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 glide level and speed performance are extremely important, for this we buy fast skis. 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 at its best. 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 manufacturers European level provide for sale skis of the racing and expert segment with a protected sliding surface. 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 which we cut off the paraffin, and do not squeeze it out of the sliding surface. This is 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 to 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:

• skiing classic move substances should be applied only to the heel and nasal zones;
• on skating skis, substances are applied to the entire surface of the equipment.

As far as grip lubrication is concerned, its main function is to ensure minimal kickback while running. classic style. 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 rest on 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 fluoride - suitable for high level snow moisture content (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 the lineup 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, then it can 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.

Sports are indispensable, main part healthy and fulfilling life for everyone. 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.

Everyone involved in skiing will say with confidence that the success and comfort of the upcoming skiing will depend on the quality preparation of equipment for riding. Having taken sports equipment for rent, you can not worry about its complete readiness. However, when purchasing new skis, you will have to ensure high-quality movement on the snow yourself. Having learned, and the classics, you can provide yourself with comfort while driving, and prolong the operation of the attribute.

In order to prepare your inventory for the race, you should follow some tips. most popular and effective method for amateurs and professional skiers is to apply a wax-like hydrocarbon lubricant to the equipment. For the ridge mode of movement, paraffin wax should be all outer surface boards, ensuring the safety of rolling and cohesion with snow.

1. Plastic . It is smeared on a sports instrument cold.
2. Dense waxy material. It is applied to the sole of the tool by melting with a special iron.

Ski preparation tools

For skating at home, it should begin with the preparation of the necessary tools:

• ski ironing with a special sole and the necessary temperature parameters;
• lubrication rack-profile for fixing sports equipment in a horizontal position;
• a brushing set of brushes;
• scraper or other steel tool for leveling and smoothing.

Ointments for skis

To lubricate the attribute, there are many creams and ointments, both imported and domestic production. According to the composition of their basic formula, they are divided: homogeneous in chemical formula obtained as a result of synthesis and complex. You can smear them for sliding or cohesion on the surface of the tool:

• solid products used at temperatures from three degrees Celsius to forty-five degrees below zero;
• semi-dense substances used at -2 - +2 degrees.

After applying the funds, when preparing skis for skating, the attribute is taken out to cool outside with sub-zero temperatures.

Why oil your skis

A device that allows a person to move freely in deep snow appeared long before the advent of our era. At the same time, for skiing even on a well-laid track, the ancestors applied lubricant to their tool. It was: fat, lard, beeswax and even resin. These actions did not bring the desired effect.

Everything changed dramatically with the creation of special creams, sprays and wax-like carbon lubricants. The preparation of a sports attribute for riding with the help of these substances ensures plastic movement.

Which skis do not need to be lubricated

The budget sports tool, which is made of special dense foam, is not lubricated. After all, it was created using a special technology that provides excellent glide. Lubricants are not completely absorbed into the surface of such equipment, so choosing any product is pointless.

How to lubricate skis at home

Before applying grease, you should find out the style of intended riding. It must be remembered that the smooth movement agent should not come into contact with the adhesive when applied on the surface.

How to oil plastic skis

A plastic attribute for snow riding enthusiasts is usually lubricated only with traction agents in the place where the shoes are fastened. This type of sports tool itself has sliding functions, so it is only smeared with ointments for good cohesion.

How and with what to lubricate semi-plastic skis

If the surface of the attribute is made of semi-plastic, then for temporary protection it must also be lubricated to avoid small cracks and punctures.

How to properly oil wooden skis

When processing wooden equipment, it is necessary to clean and degrease the surface with a brush or a hard sponge. All procedures must be carried out strictly at a temperature of +17 - +25 degrees.

1. Coupling ointment is applied in layers, followed by rubbing each. After that, the tool is left to dry at a temperature of +8 - +10 degrees. Drying of the last layer should occur at a temperature of 0 - -10 degrees.
2. Next, to the top and lower part inventory, paraffin is applied, and the holding agent is centered. The substance is distributed on the board with a hot iron, where it is applied in advance. The device is carefully passed over the entire surface.
3. Applying a scraper, excess of hardened wax is neutralized.
4. Using a brushing set of special brushes, the material is polished.
5. It is taken out in the cold for 3-5 hours, then for storage in the room.

How to oil combination skis

Equipment "combo" is designed for classic skiing with the possibility of transition to the move. Because of this, the attribute must be constantly relubricated depending on the upcoming riding style. For classic underboard skating, cohesion wax should be applied.

How to lubricate cross-country skis

For the treatment of running equipment, you can use special creams or aerosols, selected in accordance with the temperature outside the window.

Processing an instrument with hydrocarbon wax is difficult:

1. Having fixed the attribute on the profile, apply wax on the board with a heating device, smoothing the layer.
2. After cleaning the excess with a scraper, leave a layer of 1 millimeter.
3. Apply the next layer of hydrocarbon wax.
4. Determine in a cold place.

How to lubricate classic skis

Classic lovers should use a smooth ride along with a clutch, making sure they don't mix together.

The surface is cleaned, followed by the application of a slip agent. After that, the central part of the equipment is treated with a clutch cream. The actions are repeated again. The final procedure consists in polishing the boards.

How to oil skis for skating

When processing equipment for the technique of skating, only smooth movement is required. After a uniform application of the wax-like substance, the excess is removed with a scraper, the boards are polished.

How to grease skis

Having cleaned the surface of the sports instrument and, having sharpened the edges, repair all the cracks on the base with a special candle or a thermal gun. Apply with a flat iron hydrocarbon wax followed by scraping and polishing.

Important

Tips for newbies! Applying lubricants for the first time is quite difficult, so you should seek help from a specialist.

Do not forget that the process of cleaning dirt and grease from the surface of the instrument is the most important. The success of the entire procedure will depend on the quality of its implementation.

In order to prepare your skis for serious competition, you need a lot of experience, flair and maybe even luck. Professional teams skiers have several people who prepare skis, measure humidity and air temperature. But everyone can prepare the skis so that they glide well, with amateur skiing. This article was created to acquaint readers with the method of applying paraffin, holding ointments, the correct treatment of skis with brushes, etc.

Preparation of skating style skis and the sliding part of classic skis.

For better skiing the sliding surface of the ski must have a structure similar to the structure of snow, and also glide ointments or paraffins must be applied to its surface, which would correspond to weather conditions. The best glide of skis can be obtained if the match between the structure of skis and ointment is optimal.

The task of the ski structure is to minimize the contact of the sliding surface and the friction force with the snow.

The surface structure is the pattern that remains on the plastic after ski processing on special machines. The structure can also be applied manually by knurling or cutting. The surface with a fine structure is suitable for cold weather and fine-grained snow. For warm weather, skis with a larger structure are used.

Types of ski structures applied with TOKO knurling.

Applying paraffin to the ski.

If the paraffin is soft enough, then you can simply spread it on the ski. If it is hard, then it must be fused from the iron to the ski. There is an option to warm up a bar of paraffin and make a smear on the ski with it. It doesn't matter which method you use, but enough wax should be applied to evenly cover the ski with a layer of 0.3 to 1 mm.

Melting paraffin with a flat iron.

After applying the paraffin, it should be melted and smoothed over the ski with a heated iron. Processing a ski with an iron is a dangerous procedure; you can overheat and ruin the plastic of the sliding surface. The temperature of the iron should be as low as possible, but sufficient to melt the paraffin. You need to run the iron over the ski quickly, without delays and frequent repetitions. There should always be a layer of paraffin between the iron and the sliding surface; when the sole of the iron and the ski come into contact, the plastic quickly overheats and swells. You can not save paraffin, because there is a significant risk of spoiling the skis. The surface of the iron should be cleaned from time to time with a cloth.

Preparing skis for skating.

Surface cleaning and preparation.

First you need to process the sliding surface of the ski several times with a brass or steel brush. You need to brush in one direction, from the toe to the heel of the ski. Then you need to apply a layer of ground paraffin and smooth it with an iron at a low temperature. Then you need to clean the surface of the ski with a scraper. The gutter is also cleaned with a special scraper. After such cleaning, a lot of paraffin remains, so it is necessary to treat the surface with a nylon brush. After this procedure, the surface of the skis must be sufficiently cleaned for further application of base and sliding waxes.

Apply one to three coats of "warm" wax. After the next layer is applied, the paraffin should cool down for fifteen to twenty minutes. Then it needs to be processed with a scraper and a nylon brush. When preparing skis for competitions, a special graphite wax is necessarily applied before the glide wax.

Apply paraffin according to the weather, then scrape it off and brush it: first with a horsehair brush, then with a fine steel hair brush to give it extra structure, and with a nylon brush at the end for a final polish.

After completing all the above procedures, the skis are ready for use.

1. Clean the surface of contamination with .	2. Apply base.	3. Spread the paraffin evenly over the surface of the ski.
4. Remove wax from the surface with .	5. Clean the groove with the cleaning tool.	6. Clean the remaining paraffin from the structure with .

Application of accelerators.

Solid Accelerator.

Apply paraffin appropriate for the weather. Then apply the accelerator. Rub the surface of the ski with a cork until it is warm and set the ski aside for twenty minutes. Then you need to brush the surface. Repeat the process two to five times to get the accelerator to stick better. The accelerator applied in this way should last up to ten kilometers.

Fluorocarbon powder.

Prepare the base of the ski and apply base wax. Treat it with a scraper and brush. Then apply paraffin for the given weather. Then repeat the procedure with the scraper and brush. Sprinkle the powder evenly over the sliding surface of the ski, then run over the surface, melting the powder. The temperature of the iron should be as indicated in the instructions for the powder. Then set the ski aside for twenty minutes or more. The last brushing is best done immediately before using the skis.

1. Warm up the sliding surface with .	2. Sprinkle on the surface.	3. Spread the accelerator evenly using .
4. Melt the accelerator.	5. Remove excess accelerator.	6. Polish the surface before the run with .

emulsions.

Apply base wax and scrub and brush. Then apply paraffin suitable for the weather and repeat the cleaning procedure. Then apply the emulsion and let it dry for five to ten minutes. Then rub with a cork until the ski is heated and again leave the ski alone for twenty minutes. After that, you can proceed to the final surface treatment with a brush.

1. Pre-polish the surface of the ski. Use the yellow side.	2. Spray at a distance of 10 cm from the ski and let dry at room temperature for 15 minutes.	3. Polish the surface with the white side.	4. Before the race, additionally polish the surface with a special one.

Preparation of classic style skis.

Preparation of the sliding surface.

The preparation of the sliding surface is carried out in the same way as the preparation of skis. skate style, but without ski processing under the block. Do not apply paraffin under the last, you should apply it only on the toe and heel of the ski. You can calculate the length of the block yourself, and for this you will need an assistant. To do this, you need to fasten your skis on a flat floor and evenly stand on both legs. Ask an assistant to slip a paper sheet under the ski block and mark on the block the places where the sheet will rest against the sliding surface. This will determine your individual effective take-off surface length. If you choose skis that are too hard for your weight, then the length of the pads can be more than 70-75 cm - this will have a bad effect on the dynamic characteristics of the ski - you will not be able to push off qualitatively and lose sliding speed. Choose skis according to your weight and level of skiing.

The length of the take-off surface of a classic ski depends on the weight of the skier and on the stiffness of the skis, but should not be more than indicated in the figure.

Solid holding ointments.

Treat the block with sandpaper for better adhesion of the ointment to the surface of the ski. So the ointment will last longer. For the bottom layer, a primer is used. Apply one layer of heated ointment, suitable for weather conditions, then smooth it with an iron. Then a holding ointment is applied, which is also selected according to weather conditions. It is applied in four to six layers in the holding area. Each layer is rubbed with a cork.

1. Roughen the surface under the block with fine sandpaper and then remove dust from the surface.	2. Apply .		3. Evenly rub the base ointment into the surface with .
4. Apply the required ski last.		5. Rub the ointment. It is recommended to apply at least 3-4 layers of ointment and grind each layer separately.

Liquid ointments - klisters.

It is necessary to clean the block, as in the previous section. Then apply a layer of base klister, and on top a layer of klister for this weather. It is best to carry out this procedure indoors. Then you need to heat the layers of the klister with a hairdryer. Before using skis, cool them in the fresh air.

1. Roughen the surface under the block with fine sandpaper and remove dust from the surface.	2. Apply .		3. Pound the klister and let it cool in the cold. Clean the iron from the remnants of the base klister.
4. Apply in the pad area.		5. Rub the klister or with your fingers.

Cleaning the sliding surface.

The block is easiest to clean from the remnants of the ointment with an acrylic scraper. You can also use for this procedure. Apply it to the surface of the ski, wait half a minute and wipe it off with paper.

The sliding surface of the ski should be cleaned several times per season. Gently apply ground wax, then melt it. The dirt should rise to the surface and be easily removed along with the wax with a scraper. Then apply a suitable weather wax. It is better not to use ski thinner, as after it you need to reapply ground wax. But the use of a solvent will be necessary if the klister gets on the sliding surface of the ski.

For applying paraffin, it is best to use a special one. Because an ordinary household iron does not give an accurate temperature. If you stop the iron at one point, or run it in the same place too often, you can ruin your skis.
- Before applying glide wax, run from toe to heel of the ski.
- After cleaning the surface, treat it as carefully as possible.
- can only be used in holding areas, in no case do not apply it in places where glide paraffin is applied.
- When using , it is better to shorten the holding area by 3-4 centimeters and limit it with tape or a fixed paper sheet. Do not use tape - it will leave sticky marks.
- Experience is very important in preparing skis. Use various combinations of ointments during training, and you will find the best option for the competition.
- Paraffin protects the sliding surface. For long-term storage, always apply, but better.

Processing of the sliding surface with brushes.

Modern machine processing of the sliding surface of the ski gives it a certain structure. This structure allows water and air to be well evacuated when rubbing against the snow, which ensures good glide. Therefore, it is very important to clean the grooves of the structure well from the remnants of the ointment in order to ensure the maximum quality of sliding.

The structure of the ski with the primary treatment with paraffin. All pores and grooves are filled with hot paraffin.	Ski structure processed with a scraper. There is still a lot of paraffin in the recesses, which will interfere with the removal of moisture.	Ski structure after brushing. With the help of several types of brushes, you can clean and polish the surface to a perfectly clean state.

After paraffin is applied to the sliding surface and removed with a scraper, the grooves of the structure remain filled with paraffin. In order to completely clean them, you need to use brushes. They are manual and The use of hard metal or nylon brushes allows complete removal of paraffin residues.

When using a brush (of any kind), do not press it too tightly against the sliding surface of the ski. Most effectively remove paraffin brushes, the villi of which are at a right angle. If you press the brush too hard, the bristles will begin to bend and slide over the surface instead of cleaning it.

Metal brushes are best suited for cleaning skis from old grease and preparing it for applying a new one. Rigid metal fibers perfectly remove the remnants of new ointments, dirt and plastic oxidation products, thereby opening pores on the sliding surface, which contributes to better absorption of new ointments.

Metal brushes are also needed in order to improve the properties of the sliding surface of the skis. Skis that have been processed on a grinding machine should be brushed (preferably with steel bristles). After such processing, the structure of the sliding surface will become better, as burrs and other dirt and irregularities will be removed with a brush.

Preparing skis for competitions.

First of all, the surface of the skis should be primed.
- Then apply graphite wax in a hot way. Such a move prevents mixing of several layers of paraffin and increases the use time of lubricants.
- Next, cool the ski to room temperature, and then scrape.
- Treat the surface with a horsehair rotary brush and then a hand brush with a fine metal bristle.
- After that, proceed with the application of paraffin, suitable for weather conditions, in a hot way.
- Then a hydrocarbon or low fluoride wax is applied, it is best associated with the previous layer of wax and the porous surface of the ski.
- Let this layer cool down, work with a scraper and the same brushes.
- Then apply high fluoride paraffin in a hot way.
- Let it cool down and repeat the procedure with the scraper and brushes.
- The preparation process is completed with the application of a fluorocarbon lubricant that matches the weather conditions.
- After that, the sliding surface should be treated with polishing brushes.

If you're using a fluorocarbon lubricant, it's best to have a second set of brushes. The brushes you are using on wax should not be used on fluorocarbon grease.

Competition ski primer.

In the fresh air, the plastic of the sliding surface of the skis begins to oxidize and loses its ability to absorb ointments. This can be seen from the resulting gray coating. To avoid this process, after cleaning the skis, a layer of ground paraffin should be applied.
Clean the surface of the ski from the old ointment with a brush. Preferably rotary, but any other is possible, but always with a metal pile. Don't be afraid to spend your time pre-finishing the surface of the ski with a fine rotary brass or steel brush. After such treatment, the surface of the ski will absorb the lubricant better, and the lubricant will last longer. For best result treat the sliding surface with fibertex. It will smooth out small defects and burrs, and the ski surface will become more even.

Next, you need to apply a layer of soft paraffin to the surface of the skis. Ground wax or shipping wax is best, but you can use soft wax for warmer weather. Then you need to melt the paraffin with an iron at the temperature indicated in the instructions. Let the ski cool down and scrape and brush. First with a horsehair rotary brush, then with a fine metal bristle rotary brush. Instead of the latter, you can use a manual brush with a fine bristle. The treatment must be completed with a gray or white nylon brush.

The procedure described above is called hot ski cleaning. Soft wax is removed from the pores of the sliding surface along with old grease and dirt.

After cleaning, you can start priming the sliding surface. Paraffin of medium hardness is applied to the surface of the ski. Then it is given time to cool down. Residual paraffin is removed with a scraper and brushing is carried out as described earlier. This procedure can be repeated several times. The more times you apply paraffin, brush it, the better your skis will glide. With each repetition of the procedure, the paraffin will further enter the structure of the sliding surface of the ski, protecting it from oxidation. The brushing process is similar to the process of skiing, so the brushing process makes the skis smoother, which improves their glide.

The temperature that the sliding surface of the ski can withstand.

It is impossible to process a sliding surface with a temperature above 150 degrees. When the temperature is exceeded, the characteristics of the plastic change, it stops absorbing the new ointment. In such cases, the ski must be scraped off in order to open the pores in the upper layers of the plastic.

Do not set the iron to too high a temperature. Avoid smoke when melting paraffin. Heat the ointment with an iron from the middle to the toe and heel of the ski. The risk of plastic burning is higher where the thickness of the plastic is the least. The instructions for each product should indicate the desired temperature.

How the ski surface warms up when using a rotary cork and brushes.

Remember that the iron must be in constant motion. The same applies to the rotary plug. Treat the surface at low speed first. Then repeat the procedure at high speeds. The surface of the ski after processing should be warm, but not hot.

When to ski cycle.

There are many cases where the sliding surface of the ski oxidizes. Therefore, the ointment is not properly absorbed into the sliding surface. But skis can always be cycled by removing a layer of plastic and applying a new structure. Many skis deform after some time after grinding. The surface becomes very uneven, which leads to a significant deterioration in sliding. In such cases, it is better to re-sand the ski and remove the old structure.

Handling skis prepared for competitions.

If you finished preparing your skis just the night before, then before the competition itself, it is better to brush them again. Unbrushed skis will not give optimal glide.

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 in the snow. skiing appeared only at the end of the 19th century and significantly influenced appearance 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. Has a large side cutout classic mount and little hardness.

There is more modern classification skiing:

1. Allmountain: non-specialized (universal) cross-country skiing 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 freeride ski option designed for deep snow skiing only;
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), freecarv (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 little suitable for operation, and the pleasure of riding is reduced to zero and even dangerous. It does not matter if 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. Application additional funds: 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 First stage 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 lower (sliding) surface of the ski, and then clean off all excess paraffin with a nylon brush. It is necessary to brush from heel to toe about 50 times. 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, since 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 fully checking the equipment. Preparation is important not only for professional athletes, but also for amateurs, as well as owners of hunting skis.