski without much effort from toe to heel. Next, using a steel brush, we make 5-6 passes from the toe to the heel of the ski without much effort.

Important: The steel brush must always be used in one direction only. If you do not have a steel brush available, you need to go through with a brass brush.

Cleaning should be completed with nylon brushes, first of medium hardness, then with soft pile, 5-6 passes without pressure, from the toe of the ski towards the heel. At the end, wipe the surface with fiberlen, remove paraffin dust.

At this point, the impregnation of the base will be completed with us, either a cold or a warm temperature layer is placed on top of the impregnating paraffin, depending on the purpose of the ski and the mode of operation. The procedure for applying weather wax and removing excess wax is similar to the process described above.

The ski preparation procedure is completed. Now they are ready to be waxed or waxed for the weather or to prepare the skis for racing use. After further manipulations with the lubricant, it is recommended to apply knurling, this need often arises when weather conditions do not fully correspond to the structure applied to the ski, but we will talk about this in the next article.

In order for skiing in any terrain and in any weather to be a real pleasure, it is necessary to provide for appropriate, high-quality preparation of sports equipment for operation. For this, special lubricants are used: paraffins, which ensure ski glide and hold on snow.

The quality of ski gliding and the amount of pleasant emotions from skiing depend on how carefully and thoughtfully all related ones are selected and applied.

How to choose paraffin wax for different types of skis?

Sliding lubricants are necessary to improve the sliding qualities of inventory. It is important to consider the features of applying such ointments:

• on classic skis, substances should be applied only to the heel and nose zones;
• on skating skis, substances are applied to the entire surface of the inventory.

As far as grip lubrication is concerned, its main function is to ensure minimal kickback during classic running. The substance is applied to the central zone.

The holding wax allows the skier to push, while pressure arises in the central zone of the block, as a result of which the ski seems to stick to the snow layer. The connecting link between the ski and the snow is precisely the holding ointment, into which the ice crystals penetrate. After repulsion, the ski should easily free itself from the snow, which will ensure good glide.

Before you purchase a specific product for lubricating the surface of the skis, you need to understand what result you need to achieve.

For short ski trips or a holiday in a ski resort once a year, the process of preparing sports equipment is not so complicated. Those wishing to take part in competitions and climb the podiums should pay special attention to the preparation of skis.

Fluorocarbon Waxes

This type of paraffin provides high water-repellent properties to skis and guarantees their excellent sliding on snow.

• low fluoride - used at low snow moisture levels (less than 60%);
• medium fluoride - used in cases where the snow moisture is at an average level (from 60% to 80%);
• high-fluorine - suitable for high levels of snow moisture (more than 80%).

What is the best paraffin?

If we talk about the quality of the waxes presented on store shelves, then, first of all, it is necessary to take into account their cost.

Some of the cheapest paraffins are fluorine-free waxes. If funds are limited, then you can purchase the entire range of such waxes, namely: CH4 (-10…-32), CH6 (-6…-12), LF7 (-2…-8), LF8 (+4…- 1), HF10 (+10…0). Thus, skis can be prepared for skiing at any snow temperature.

The presence of fluorine in paraffin indicates that the wax can be used at high snow temperatures, in addition, the skis are reliably protected from dirt on the track and glide perfectly on the snow. The cost of such waxes is much higher and the purchase of such products is not always justified and possible.

If the funds are minimal, then you can get by with basic paraffin (there is no marking on it) and treat the surface of the skis only with it.

How to apply paraffin on skis?

In this matter, the main thing to remember is that any ski lubricant is better than its absence. This is especially true for skis made of wood.

To prepare sports equipment for skiing, you will need two types of waxes: for sliding and for holding.

Instructions for applying paraffin to skis:

• For the procedure, you need: an iron (if there is no special one, you can use an ordinary household one, but without holes on the sole), a damp cloth, a plastic scraper, a nylon brush, a dry soft cloth.
• The first treatment of the ski surface is carried out at a temperature of 65-70 degrees with soft paraffins (without fluorine).
• With a warm iron, it is necessary to heat the entire surface of the sports equipment, or only the heel or toe areas, taking into account what course the skis are intended for.
• Touch the prepared paraffin with a heated iron and drip a little onto the surface of the ski. Using an iron, fuse the wax into the surface of the inventory, while constantly monitoring that a layer of paraffin remains between the skis and the iron. Leave the ski for 10-15 minutes until the wax has completely hardened.
• Then it is necessary to remove the paraffin with a scraper and polish with a prepared dry cloth. The rest of the sliding surfaces of sports equipment should be treated in a similar way and paraffin corresponding to the temperature of the snow should be applied to the base layer of wax. The weather wax application method is similar to the method described.

How to remove wax from skis?

In order to clean the surface of the ski from paraffin, you should use a special wash or scraper.

Washing removes the base layer of paraffin, in which case you will have to apply the wax starting from scratch. If the base layer of wax remains on the surface of the ski, it can subsequently be applied with paraffin suitable for any weather conditions.

To clean the skis, you need: a special machine for attaching inventory, a scraper made of organic glass or plastic.

Paraffin removal instructions:

• First you need to fix the ski in the machine.
• The movements of the scraper are carried out from the bow of the ski to the heel. Work with a scraper should be even, without changing the pressing force. This will avoid deformation of the ski.

Note: it is important to clean the scraper from excess paraffin and monitor the sharpness of the object. If necessary, process it with sandpaper.

• Particular attention must be paid to the processing of the edge of the skis and the groove. To do this, you need scrapers of the required shape.
• The remaining parts of the paraffin must be removed with a stiff brush. Movements should be short.
• In order to clean the sliding surface of the ski from adhering dirt or remove all layers of paraffin, including the base, a hot method is needed. To do this, you need a special iron or household iron without holes on the sole. Using an iron, it is necessary to apply paraffin to the ski, and until it has hardened, scrape the surface with a scraper. If the action is performed correctly, a roller of paraffin, mud and other applied substances should form.

Sport is an integral, important part of a healthy and fulfilling life for every person. And the sport associated with skiing is doubly useful, as it allows a person to breathe fresh air and enjoy nature. Rest actively, relax with the whole family, friendly companies and live brightly.

The history of skiing goes back several thousand years. They were invented by the ancient peoples who lived in the north, who needed to move quickly through the snow. Skiing appeared only at the end of the 19th century and significantly influenced the appearance of the skis themselves, the material and features of their care.

Depending on the needs and purpose, skis are divided into three large groups:

1. Classic: have a solid base and a small cutout at the narrowest point;
2. Skiboards: These are short (75-110 cm) skis for downhill skiing. They differ from the classics in smaller sizes and wider cutouts at the waist, and they also lack protection in the event of a fall due to lightweight fastening. They are divided into models for free descent and stunt;
3. Carving: used for descents from the mountains in an arc. They have a large side cutout, classic fastening and low rigidity.

There is also a more modern classification of alpine skiing:

1. Allmountain: non-specialized (universal) cross-country skis for any descent, weather and terrain. It is difficult to set a record for them, but it will be possible to conduct “reconnaissance” of a new area without problems;
2. Freeride: their length is 185-195 cm, waist width is more than 9 cm.
3. Big Mountain: One of the options for freeride skis. Used when riding on loose snow and unpacked, unprepared roads, for aggressive descent along the "wild" mountains;
4. Powder: Another option for freeride skis, designed for skiing only in deep snow;
5. Carving: characterized by a small length and a deep neckline. Used when driving on specially prepared tracks. Riding them is characterized by slow movements and smooth turns. Depending on the terrain, there are sports carv (for normal driving), free carv (for relief terrain) and supercarv (for skiing without sticks);
6. Racing: used in professional competitions in downhill, slalom and giant slalom;
7. Cross-country models: used for group cross-country skiing on mountain race tracks;
8. Freestyle: These are skis for performing acrobatic stunts. They feature specially curved heels to soften landings;
9. Mogul: for walking along the mogul (mounds);
10. Children and teenagers: differ in a special form.

Popular manufacturers:

1. Budget: "Atemi", "Larsen", "Tisa", "Dynamik";
2. Premium class: "Fischer", "Madshus", "Rossignol", "Atomis".

The nuances of professional ski training

No matter how professional and expensive skis are, without special training they are hardly suitable for use, and the pleasure of skiing is reduced to zero and even dangerous. It does not matter whether they are intended for professional competitions or amateur run - preparation is necessary in any case. All skiers need to know how to properly prepare their skis and what products to use.

Ski preparation takes place in several steps:

1. Cleaning the sliding surface with a stiff brush. This allows you to clean off the old grease and remove bumps;
2. Applying paraffin. This increases the stability of the ointment. Paraffin is applied hot: after cooling, the excess is removed;
3. Applying additional products: paraffin or special lubricants. The latter can be water-repellent, accelerating or provide additional traction. The choice of ointment depends on the specific situation and the sport.

Surface cleaning

This is the initial stage of ski processing. This will help remove old wax layers, smooth the surface and open the pores, and help the waxes penetrate deeper into the skis.

For cleaning at home, you will need a brass or steel brush, which you need to run several times along the bottom (sliding) surface of the ski, and then clean off all excess paraffin with a nylon brush. It is necessary to brush from the heel to the toe about 50 times. The old paraffin must be heated with an iron to melt the paraffin, then completely scrape off.

Surface preparation

No special preparation of the sliding surface is required. After cleaning off the old grease with a brush, it is ready for the application of paraffin or ointment.

It is important to note several nuances of preparation:

1. Cleaning the groove: it is cleaned after the old wax has been warmed up, but before it is completely removed with a scraper or scraper. This must be done in this order so that if the scraper accidentally slips out, the surface is protected;
2. Checking the edges (side surfaces) before riding. They should not have scratches, notches and dents. If the edges are blunt, they need to be sharpened: turning with blunt edges is difficult and dangerous, especially when skating;
3. Applying the structure. Ski sliding occurs due to the melting of snow near the surface, due to which the ski slides over a thin layer of moisture. However, if the layer is too thin or, conversely, thick, the skier may have problems. to prevent this from happening, a structure is applied to the sliding surface - this is a system of grooves, similar to the “pattern” on tires. This allows excess water to escape, helping to slow down.

The structure is applied by the manufacturer, but if it does not suit the owner of the equipment, he can change the pattern. This can be done manually using manual knurling or by machine. The latter is called "Steinshlift".

Information about ski lubricants

When choosing a lubricant for skis, the following nuances should be considered:

1. Air temperature: recommended is usually indicated on the package. Snow temperature may also be given, but is more difficult to determine;
2. Humidity: You don't need to measure it exactly. Average values ​​are usually sufficient: in a dry climate, the humidity does not exceed 50%, in a climate of average humidity it is 50-80%, in a humid climate it can reach 100%;
3. The grain or appearance of the snow. Sharp snowflakes require a dense ointment that will protect the skis. At low temperatures, it is best to choose an ointment with synthetic additives, at elevated (greater than zero) - water-repellent.

All lubricants are divided into two large groups:

1. Paraffin: This is a wax-like lubricant for sliding. It is used for wooden and plastic skis. It is necessary that snow does not stick to the surface. They can also be used as a base for other lubricants;
2. Ointments: these are holding lubricants, they link the skis to the ski track when pushing. Usually they are applied to the ends of the skis so that they can push off, but some skiers apply it entirely to the entire sliding surface. The choice of ointment depends on the temperature, and a warmer one is applied under the block. For example, if it is 10 degrees outside, then ointments with a temperature of 5-12 degrees are applied to the ends, and 5-8 degrees under the block.

Lubricants are also divided:

1. The composition of the mineral, synthetic, combined. Additionally, they may contain fluorine, graphite or resin;
2. By consistency, lubricants are solid and semi-solid, liquid, emulsions, powders, sprays, pastes. In the last three states, professional products are usually released. How to apply powder on skis must be read in advance in the instructions, but in general the procedure does not differ from waxing: the powder is applied to the surface and heated with an iron.

Features of applying to skis

Applying paraffin is considered one of the most dangerous procedures, as you have to use a heated iron. You need to wax after cleaning the top layer.

1. The ski is carefully fixed on the machine or other flat surface so that it does not fall;
2. Paraffin is applied to the bottom surface. If it is solid, it will have to be slightly melted. For example, you can heat a piece of paraffin and run it over a ski. The layer thickness should be 0.5-1 mm;
3. After the paraffin is carried out with a heated iron. The iron should not be too hot so that the paraffin does not evaporate at all, it is better to choose the minimum temperature that is enough for warming up. Usually it is 60 degrees. You need to carry out quickly, without stopping, once, without force. There should always be a layer of paraffin between the iron and the ski: if you stop, the paraffin will quickly evaporate and the iron will damage the surface;
4. When the layer hardens (it takes 15-20 minutes), polishing is carried out - the excess is removed with a scraper. It is important not to change the level of inclination, otherwise pits will form on the surface;
5. If necessary, apply 1-2 more layers. Instead of paraffin, other ointments can be applied: accelerators, fluorocarbon powders;
6. Finally, the surface is polished. You can polish it with fiberlen (a special non-woven material), but you can also use a piece of felt or even woolen or nylon socks.

A few tips will help you understand how to prepare your skis at home in the most optimal way:

1. Inexpensive quick-apply lubricants can be used in place of paraffin. They are applied without ironing and polishing and “dry” in a few minutes. But they are enough for 5-7 km, after which the ointment will have to be applied again. This option is suitable for rarely skiing people - it will not work for a ski marathon;
2. It is equally important to check the fasteners in advance and, if necessary, carry out repairs. They must be clean, free of rust, cracks and other mechanical damage, have good fastening;
3. When choosing a lubricant, it is important to consider the final goal. For example, it is worth using the accelerator only when participating in races - in other cases it can only do harm;
4. On new skis or after machine sanding, factory pile often remains. You can remove it with fibertex, but this is not necessary: ​​usually the pile disappears after a few months of riding;
5. In order to not have to mess with the equipment, it is necessary to ensure that they are properly stored.

In order for skis to last longer and sports to be safe, it is necessary to properly care for the equipment and lubricate it regularly. Preparation should be regular, it is best to do it before each ride, and before the season it is worth checking the equipment completely. Preparation is important not only for professional athletes, but also for amateurs, as well as owners of hunting skis.

Ski preparation is a separate science, which requires the consideration of a number of factors and variables. The weather, the quality of the coating, the material used to make the ski are taken into account. Beginners often prepare their own inventory, so they must take into account a number of points personally. for it requires no small skills, but many consider this to be the same as skating.

Before preparing for a classic move, you should take into account its features.

The classic move is considered more accessible to beginners. It requires less effort, but does not allow you to reach the same speeds as a skate. Skating is technically and physically more difficult and cannot always be used. Everything will depend on the distance.

Despite the relative simplicity of the classic move, you will also have to diligently prepare your inventory, otherwise the race will not bring results. The same steps will be required, including processing, cleaning, lubrication, applying various ointments.

The procedure for preparing classic type skis

Cooking is different. The number of "steps" of training will depend on financial capabilities, models, availability of certain tools. There is no exact preparation scheme. It is worth being guided by personal feelings when driving, and they are individual. The type of selected ointments, processing depends on this.

It makes no sense for beginners to buy expensive drugs; it will be enough to buy an inexpensive domestic or imported kit.

The order will be as follows:

• The surface is being prepared. Old coatings are removed, the surface is polished.
• Ointments are applied depending on weather conditions and purpose.

The professional approach requires more steps, but at the initial stage, it will be enough to understand the basics. At first, you will need tools: a scraper and a special “iron”.

Sliding surface preparation

First you need to prepare the surface for the appropriate ointments. If the inventory is new, then you don’t have to prepare anything special. If the inventory was used before, then you must first clean the surface.

Surface cleaning

Cleaning can be done in two ways. The first is called hot and includes several stages:

• Bronze brushed to remove old dirty grease.
• It is applied and immediately removed with a scraper.
• Next, the ski cools down to ambient temperature.
• The surface is rubbed with a nylon brush, without pressure.
• Paraffin is applied and ironed out.

In this state, inventory can be stored between uses, including during transportation.

Old lubricants can be removed with a special washer. It is applied to the surface, brushed, and then allowed to dry. After the surface is processed first with a steel brush, then with nylon. Next, you need to apply new lubricants or treat the surface with a hot method.

Surface preparation

The surface is prepared in different ways, it all depends on the purpose. If long-term storage is planned, for example, at the end of the ski season, then hot cleaning should be carried out. If ahead of the competition, lubrication should be applied depending on the weather, distance and other factors.

Lubricating skis for classic skiing

Lubrication for a classic course, especially if they are used by non-professionals, will not differ much from preparation for skating. The difference will be in the ointments used.

In some cases it is not possible to predict which stroke will be used throughout the course. It is necessary to use combined, that is, to combine different methods.

Improving ski glide

There are many ways to improve slip. Firstly, you need to choose the right inventory - in one case, plastic (or, for example, carbon fiber) will be appropriate, in the other - wooden.

Another option is to use the right ointments and accelerators, which will be selected for specific conditions.

Application of accelerators

Accelerators are the same ointments that can be both in the form of emulsions and in solid form (powder or “tablet”). The choice of one or another type is a matter of price and preference.

Application of fluorocarbon powders

The so-called "solid ointments" should be applied in the following order:

• The application surface is treated with sandpaper.
• Inventory is treated with soil powder.
• The primer ointment is heated with an iron to a temperature of ninety degrees.
• After cooling, you need to rub with ointment.
• A rubbing is used to ensure an even application.

After that, the skis must be taken outside to cool down to ambient temperature.

Application of emulsions

Emulsions are applied in this way:

• A ground emulsion is applied.
• Heated with an iron.
• After cooling, the desired emulsion is applied in an even layer.
• Equipment is taken outside to cool down to operating temperature.

The choice of type of lubricant depends on the athlete, on his preferences and financial capabilities.

• At the initial stage, it makes no sense to purchase expensive lubricants; it is better to pay attention to new inventory.
• The emulsion is applied in a thick layer, while it should not be too wide.
• Before storage, the skis are cleaned and paraffin is applied.
• Sometimes it is effective to use a combination lubricant, depending on the conditions.

The selection of the right lubricant should be given attention, this will significantly affect the final result.

The preparation of the course will not be much different from the preparation for the ridge course. Professional athletes are trained by special people, but amateurs or beginners should be guided by their own skills and feelings.

In order for skiing in any terrain and in any weather to be a real pleasure, it is necessary to provide for appropriate, high-quality preparation of sports equipment for operation.

For this, special lubricants are used: waxes, paraffins, which ensure the skis glide and keep them on the snow. The quality of the ski glide and the amount of pleasant emotions from skiing depend on how carefully and thoughtfully all related accessories are selected and applied.

How to choose wax for different types of skis

Sliding lubricants are necessary to improve the sliding qualities of inventory. It is important to consider the features of applying such ointments:

• on classic skis, substances should be applied only to the heel and nose zones;
• on skating skis, substances are applied to the entire surface of the inventory.

As far as grip lubrication is concerned, its main function is to ensure minimal kickback during classic style runs. The substance is applied to the central zone of the ski.

The holding wax allows the skier to push, while pressure arises in the central zone of the block, as a result of which the ski seems to stick to the snow layer. The connecting link between the ski and the snow is precisely the holding ointment, into which the ice crystals penetrate. After repulsion, the ski should easily free itself from the snow, which will ensure good glide.

Before you purchase a specific product for lubricating the surface of the skis, you need to understand what result you need to achieve.

For short ski trips or a holiday in a ski resort once a year, the process of preparing sports equipment is not so complicated. Those wishing to take part in competitions and climb the podiums should pay special attention to the preparation of skis.

Hydrocarbon waxes

The main component of such materials is paraffin. Among skiers, this category of waxes is the most common, as they have excellent water-repellent qualities and are easy to use. The method of applying to skis is used, both hot and dry.

You can buy such waxes in the form of paraffin briquettes, powders, pencils or pastes.

The range of hydrocarbon waxes includes universal and temperature-oriented product options.

Universal hydrocarbon waxes

This category of goods is the most budgetary and easy to use. Paraffins of this type can be used in cases where you have to spend a long time on skis, but there is no need to show high skiing results. Paraffin wax is perfect for ski instructors or guides.

Advantages of waxes: excellent water repellency, which provides a fairly easy ski glide; protection against dirt sticking to sports equipment.

Disadvantages: wax must be applied frequently to the surface of the ski, as it wears off quickly due to its soft structure.

Temperature oriented hydrocarbon waxes

Used by athletes in specific temperature conditions. The composition of paraffins includes special additives that, at a certain snow temperature, activate the action of wax and provide better ski glide.

• Cold (hard) waxes - used for skiing when the snow is very cold and its temperature on the ski slope is -12 degrees and below. In conditions where the snow layer is cold and has low humidity, it is important that the paraffin has increased wear resistance. It is hard paraffin that is resistant to the effects of sharp ice crystals. However, as soon as the temperature of the snow rises and its moisture increases, the skis lose their ability to slide, as the snow simply sticks to the surface of the equipment.
• Medium (semi-hard) waxes are used for skiing at snow temperatures from -12 degrees to -2 degrees. They have a slightly lower hardness, but they repel moisture well, which is necessary in such weather conditions when the moisture content of the snow is high.
• Warm (liquid) waxes are paraffins with a soft consistency, which contain silicone or substances similar in action and characteristics, which provide excellent water repellency to skis. Waxes are used at snow temperatures from -2 degrees and above.

Fluorocarbon Waxes

This type of paraffin provides high water-repellent properties to skis and guarantees their excellent sliding on snow.

• low fluoride - used at low snow moisture levels (less than 60%);
• medium fluoride - used in cases where the snow moisture is at an average level (from 60% to 80%);
• high-fluorine - suitable for high levels of snow moisture (more than 80%).

Which paraffin is better

If we talk about the quality of the waxes presented on store shelves, then, first of all, it is necessary to take into account their cost.

Some of the cheapest waxes are fluorine-free waxes. If funds are limited, then you can purchase the entire range of such waxes, namely: CH4 (-10…-32), CH6 (-6…-12), LF7 (-2…-8), LF8 (+4…- 1), HF10 (+10…0). Thus, skis can be prepared for skiing at any snow temperature.

The presence of fluorine in paraffin indicates that the wax can be used at high snow temperatures, in addition, the skis are reliably protected from dirt on the track and glide perfectly on the snow. The cost of such waxes is much higher and the purchase of such products is not always justified and possible.

If the funds are minimal, then you can get by with basic paraffin (there is no marking on it) and treat the surface of the skis only with it.

Where to buy and how much paraffin for skis costs

You can buy waxes in specialized sports stores. As for the cost of goods, several factors influence it: the composition of the wax, the volume of packaging, the manufacturer.

The price of the most budget brands of domestic waxes does not exceed 100 rubles. Paraffins of foreign manufacturers with a high fluorine content can cost in the range from 1,700 rubles to 7,000 rubles.

Some manufacturers offer products for skiing directly in Russia. In addition, you can find products designed for use in artificial snow. The range includes waxes specifically for training athletes.

How to apply wax on skis

In this matter, the main thing to remember is that any ski lubricant is better than its absence. This is especially true for skis made of wood.

To prepare sports equipment for skiing, you will need two types of waxes: for sliding and for holding.

For the procedure, you need: an iron (if there is no special one, you can use an ordinary household one, but without holes on the sole), a damp cloth, a plastic scraper, a nylon brush, a dry soft cloth.

The first treatment of the ski surface is carried out at a temperature of 65-70 degrees with soft paraffins (without fluorine).

With a warm iron, it is necessary to heat the entire surface of the sports equipment, or only the heel or toe areas, taking into account what course the skis are intended for.

Touch the prepared paraffin with a heated iron and drip a little onto the surface of the ski.

Using an iron, fuse the wax into the surface of the inventory, while constantly monitoring that a layer of paraffin remains between the skis and the iron. Leave the ski for 10-15 minutes until the wax has completely hardened.

Then it is necessary to remove the paraffin with a scraper and polish with a prepared dry cloth.

The rest of the sliding surfaces of sports equipment should be treated in a similar way and paraffin corresponding to the temperature of the snow should be applied to the base layer of wax. The weather wax application method is similar to the method described.

How to remove wax from skis

As soon as the skis began to lose speed and glide poorly on the snow, you need to think about the time to pay attention to the surface treatment of the equipment.

In order to clean the surface of the ski from paraffin, you should use a special wash or scraper.

Washing removes the base layer of paraffin, in which case you will have to apply the wax starting from scratch. If the base layer of wax remains on the surface of the ski, it can subsequently be applied with paraffin suitable for any weather conditions.

To clean the skis, you need: a special machine for attaching inventory, a scraper made of organic glass or plastic.

First you need to fix the ski in the machine.

The movements of the scraper are carried out from the bow of the ski to the heel. Work with a scraper should be even, without changing the pressing force. This will avoid deformation of the ski.

Note: it is important to clean the scraper from excess paraffin and monitor the sharpness of the object. If necessary, process it with sandpaper.

Particular attention must be paid to the processing of the edge of the skis and the groove. To do this, you need scrapers of the required shape.

The remaining parts of the paraffin must be removed with a stiff brush. Movements should be short.

In order to clean the sliding surface of the ski from adhering dirt or remove all layers of paraffin, including the base, a hot method is needed. To do this, you need a special iron or household iron without holes on the sole.

Using an iron, it is necessary to apply paraffin to the ski, and until it has hardened, scrape the surface with a scraper. If the action is performed correctly, a roller of paraffin, mud and other applied substances should form.

Sport is an integral, important part of a healthy and fulfilling life for every person. And the sport associated with skiing is doubly useful, as it allows a person to breathe fresh air and enjoy nature. Rest actively, relax with the whole family, friendly companies and live brightly.