Using paraffin for skis. Preparation of skis for skating. Ski waxes are traditionally divided into: Preparing skating skis Basic training for cross-country skis

Along with snowboarding, skiing and downhill skiing are popular. Not surprising, because not everywhere you can ride a board. Skiing can provide an excellent winter walk in any locality. In order for such a walk or training to constantly bring joy, you need to know how to care for your skis. Lubrication of skating skis at home is quite simple; you just need to follow the instructions.

Modern skis have a sliding surface and are made of high molecular weight polyethylene. It is important to carefully prepare such equipment before using it. Lubricants are used to improve the sliding of equipment on snow cover (sliding), as well as their adhesion to the surface of the track (holding), depending on the external temperature. The selection of funds is influenced by:

• snow structure;
• snow and air humidity levels;
• snow and air temperature;
• wind speed (if any);
• albedo of the snow surface.

Grip lubricants are used to prevent the ski from slipping during forward push. Some types of ointments do not freeze and are equipped with high speed characteristics, which makes skating enjoyable.

Lubrication of skis too often is not necessary unless there is some unforeseen event.

Surface preparation and cleaning

To ensure the best glide, the surface of the unit must be equipped with a surface structure that matches the structure of the snow. Ointments are selected according to weather conditions. The algorithm is as follows:

1. First you need to treat the sliding surface of the skis. Do this using a steel or brass brush. You need to brush it over the surface with a steel brush. The guidance of this tool should be in one direction - from the toe to the heel of the ski.
2. Next, you need to apply ground paraffin. To smooth the material, use an iron at low temperature.
3. Then the surface is cleaned with a scraper. Gutter cleaning is also carried out using it.
4. Upon completion of such cleaning, a lot of ground wax remains. Therefore, surface treatment is required. A nylon brush is used for processing.

The surface preparation and cleaning procedure is suitable for skating skis. This is important to do before applying the main ointments.

Information about lubricants

A lot of ski lubricants are sold at specialized outlets. Manufacturers who produce equipment for winter sports also produce accessories for caring for them. Atomic is such a company.

Lubricants are divided according to the composition of their elements. They are:

• synthetic;
• mineral;
• combined.

The composition of such products includes fluorine, graphite and even tree resin.

Lubricants can have different consistencies. They can be solid, liquid, powder. These products are sold in the form of sprays, aerosols, and emulsions.

All containers with lubricants indicate the temperature for use of ointment or paraffin and detailed instructions for using these products.

As noted above, according to the use of ointments, they are divided into types:

• holding;
• sliding lubricants.

The first type includes all means. The second type includes only paraffins. Athletes use sprays, powders, emulsions.

For skating units, only lubricants intended for sliding are used. You can purchase two types of lubricants:

• hydrocarbons;
• fluorocarbon.

The first type wears out quite quickly, so it often requires replenishment. In addition, this paraffin requires a certain temperature to work, so it is not for all weather conditions.

The second type includes low-fluoride, medium-fluoride, and high-fluoride lubricants. The use of a particular type of fluorocarbon agent depends on the moisture level.

You can buy lubricants inexpensively. Domestic manufacturers offer products costing one hundred rubles.

Required Tools

To prepare your gear for the winter season, you need some tools. To carry out this procedure, you will need the following tools:

• The first tool is a ski preparation profile. The profile consists of two stops with a loop for fastening.
• Iron. The main difference between a tool and a household one is the presence of a temperature mode and a special sole. To save money, you can use a household iron, but there is a risk of burning the surface.
• Brushes. The distinctive properties of special brushes for winter equipment are the length and stiffness of the bristles. A set of such brushes is cheap and available to anyone to purchase. This set includes three brushes.
• Scrapers. The thickness of the scraper is 3-5 millimeters. Depending on convenience, the required thickness is selected.
• Paraffins. For skating units, fluorocarbon compounds are used. It is better to wax with this material.

Correctly used tools will prepare your skis for free skiing.

Ski lubrication procedure

For different types and types of skis there is its own algorithm. Let's consider the algorithm for skating units.

Skating skis

How to properly lubricate skating skis at home? These units are not equipped with a notch, which distinguishes them from classic units. In this case, only gliding ointments are used. An amateur only needs to apply one coat. The procedure, as always, begins with cleaning. Then you need to do the following:

1. You need to heat up the iron. The temperature should correspond to that indicated on the paraffin.
2. You need to attach a block to the surface of the device. Pass the iron over the equipment so that the drops of product can be evenly distributed.
3. Iron movements are performed from heel to toe, the ideal result will be the presence of shine.
4. After the layer has hardened, the remaining product is removed. You should move against the direction of the ride.
5. Polishing.

If the equipment is made of plastic, then after applying the ointment it is smoothed with a cork, which is used for rubbing.

The desired result is an even layer with a slight shine.

If the material is semi-plastic, where there is a plastic plate on the sliding surface, then the processing procedure is similar. After the procedure, you can leave your skis for storage.

Hard materials are suitable for cold weather. One layer is enough, do not apply a new one unnecessarily. Follow the procedure!

If a beginner is processing winter equipment for the first time, it is better to seek help from a specialist. At least watch a video on this topic. It is necessary to follow safety precautions when working with an iron to avoid harming yourself.

Don't forget about cleaning - the most important stage of preparation. At the same time, make sure that the skis are well secured.

When using an iron, do not use too high a temperature, otherwise the plastic of the equipment will be damaged.

All skis need maintenance. Thanks to timely lubrication, you can protect equipment from rapid wear and improve gliding on snow.

How to choose skis for skating and not make a mistake? Choosing skis is not the easiest task, especially for beginners. Purchasing this sports equipment requires a competent, responsible and balanced approach.

How to choose skis for skating for a beginner?

The first difficulties may arise directly when determining products that fall into the running category. Often this type includes models that differ in structure from alpine skis. At the same time, a beginner has absolutely no need for professional skating skis, at least based on their high cost.

A person who is just starting to ski, first of all needs to decide on an affordable price category. The cost of individual models of skating skis can range from $30 to $350. And even with a special wallet size, the most expensive models from reputable global manufacturers are not always the ideal solution.

Which skis are best for skating? The optimal solution for beginners can be cross-country skis for skating, produced in Russia. Firstly, the average quality of such models allows you to feel the whole range of positive emotions from skiing, and secondly, their cost is so affordable that you can use such skis sparingly, in almost any conditions.

Another important issue for a beginner is the selection of cross-country skis based on technical parameters: length, level of rigidity, structural strength. It is these characteristics that are decisive when choosing any models.

The optimal length of skis for skating can be determined according to the classic calculation formula. To do this, you need to add 25-30 cm to the skier’s height, which will be an indicator of the appropriate length.

As for the stiffness of the skis, here it is necessary to focus on the weight of the skier. Under a too heavy rider, soft models will certainly sag, causing a whole lot of inconvenience. If the skier's weight is low, equipment that is too rigid will slip with a rather unpleasant recoil. To determine the optimal level of rigidity, just stand on your skis with your full weight, after placing a thick sheet of paper under the binding area. A sufficient rigidity indicator is considered if the sheet can be moved under the sliding surface over a distance of about 30-40 cm in both directions without much difficulty.

The majority of buyers prefer to immediately purchase expensive skating skis for entry-level skiing, hoping for a comfortable feeling while riding based on the authority of a recognizable manufacturer. However, the reliability and high quality of expensive skis are justified by the need to achieve maximum speeds on the track. It is unlikely that a novice amateur will immediately be able to ride at such speeds using the correct riding technique. Therefore, there is no point in spending money on buying a professional ski model for a person without much experience.

Manufacturing materials

When carrying out such a procedure as choosing skis for skating, an important issue for most beginners remains the selection of suitable material. Many of us have not yet forgotten the good old wooden models of Soviet-made cross-country skis, for which there was practically no alternative at one time. Therefore, some sports fans find it extremely difficult to accept the need to switch to modern plastic models. The main reason here is not the ossification of perception, but rather the lack of information about the features of using such equipment.

Plastic skis for skating are not as simple as they might seem at first glance. Using such a model without proper preparation and maintenance, you can feel discomfort, convincing yourself of a bad purchase already in the first meters of the track.

In fact, plastic has improved sliding properties compared to wood. Therefore, when choosing plastic cross-country skis, you need to be prepared for the need to regularly lubricate the sliding surface of the product, selecting suitable compounds based on weather conditions and the nature of the terrain.

Plastic models of cross-country skis are much stronger than wooden ones and, accordingly, have an increased level of reliability. And if the owners of the former begin to cover their favorite equipment with the appearance of positive indicators on the thermometer, then the happy owners of plastic analogues usually enjoy the continuation of the season for some time.

How to choose skating skis for your riding style?

One of the determining factors when selecting skis is whether the chosen model matches your skiing style. It is recommended to consider individual features and configuration of skis based on the nature of the future use of the purchased pair.

The selection of skis for skating should be carried out based on the characteristics of the riding style itself, which is characterized by the need to perform sweeping movements in the so-called “herringbone”.

The main difference between classic skis and skating models is their lubrication features. To achieve the most uniform gliding, the surface of skate skis is treated with primers in the form of holding ointments, lubricated with paraffin along the entire length, and additionally treated with special gliding lubricants. At the same time, such processing is unacceptable for classic ski models, the sliding surface of which, on the contrary, is sanded to achieve greater grip, after which it is coated with a holding lubricant.

To choose skating skis that will be used for cross-country riding, you need to pay attention to the most durable products that can withstand significant loads.

In general, experts recommend purchasing several sets of skis for traditional, skating and cross-country skiing. It is this solution that will allow you to avoid difficulties and discomfort, having the opportunity to switch from one move to another.

Ski boots

The most important process, along with the direct choice of cross-country skis, is the selection of a whole range of necessary accessories: bindings, boots, poles, etc. Innovative models of ski boots are not just special shoes for comfortable connection with skis, but also products that can protect feet from certain stresses and maintain heat balance.

In the production of modern ski boots, the anatomical features of skiers' feet and natural hygiene requirements are taken into account. Selecting high-quality, reliable boots is the key to a comfortable, successful ride. A responsible approach to the selection of boots eliminates the need to be distracted by all sorts of inconveniences in the form of pinched toes or wet feet.

Currently, there are several main categories of ski boots:

1. Classic models - traditionally used on ski models that are used for classic skiing.
2. Skating boots - the structure and functionality of this equipment corresponds to the characteristics of skating.
3. Combined models - can be used for riding in different styles, thanks to the presence of a convenient removable cuff.

Fastenings

When choosing skis for skating, you need to think about choosing suitable bindings. Today there are standard and profile types of fastenings.

Standard fastenings involve connection to boots using holes for which there are connectors on the sole of special boots. Such fastenings also have protrusions, due to which, in fact, the ski boots are securely fixed.

Profile systems have rubber elements of varying hardness, which ensures high repulsion efficiency when running. There are several separate fastening options for profile boots - NNN and SNS. The difference between these types of profile fastenings lies in the number of recesses. There are two of them in NNN format mounts, but only one in SNS format mounts.

Ski poles

When choosing the best skis for skating, you should pay attention to the choice of the most comfortable, effective poles. The choice of poles largely depends on your riding style. The classic riding style is best suited to choosing poles whose length reaches the armpits, and for “skating” it is recommended to choose poles up to shoulder height.

The ideal solution can be considered the selection of poles with an anatomically adjusted lanyard and large paws. The presence of these characteristics makes it possible to ride for a long time, practically without feeling fatigue or discomfort in the hands.

How to prepare skis for skating?

Preparing skis for skating involves first of all creating a sliding surface structure that best matches the nature of the snow. To do this, the outer surface of the skis is treated with special substances in the form of ointments and paraffin, which are selected based on weather conditions.

First of all, a solid grip ointment is applied to the sliding surface of the skis. The procedure is carried out in the following order:

• the outer plane of the skis is treated with sandpaper, which improves traction due to raising the pile;
• a heated primer ointment is applied with a consistency that best suits the weather conditions;
• the ointment is smoothed with an iron at medium temperature;
• After hardening, subsequent layers of ointment are applied in the holding area and leveled with synthetic cork.

Applying paraffin to the surface of skis

If sufficiently soft paraffin is available, lubrication of skating skis can be done by applying it cold to the sliding surface. If skis are processed using hard paraffin, then they resort to heating the lubricant with an iron. Alternatively, lubrication of skating skis can be done by briefly heating a block of paraffin wax and then applying smooth strokes to the skis.

Apply such an amount of paraffin to the ski that the molten lubricant spreads evenly over the entire sliding surface, and the layer of the substance should be no more than 1 mm. It is leveled with the same hot iron.

Preparing skis for skating by applying lubricant in the form of paraffin heated with an iron is the most dangerous procedure. If the operation is not carried out carefully, there is a high probability of overheating, deformation and burning of high molecular weight plastic. Therefore, when applying paraffin, it is strongly recommended to set the iron temperature to the lowest possible temperature at which the existing paraffin can melt.

It is necessary to move the iron along the sliding surface of the skis smoothly and without delay. In this case, there must be a layer of paraffin between the plastic and the sole of the iron, because plastic quickly combusts if there is direct contact with the heated surface of the iron. Based on this, you should not save on paraffin consumption, as this often leads to more serious material losses in the form of damage to equipment.

Cleaning the ski surface with special brushes

In cases where the entire length of skating skis is machined on special grinding machines, the formation of a complex large or small surface microstructure becomes possible. This treatment promotes optimal removal of liquid and air when the ski comes into contact with snow, which ensures the best glide.

After removing the remnants of old paraffin using scrapers, with the arrival of the new season, quite a few small grooves remain filled with lubricant. To restore the original structure of the ski surface, paraffin residues should be removed with rotary or hand brushes. The most effective may be the use of hard metal or nylon brushes, which have fine bristles.

When cleaning paraffin from a sliding surface with brushes, it is not recommended to be too zealous, using sudden movements or excessive pressure, so as not to damage the structure of the plastic. The bristles of metal and nylon brushes most effectively remove paraffin residues when they are placed at right angles to the surface being treated.

1. To apply the base layer in the form of a priming ointment, it is better to use a special iron, since most irons for ironing clothes do not allow you to set the optimal temperature.
2. Holding the heated sole of the iron on one point on the ski surface, unfortunately, often leads to burning and deformation of the plastic.
3. Before applying gliding ointment when preparing skis for skiing, you should activate the surface by brushing it once again with a brush.
4. When preparing skis for skiing in cold weather, it is better to resort to creating a fine structure of the sliding surface, and in warm weather, use a large surface texture.
5. When preparing a sliding surface, the use of the trial and error method is of great importance. In other words, it is worth trying out different combinations of lubricants under different weather conditions through personal experience.
6. Before you need to store skis for a long time, you should not clean off the old paraffin, which will act as protection for the sliding surface in the off-season.
7. It is recommended to initially take extreme care of your skis, because only in this case can you hope for their long service life and maximum enjoyment while skiing.

…I rode in Bitsa on the first snow this year. On one of the climbs I was stopped by a man who admitted that he had just bought himself plastic skis.
- Why do you easily climb the mountain, but my skis roll the same way both forward and backward?
- What did you smear them with?
- What, they also need to be smeared?!

This dialogue, for all its apparent implausibility, is nevertheless very characteristic. Do I need to lubricate plastic skis, and what should I use?

Master of Sports of the USSR in cross-country skiing,
editor-in-chief of the magazine "Skiing".

I. Should I buy skis with notches?

This is a question to which, unfortunately, there is no clear answer. I can only tell you quite definitely - it is notched skis that are used by more than half of the skiing population of our planet, and this figure, you see, says a lot. The advantages of using skis with notches are more than obvious - you will never have to bother yourself with the question of how to wax skis. Agree, this way of putting the question is captivating - I took my skis, got up and went.

The disadvantages are just as obvious. Such skis will hold up well on soft, loose snow, but will not hold up on more or less hard ski tracks. And, the most annoying thing is that if the skis with notches do not hold, it is almost impossible to lubricate them.

I will say right away that I am not a fan of using these skis and from an early age I taught my children to oil their skis. This is a more complex option, which nevertheless guarantees normal skiing in any weather. However, the final choice is still yours, and the article below is addressed precisely to those who have made their choice in favor of “regular” classic skis, and are faced with the question of how to apply them to the grip (so that they do not give up or slide back ).

II. A set for lubricating skis consisting of two, three, sometimes four jars of ointment, a rubbing plug, and a scraper.

This is the bare minimum kit you'll need to lubricate your skis. To ski on the track in the classic style, the skis must be coated with holding ointment under the block. The block is the middle part of the ski, starting from the heel of the boot and located 15-25 cm upward from the binding. It is this middle part of the ski (block) that needs to be smeared with holding ointment so that your skis do not slip when you push your foot back.

For the first steps, a set of inexpensive domestic or imported holding ointments is quite suitable for you - it usually consists of four briquettes, sometimes jars made of thick metal foil or soft plastic. You will also need a synthetic rubbing cork. It is enough to buy a set of 4 holding ointments (for example, domestic Visti, Uktus, Festa, Zet, Ray or imported ones - Swix, Toko, Briko, Start, Holmenkol, etc.). etc.) and lubricate the skis only under the block, rubbing them with a cork.

So, having smeared the ski under the block with holding ointment, it (the ointment) should be rubbed with a rubbing stopper. Ideally, after rubbing you should get an even, slightly shiny layer.

If for some reason you can’t get an even layer, don’t worry about this, it’s enough to simply smooth the ointment.

Now about one more nuance. If you go into the woods to ski, it is advisable to always take with you a warmer and cooler holding ointment than the one you just applied, as well as a cork and a scraper. Let's look at the two most typical cases of ointment failure.

1. The skis don’t hold, or, as skiers say, they “give away” that is, they do not allow you to push confidently; when you push with your foot, they slip back. In this case, it is enough to put a warmer ointment under the block on top of the old one and rub it with a cork, and the situation will be corrected - you can enjoy skating again. It will only take you a couple of minutes to correct the grease.

2. Skis, as skiers say, are “dull” that is, they don’t move at all, and sometimes they also become covered with ice or snow under the block - in the middle part of the ski where you applied too warm ointment. Skiers call this situation “sticking” if snow sticks to the wax, or icing if ice forms on the wax. There is a way out, you just need a little more time.

After this, intensively rub the ski block, first with a glove, removing the grease from the remaining snow and droplets of moisture, and then intensively with a cork, warming up and drying the ointment. You will have to exert much more effort compared to rubbing in a warm room. Now that the ointment has dried and warmed up, you can put an additional layer of cooler ointment on top of the unsuccessful lubricant. As a rule, in 99 percent of cases, this technique corrects the situation and allows you to continue your walk in the forest.

III. Let's look at a specific example: how to wax skis at minus five degrees?

For example, the temperature outside is minus five degrees. You have a set of Wisty ski waxes, consisting of five briquettes. The most logical option for lubricating skis at minus five degrees below zero would be to apply blue ointment - 2 - 8. However, remember the golden rule: for a ski trip you should always take two briquettes (cans) of borderline ointments in your pocket or pouch. In this case it will be - 0 - 2 (purple ointment) and - 5 - 12 (light green). This way, both when it warms up and when it gets colder, you can make adjustments to your lubrication and enjoy your skiing.

When you return home, remove the old ointment from the ski with any plastic scraper (a piece of a plastic ruler, an old audio cassette case, etc.). After this, you can safely apply new lubricant to the remains of the old grease. If you want to clean your skis completely (which, in general, is completely optional), you can do this with a piece of cotton wool soaked in gasoline or turpentine. If funds allow, buy a normal plastic scraper and a bottle of branded cleaner - it has almost no smell, so you won’t “offend” anyone in your household with the smell of gasoline.

IV. A set of liquid ointments, a wash, and a scraper for skiing in positive weather.

As I already said, four inexpensive jars of ointment, a scraper and a rubbing plug will be enough for almost all occasions. But there are situations when there is still a lot of snow, and the air temperature is already above zero. Sunday afternoon, sun, drops drive you out into the street with your skis, you smear yourself with the warmest briquettes of ointment you have (say, VISTI 0-2 or Swix + 1 - 0), but the skis... categorically do not hold, they “give away”. It's a shame? And how! And, nevertheless, there is a way out of this situation, and it is quite simple - buy a tube of universal liquid ski ointment (skiers sometimes call liquid ski ointments klisters) and get a bottle of wash (gasoline, kerosene, turpentine). I want to warn you right away: buying liquid ski waxes will put you in the category of slightly more advanced skiers, because handling them will require a little more fiddling and experience. But the gain in the form of comfortable skiing on the spring track will be simply incomparable.

So, you can get by with a set of two tubes of liquid ointment – ​​red (plus) and purple (zero and a slight minus). We apply red ointment at any above-zero air temperature, and purple ointment at zero or slightly below zero. It is important to understand here that spring snow is almost never soft and fluffy like in winter. As a rule, in the spring it consists of hard, large snow and ice granules. Skiers call this snow firn. For such icy snow in sub-zero weather you will need a purple klister.

How to apply liquid ski wax to skis? This should be done in a warm room, evenly squeezing fat drops of ski wax onto the last (middle part) of the ski and then rubbing this ointment with a scraper.

And now about why you have to fuss a little more with liquid ski waxes compared to solid ones (jars or briquettes). The fact is that liquid ski waxes, whose consistency is very reminiscent of condensed milk, tend to stain hands and clothes, and in order to avoid these sad consequences, after training, skis should be immediately cleaned with a scraper and then with a wash. The second option is to pack your skis in a case, take them home and clean them there. Still, most skiers prefer to clean their skis immediately after finishing training - there is less soiled clothing and sticky hands, and the inside of the ski cover does not get dirty. The obligatory need to clean your skis after a walk is perhaps the only inconvenience of using liquid ointments. But the constant companions of liquid ointments are usually spring sun, wonderful skiing and a wonderful mood. So, believe me, the game is worth the candle.

V. Economy kits of ointments for lubricating skis.

As a rule, all leading manufacturers sell economy ski wax kits containing two or three cans of solid wax and a rubbing stopper.

Sometimes this kit also includes one or two tubes of liquid ointment and a scraper. It happens that this kit is packaged in an inexpensive belt bag (skiers call it a “pouch”), and sometimes it also includes a can of wash. This is a very good option for solving all your problems with ski lubrication for the next few years in one fell swoop, so be sure to use it if possible.

VI. Gliding ointments, or, as they are also called in Russia, paraffins for lubricating skis.

This is an area that I strongly advise you not to trespass into. Believe me, modern plastic skis glide perfectly on the snow without any special treatment. This glide will be enough for you for any, even the longest walks through the forest in any weather.

Therefore, you can forget about the ends of the skis (that is, what is located above and below relative to the block - the middle part of the ski) and do not treat them with anything.

It’s another matter if your walks in the forest brought you to such a state that you wanted to go to the start of, say, the 50-kilometer “Moscow Ski Track” or, even more so, to test yourself in a very difficult classic MVTU Race.

In this case, you need to learn how to wax skis; you need to acquire not only a set of gliding ointments (paraffins), but also an iron, a brush, a hard metal scraper, a machine for preparing skis, etc. But these are pleasant chores. This means that you are already firmly “hooked” on the cross-country skiing needle, which means that skiing has already become a very important part of your life. But this time we won’t talk about all the intricacies of preparing skis with gliding ointments - this is beyond the scope of our conversation today.

VII. How to improve ski glide?

I admit to you, this chapter is an insertion; I am forced to write it several years after writing the article itself. I am forced because I see that many of you, our readers, still have questions even after reading this article, and I have to answer them after receiving your letters. That is, it seems that I still failed to explain some important, basic things in this article. For example, there are a lot of questions about how to improve ski glide. Therefore, this chapter is a summary of everything that has already been said in this article and in the answers to your questions (as well as what has not been said) about ski sliding.

So, what affects ski glide??

Fork #1.

Smooth skis or knurled skis? Remember that skis with notches will always glide significantly worse than skis without notches. More details about this in the very first chapter of this article and here is my response to one of your letters:

Fork #2.

Type of sliding surface plastic . Again I direct you to my answer to Natalya Sinitsyna Skis with notches don't work - it's just terrible!- I spoke there in some detail about two types of sliding surface plastic - high molecular weight (expensive and fast) and low molecular weight (cheap and relatively slow). Please read. Look at mine car analogy. Remember that a wheelchair can be improved and modernized in some way, but making it drive like a Porsche 911 or even like a Ford Focus is unrealistic.

Fork #3.

Should I use sliding lubricants? Let me emphasize that I wrote this article with beginners in mind, people just taking their first steps on skis. Within this concept I believe that plastic skis do not need to be prepared for gliding- modern plastics glide quite well in the snow. And yet, since this question is asked constantly, I will answer. The first thing you need to do is learn to distinguish between sliding lubricants and holding lubricants, so as not to fall into the situation described in this letter, when our reader Tatyana Shalimova smeared her skis along the entire length with holding ointment and wondered why her skis weren’t moving.

So, have you already learned to distinguish holding ointments (“plasticines”) from gliding ointments (“candles,” sprays, applicators, etc.)? Then -

Fork No. 4.

Quick application gliding ointments ("lazy") or professional ones? First, you should keep in mind that there is a fairly large selection of quick-apply gliding ointments (sometimes called “lazy” ointments) at your disposal. To apply these ointments to the sliding surface of skis, you do not need to have any equipment.

And finally, the pinnacle of technology for preparing skis for gliding: the use of so-called paraffins, sprays, emulsions, powders, accelerators, etc. You will need: a strong, non-wobbly table, a ski machine, two clamps, a professional ski iron (in no case not household!), brushes, scrapers, fiberlen (special non-woven wipes for treating skis), paraffins, powders, accelerators... I’m not sure that it is advisable to describe this rather complex and expensive process of preparing skis in an article for beginners. However, if I see that within the framework of even this articles for beginners: what brushes are needed for a beginner when preparing the sliding surface of cross-country skis?

QUESTION ANSWER

After the publication of this article, letters began to come to me from time to time with “naive” questions that readers could not find answers to in this material. At first I answered them privately, until suddenly it occurred to me that these answers might be of interest to a wider circle of our readers. So if you did not find the answer to your question in the article, write to me at my mailbox [email protected], send your questions, I will definitely answer them. In the meantime, here are the first questions and answers to them.

2. Aluminum ski poles bend. What to do?

3. Is it worth waxing skis for grip in orienteering?

Lubrication

The preparation of skis for skating and classic moves is significantly different; this is due to a number of features and specifics of both the skis themselves and the differences in the push-glide phases during these moves.

It is important when preparing skis that their surface should be dry, clean and at room temperature!

There is also a difference in the preparation of plastic and wooden skis (plastic skis also include semi-plastic skis). Everything related to the use of paraffins (glide lubricants), powders, accelerators and other special preparation products is applicable only to plastic skis and skis with a plastic sliding base. As for the ointment, it is used equally on both wooden and plastic skis.

Selecting a lubricant is a very complex procedure, almost an art. Trainers and team lubricants spend months, or even years, gaining experience in handling and working with materials and accessories from various manufacturers. Unfortunately, their knowledge and experience are usually kept secret and shared only with their teammates. But in many cities service centers are already appearing (finally) at ski resorts and rentals, where ski preparation is carried out by specialists for a purely symbolic fee. Of course, the cost of such a service will largely depend on the cost of the materials used for the preparation, but the person will receive great pleasure from the skiing itself, will receive competent advice, qualified ski care, and will remove the very problem of selecting lubricant and preparation.

For those who want to prepare their own skis, there are some rules and recommendations outlined below. Basically, when selecting a lubricant, they are guided by their financial capabilities, since the quality of materials is often determined by their price (although exceptions are possible).

The market for lubricants and service materials is becoming more saturated every year, and the task of the sales consultant is to help the buyer choose the best option. It is generally accepted that the Swix company is the world leader in the production of lubricants (although it is very conditional and controversial). There are also such foreign brands as: “START”, “Briko” and many others, but all of them are distinguished by the high price of materials, with no guaranteed best result. This is due to different climatic conditions “there” and in Russia. After all, lubricant of the same brand, in different climatic zones, in different regions, at the same temperature and humidity, works completely differently, and sometimes does not work at all. Although she could show excellent results. All this equally applies to domestic lubricants. Their selection is not as wide as the selection of imported ones, but their price is several orders of magnitude lower, and the quality is sometimes not inferior to, and sometimes superior to, imported analogues.

Among them are: “LUCH” Yekaterinburg, “M VIS” Moscow, “ANCOR” Kirov. Of course, the famous “Wisty” N. Novgorod, which has been the sales leader in Russia for many years and is popular not so much because of the quality, but because of the price.

Skating move.

Due to the fact that in the skating stroke the entire sliding surface of the ski “works”, which is associated with the peculiarity of the push, therefore the entire surface is subject to maintenance and processing. Preparing skis for skating is as follows: paraffin is applied to dry, clean skis, over the entire sliding surface by rubbing, or, if the paraffin is refractory, it is better to apply it in a jet-drop manner from a hot iron, when a block of applied paraffin is pressed against the sole of a heated service iron. Do not allow the paraffin to overheat! After cooling, the paraffin is removed with a plastic scraper. Remains of small paraffin particles are “pulled out” from the pores of the plastic with a hard copper or synthetic brush. Then polish the surface with a soft natural bristle brush. This procedure is necessary to give the melted paraffin particles a directional structure.

Classic move.

The difficulty in preparing skis for classic skiing lies in the need to use holding ointment. Before applying it, a sliding lubricant (paraffin) is applied to the sliding ends of the skis (dry and clean) in the above order, while the block or, as it is also called, the cargo area, is left clean. This is due to the fact that the ointment applied to paraffin during the sliding process significantly loses its original qualities and, in addition, the duration of its action is reduced by an order of magnitude. Simply put, it simply “does not hold” and leaves the surface of the ski very quickly.

The ointment, like paraffin, is selected according to the temperature and humidity indicated on the packaging by the manufacturer. It is applied by rubbing, not too thick, “under the block,” as some skiers say. Then the applied ointment is rubbed with natural or synthetic cork until a shiny, uniform film appears on the surface of the ski. You should not “pull” the ointment too much along the surface of the skis, either up or down.

It is possible to level the ointment with a service iron, but it must be clean (from paraffin residues) and not too hot so as not to overheat the ointment! In general, when selecting equipment, you must first of all be based on the wishes of each client and his individual characteristics, such as the length of his arms and legs, height and weight, and their proportions. It is impossible not to note the decisive role of the client’s financial capabilities when selecting equipment, lubricants and accessories, because the “limited wallet size” will significantly narrow the choice of possible options and models from the offered range. Therefore, the selection of equipment, equipment, lubricants and accessories is a creative process, but complex and time-consuming. Although it can be exciting both for the sales consultant (if he is well prepared) and for the buyer himself.

Shishkin Pavel Pavlovich
Kirov LLC “Anchor.Sport”.

Paraffin is used to lubricate skis to increase sliding torque. Regardless of the type of skis used, without the use of lubricant, their grip on the snow will be too great for comfortable skiing. However, such traction is only necessary when the wheel is moving on the road. Skis should glide smoothly and softly.

Paraffins are mixtures of hydrocarbons that are obtained as a by-product during oil refining. The composition of paraffin mixtures may differ in viscosity. There are such types of paraffins:

• Soft, which melts at normal room temperature.
• Solid, which requires heating up to 70 degrees Celsius to melt.
• Crystalline paraffins, which undergo a crystallization process when heated above 70 degrees.

Paraffin color for skis by temperature: yellow +1 degree and above, red from 0 to +5 degrees, purple from 0 to -3 degrees, blue from -2 to -6 degrees, green from -5 to -25 degrees.

According to its properties, this substance is both a lubricant and a waterproof composition. They are added to different mixtures to acquire the necessary qualities. For example, Vaseline is produced from a substance obtained from petroleum refining products.

Paraffin is also used in lubricants for equipment. It has found application in various types of skiing as a glide-improving agent. Read also our article about what additional tools you will need.

Paraffin mixtures for lubricating skis are usually divided into the following types:

• For riding in low temperatures below minus 12 degrees.
• For snow skiing temperatures from minus 12 to minus 2 degrees.
• Warm types used at temperature above minus 2 degrees.

The main substance on which the quality of gliding in warm weather depends is fluorine. For lubricants designed for warm weather, add a larger amount. The lower its content, the lower the temperature the lubricant is designed for. There are also all-weather lubricants that can be used regardless of weather conditions. For example, for use in a temperature range from 0 to 30 degrees. In addition to fluorine, this lubricant also contains silicone, various types of salts, and metal oxides.

It is also worth noting that paraffins for lubricating skis can be produced in various forms.

Applying paraffin with an iron

This procedure can only be carried out with a liquid version of paraffin for skis. To carry it out, the surface of the skis on which it is planned to be applied must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt, snow and other substances that often fall on it during use. Then the skis should be dried thoroughly.

Application in progress during the off-season period. To do this you need:

• Heat a special iron for applying paraffin to a temperature of 150 degrees.
• Apply or spray the paraffin mixture onto the surface of the ski intended for gliding. It should be taken into account that different types of skis require different methods of applying paraffin lubricant. Skate-type skis require lubrication of the entire sliding surface. For standard skis, only the beginning and end of the ski are lubricated, excluding its central part. Read about the types of cross-country skiing.
• Next, you should run the iron over the paraffin-coated surface of the ski in the direction from toe to heel.
• After the paraffin coating procedure, the ski must cool for at least 10 minutes. The room temperature should not be below 0 degrees Celsius.
• You should go over the lubricant layer with a special brush.

The result of these actions is the penetration of heated paraffin into the pores of the material from which the ski is made, and filling them levels its entire sliding surface. Anything left on its surface should be removed with a brush.

To achieve an acceptable result, the entire process must be done about 10 times. The reason for this is that when cleaning excess paraffin with a brush, part of the necessary layer that was located in the surface unevenness will also be removed. When covered with a paraffin mixture a certain number of times, the paraffin layer will be more dense and compacted to a higher quality.

How to wax skis without an iron

It is not always possible to use an iron to coat skis with a paraffin mixture. Often this is prevented by time restrictions, when such lubrication is absolutely necessary.

For this purpose, ski lubricant manufacturers produce liquid ski waxes, the application of which does not require heat treatment. To do this you need:

• Dry the ski.
• Clean the sliding layer thoroughly with a brush to remove dirt.
• Wipe and let dry
• Apply a small amount of lubricant.
• Wait a short amount of time, about 3–5 minutes.
• Rub the lubricant over the entire surface of the ski.
• Let stand for about 10 more minutes.

If the situation is such that there is too much lubricant, the excess amount is removed with a brush. But when applying the lubricant in a cold state, brushing at the last stage of application is not particularly important.

Important! Many ski enthusiasts make the mistake of assuming that they can lubricate with cold paraffin right between skiing sessions. This layer will not last long. For high-quality application, you need at least one hour, as well as the presence of sunny weather or a warm room. Cold application of paraffin will always be worse than the standard heat-treated version.

The best manufacturers

According to reviews from ski enthusiasts, the best ski lubricants are the following:

• Ray. It is considered a budget option for ski lubricants. Proper use depends on the conditions in which you plan to ride, as well as the correct choice of appropriate lubricant.

• Swix. The most popular lubricant among both amateur skiers and professional skiers. This company’s line of lubricants provides options for any temperature and weather conditions.
• Vauchti. Liquid paraffins of this brand are very popular among skiers, as they do not require heat treatment before application. There are three types of lubricants in the line of these paraffins: for wet snow and temperatures from +10 to -6 degrees, for new and wet snow and temperatures from +4 to -2 degrees, and paraffin for cold snow and temperatures from -3 to -15 degrees .

Ski lubricants, even when applied correctly, must be renewed on the sliding surface. Therefore, their correct and high-quality choice comes first.

Watch also a useful video on how to wax skis at home:

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