Preparing cross-country skis: how to prepare equipment at home. Skating skis: the right choice, preparation How to properly prepare skating skis

U professional athletes, prepares skis the whole team, but in fact, every person can master this technique on their own.

First you need to figure out what tools you will need to process your skis:

- paraffin;

— a special iron for applying paraffin;

— sliding brush for cleaning the surface (steel or brass);

- scraper for cleaning the surface.

New to skiing It is difficult to understand all these tools, so to select special equipment, you need to go to a professional store. Here a person will be told what exactly he should buy to prepare his skis for skating. To avoid problems with applying special substances and preparing skis for skating did not arise at home, it is necessary to understand each issue separately.

For skating, only sliding lubricants are needed. They must be applied over the entire surface of the ski. There are currently two types of lubricants on the market:

- hydrocarbons;

- fluorocarbon.

Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, hydrocarbon ski waxes wear off very quickly, so they must be reapplied frequently. In addition, special substances in the composition of such paraffin are activated only at a certain temperature, and then the lubricant begins to work. That is why it will not be possible to use it in all weather conditions.

Fluorocarbon lubricants are divided into three types:

- low fluoride;

- medium fluoride;

- high fluoride.

It all depends on the humidity level. If the snow moisture level is low, low fluoride paraffins must be used. If the humidity level is high, then high-fluoride options are suitable.

So, first stage of ski preparation- this is their cleaning. First, you need to treat the surface with a steel or brass brush, cutting off the burrs, thus opening the pores on the sliding surface.

After this, a layer of paraffin is applied, which should be leveled with an iron heated at a sufficiently low temperature.

This is a dangerous process for skis in the preparation of equipment - this is the application of paraffin. The thing is that paraffin is mainly applied with a special heated iron. If a person applies too much force, there will be no paraffin layer left between the skis and the iron, and the equipment itself will be damaged. The first thing to do is preheat the iron to about 60 degrees. Using a warm iron, lightly touch the paraffin and apply a few drops to the entire surface of the skis.

Next, the lubricant must be melted into the surface of the skis with an iron. Experts recommend applying one to three layers. After this process, you can leave the wax on the skis for 10 or 15 minutes. After this, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned with a scraper, removing all excess grease.

Despite the fact that a person processes the skis with a scraper, a decent amount of paraffin still remains on the surface. It usually accumulates in scratches and plastic structures. That is why, after working with a scraper, it is necessary to treat the surface with a brush.

The matter is very complicated, and there is also a system of actions here. Using a special scraper, you need to start removing paraffin from the surface. It is necessary to work with a scraper with the same pressure, without being too zealous in individual parts, otherwise the surface will be cleaned differently.

The remaining parts of the lubricant should be removed with a special brush, and the movements should be short and quick. If you want to remove even the base layer of paraffin, you should use the iron again. Having applied one layer of paraffin, you should immediately remove it with a scraper, along with any remaining grease and dirt from the surface of the skis. Such removal of excess or complete removal of lubricant is required if the skis do not ride well.

PREPARATION OF MOUNTAIN SKIS

Before climbing a slope at the beginning of the season, you need to check how sharp the edges are alpine skiing. This is done quite simply. First of all, a visual inspection. There are no nicks on the edges - everything is fine. Next, you can scrape the edge with your fingernail and, if shavings form on the nail, then the edges are still quite suitable for skating. Otherwise, the edges will have to be sharpened. This is probably the main point when preparing alpine skiing for the season.

I do not recommend sliding on blunt edges, because firstly, it is not safe and secondly, it will be extremely difficult to make turns on a hard slope. You can sharpen your edges while preparing your skis for the season yourself or contact a service center for help.

The edges on alpine skis are sharpened depending on the level of training of the skier. Suitable for beginners The sharpening angle is close to 90 degrees. Athletes sharpen at a sharper angle, but in this case the edges become dull faster.

Preparing skis for the season Not without checking the fasteners. It is necessary to check that the fastenings are not loose or have any mechanical damage that could have occurred either at the end of the previous season or during storage. Next, set the required value for the activation forces of the fasteners depending on your weight and level of training.

To ensure your ski preparation for the season is complete, check out sliding surface your skis to ensure that their properties are preserved. The slipper should have a uniform black color. If a grayish or white coating is observed along the edges, along the edges, it is better to treat the skis with special paraffin and ointments that improve gliding using an iron.

SKI STORAGE

The requirements for storage conditions for all types of skis are generally similar. Some differences arise only depending on the materials. Eg, wooden skis It is imperative to store them in a darkened room, since they dry out when exposed to direct sunlight.

Plastic skis are more tolerant of light, but it’s also not worth the risk. In both cases, it is desirable that the storage area is clean, dry and cool. You should not store skis near central heating radiators, pipes with hot water or heating devices.

Other important rule Ski storage says: wooden skis should be stored in an upright position with their toes up and their sliding surfaces facing each other. In this case, the skis should not experience any loads. Even tying them together with ropes and belts is unacceptable.

For parallel fixation during summer storage of skis, there are special spacer clamps that hold the skis together and protect them from falling, but do not place any load on them.

With plastic skis everything is a little simpler. They can be stored not only vertically, but also horizontally (as well as horizontally suspended). In addition, plastic skis do not need spacers - they already have the necessary rigidity to maintain a given shape throughout the entire storage period.

Many ski enthusiasts are convinced that the sliding surfaces of plastic skis should not touch, so they tie their skis in the “toes in” position for the summer and store them exclusively in a suspended state. Special layers are often placed between the sliding surfaces of plastic skis to prevent scratches. Fixed plastic skis using Velcro ties with a protective lining.

In many cases, it is advisable to purchase a special ski bag-cover, designed not only for storing skis in the summer, but also for transporting them.

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 skiing. By renting sports equipment, you don’t have to worry about its complete readiness. However, when purchasing new skis, you will have to ensure high-quality movement on the snow yourself. Having learned the classics, you can ensure comfort while driving and prolong the operation of your attribute.

In order to prepare your equipment for the arrival, you should follow some tips. The most popular and effective method amateur and professional skiers apply a wax-like hydrocarbon lubricant to their equipment. For the skating method of movement, the entire outer surface of the board should be waxed, ensuring the safety of the rental and cohesion with the snow.

1. Plastic. Spread cold on sports equipment.
2. Dense waxy material. It is applied to the sole of the instrument using melting and a special iron.

Ski Preparation Tools

For skating at home, you should start with preparing the necessary tools:

• ski iron with a special sole and the necessary temperature parameters;
• lubricating rack-profile for fixing sports equipment in a horizontal position;
• brush set;
• staple or other steel tool for leveling and smoothing.

Ski waxes

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 on the tool surface for sliding or cohesion:

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

After applying the products, when preparing the skis for skating, the attribute is taken outside to cool down at sub-zero temperatures.

Why lubricate your skis?

A device that allows a person to move freely through deep snow appeared long before the advent of our era. Moreover, to ski even on a well-paved ski track, the ancestors applied lubricant to their tools. 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. Preparing a sports attribute for riding with the help of these substances ensures flexible movement.

Which skis don't need lubrication?

The budget sports tool, which is made of special dense foam, does not lubricate. After all, it is created using a special technology that provides excellent glide. Lubricants are not completely absorbed into the surface of such equipment, so it makes no sense to choose any product.

How to lubricate skis at home

Before applying grease, you should determine your intended riding style. It must be remembered that when applied, the agent for smooth movement should not come into contact with the adhesion agent.

How to lubricate plastic skis

Plastic attribute for lovers of driving in the snow is usually lubricated only with traction agents in the place where the shoes are fastened. This type of sports instrument itself has sliding functions, so it is coated only 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 also needs to be coated to avoid small cracks and chips.

How to properly lubricate wooden skis

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

1. The adhesion ointment is applied in layers, followed by rubbing each layer. After this, the instrument 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 bottom part paraffin is applied to the inventory, and the holding agent is applied in the center. The substance is distributed on the board using a hot iron, where it is applied in advance. The device is carefully passed over the entire surface.
3. Using a scraper, excess hardened wax is neutralized.
4. Using a brushing set of special brushes, the material is polished.
5. Place in the cold for 3-5 hours, then store indoors.

How to lubricate combination skis

Combo equipment is designed for classic skating with the ability to switch to speed. Because of this, the attribute must be constantly smeared depending on the upcoming driving style. For classic skating, cohesion ointment should be applied under the board.

How to properly lubricate cross-country skis

To treat running equipment, you can use special creams or aerosols, selected according to the temperature outside the window.

It is difficult to treat instruments with hydrocarbon wax:

1. Having fixed the attribute on the profile, apply wax to the board with a heating device, smoothing the layer.
2. After scraping off the excess with a scraper, leave a layer of 1 millimeter.
3. Apply another layer of hydrocarbon wax.
4. Place in a cool place.

How to lubricate classic skis

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

The surface is cleaned followed by application of a slip agent. After this, the central part of the equipment is treated with grip cream. The actions are repeated again. The final procedure is to polish the boards.

How to lubricate skating skis

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

How to lubricate skis

After cleaning the surface of the sports instrument and sharpening the edges, seal all the cracks on the slide with a special candle or heat gun. Apply hydrocarbon wax using an iron, followed by scraping and polishing.

Important

Tips for newbies! It is quite difficult to apply lubricants for the first time, 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.

Like an amateur in skiing, he will confirm that success in this sports competition largely depends on the correct preparation of the equipment. The preparation of skis itself has a number of nuances and important features. To achieve the highest best result ah, they are required proper cleaning and lubricant. Therefore, it is important to prepare equipment in a timely manner.

General Features

The process of preparing skis for serious competitions requires some knowledge and practical skills. Moreover, the team of professional skiers always includes trained people who are responsible for one or another stage of equipment preparation, performing it depending on the current environmental conditions - air humidity level, temperature conditions and others.

Ski preparation is important both for professionals before serious competitions, and for fans of this sport. First of all, the emphasis is on sliding.

It is important to note that both new skis and those that have already been skied several times need preparation.

Main types of skis

In the preparation of each type of ski there are a number of features that must certainly be taken into account. So, during the preparation of cross-country skis, emphasis is placed on the best glide. But if it is intended to be used classic style, such a factor as holding is also taken into account. If the preparation is carried out according to all the rules, then even a skier with minimal experience will certainly get maximum pleasure from skiing.

When preparing alpine skis, it is important not only the quality of their sliding surface, but also the quality of their edges. They need to be treated with special compounds and also sharpened. This guarantees maximum safety when descending mountain slopes.

Nuances of professional ski training

First of all, proper priming of the directly sliding surface is required. It is relevant primarily for preparing skis for skating, as well as for other types.

After priming the surface, it is necessary to apply graphite paraffin to it. This manipulation is performed using the so-called hot method. Due to the presence of paraffin, one of the components of which is graphite, displacement of the very first layer of lubricant is eliminated. In addition, this guarantees an increase in the wear resistance of the lubricant itself.

At the next stage, the sliding surface is exposed to a special rotary brush made of horsehair. Next, the treatment is performed with a metal brush of a manual type of hair in which the hair is already thin.

Now you can apply paraffin based on real weather conditions. This is also done hot. First of all, the surface is coated with a layer of low-fluoride substance, which will provide excellent bonding with the first layers.

As soon as the ski has cooled, the steps of removing excess paraffin and brushing are repeated. The next layer is paraffin, which contains a high proportion of fluorine. Fluorocarbon lubricant completes the preparation. It is chosen also based on real weather conditions.

Features of working with any fluorocarbon lubricant

This substance has a number of features, regardless of whether it is released in the form of an emulsion, powder or accelerator. Therefore, experts recommend working with it only using a separate set of brushes.

The procedure and nuances of preparing skis intended for skating

As mentioned above, depending on the type of ski, their preparation may differ slightly. In this case, the work begins with cleaning the equipment. To do this, the surface is cleaned with a brass or steel brush. This will ensure sufficient opening of the pores located directly on the sliding surface.

The next stage of preparing skis for skating is applying a paraffin layer to them. To ensure that it lies evenly, apply a slightly heated iron to the surface.

Features of applying paraffin to skis

It is important to understand that applying paraffin is a responsible and unsafe process. This feature is precisely determined by the need to use an iron. If you do not calculate the effort, then the necessary layer of paraffin between the surface of the equipment and the iron itself will simply not remain. The skis will be damaged.

It is enough to fix it using a ski preparation machine. The iron warms up to 60 degrees. Next, paraffin is sequentially applied and distributed onto the working surface. Usually three layers are enough, each of which is carefully fused.

Removing wax from skis

At the next stage, it is important to get rid of excess grease. There is a special scraper for this. As soon as the stage is completed, it is necessary to repeat the operation, but with a brush.

Features of removing paraffin from a sliding surface are as follows:

1. Work begins with the use of a scraper.
2. It is important not to change the degree of pressure when processing a particular area, otherwise the ski will be cleaned unevenly.
3. At the end of the stage, for better removal of the substance, the work continues with the use of a brush with active and rapid movements of the tool.
4. When it becomes necessary to remove the initial layer of paraffin, an iron is used.

The need to completely remove the grease previously applied to the skis arises only in cases where they do not ride well enough. This is usually a sign of improper equipment preparation done before riding. After removing the base layer from the surface, all manipulations are repeated.

Features of working with cross-country skis

In practice, the preparation of cross-country skis is usually carried out in the factory using special units equipped with an abrasive stone or tape. New skis need final treatment, and this is also done several times throughout the season.

Grinding equipment settings are selected based on the required surface structure, determined by the characteristics of the snow cover. So, skis will not glide well if their surface is dry, melted or excessively smooth and shiny.

Usually, to improve the sliding properties, they resort to applying a special pattern, the so-called structure, to the working surface. This can be done not only manually, but also using special grinding units. No less important in ensuring normal sliding is a processing step such as lint removal. This can be done either on a special machine or manually.

Preparing cross-country skis should ideally be done before each outing separately. After all, environmental temperature and humidity conditions may well change.

Experts assure that to walk on good snow, it is enough to thoroughly treat the sliding surface with paraffin - this will be enough for a distance of 15-20 km. But after applying paraffin to skis, they become susceptible to abrasion and absorb dirt perfectly. This manifests itself in whitening of the working surface followed by a pronounced gray tint. This is why it is so important to thoroughly clean your skis before applying a new layer of wax.

For cross-country skis, the structure is important, so their preparation always ends with applying a certain pattern to the sliding surface, taking into account the depth and pitch of the grooves.

The procedure for preparing classic skis

Preparing alpine skis for competitions or regular skiing always begins with cleaning the working surface from grease. To do this, they are fixed in a ski preparation machine. After cleaning the surface from dirt and previously applied lubricants, the pad is prepared, which involves applying ointment.

It is best to apply it cold in several layers. For complete grinding of the substance, a profile machine is suitable. It is important to perform all movements actively.

Against the background of friction, the process of heat generation will begin, the substance will be evenly distributed.

If liquid ointment is used, a shortened block is required. This is explained by the fact that it has an increased coefficient of adhesion to snow relative to solid ointment. Typically, the use of a liquid component shortens the pad by 15 cm.

Also, the length of the block depends on the degree of rigidity of the skis themselves.

Thus, for comfortable skiing and achieving the best results, it is important to prepare the equipment correctly and, most importantly, in a timely manner. The features of this manipulation are determined by the type of ski along with the actual weather conditions.

This wonderful sports instrument gained mass popularity more than a hundred years ago. Certainly, modern models are very different from their predecessors in length, width, and production quality. But no matter how good the projectile is, it needs special care for standard functionality. Therefore, preparing new cross-country skis is one of the essential elements for both professionals and beginners. Simply picking up a product from a store counter is not enough. If you immediately start intensive use, it will quickly become unusable. In addition, its capabilities will be far from stated.

Training fees for competitions

Do not think that all this technique is necessary only for athletes high level, when at least the national cup is at stake. No, a beginner, an amateur, and a sports guru - everyone is involved in preventive measures to one degree or another. Of course, professionals who collect olympic gold, in most cases, do not engage in such activities on their own. They simply do not have enough time for this, they are focused on training.

But if we are talking about competitions at the local level, a city championship in which juniors are involved, small regional events or performances of various schools and universities, then the athlete must be a jack of all trades. And buy the product, carry out all the correct processing steps, and win the race.

It is worth understanding that these events largely depend on the style of passing the route. This can be downhill, freeride, classic or skating style races, even biathlon. And each requires its own instrument, and, accordingly, individual preparatory measures.

Types and features of skis

The species diversity is very extensive. Children's ones can be immediately excluded; in principle, they are not intended for serious sports, they are simplified to the maximum. Only professional or tourist models need to be prepared.

They, in turn, are divided into two main directions - cross-country and mountain. The first ones are usually divided into classic and skating. The latter have a much more extensive gradation, although for the most part they are also divided into two key areas. These are skycross and freeride. That is, high-speed launch or universal, for descending and crossing terrain along various trajectories.

How to prepare skis for skating

The main elements that you need to pay attention to are: surface, pattern and special lubricants. The drawing is applied by the manufacturer himself. Fine “pile” is suitable for hard snow, while coarse relief is intended for soft and melted snow.

But our task lies in the correct processing of the sliding zone itself. If this is done incorrectly, then as a result of increased friction an artificial obstacle to movement will be created. We'll have to spend more energy correct execution the running technique will be disrupted, the tool itself will be subject to increased wear, damage and structural damage are possible.

Cleaning and processing

This is a very labor-intensive and time-consuming procedure that needs to be approached as seriously as possible. In the process, due to negligence, you can even damage the equipment, so be careful and careful.

Algorithm of actions

For initial cleaning, brush over the surface. A rigid one with a brass base will suit us. If you don’t have one at hand, a steel one will do. Remember that you cannot make reverse movements, only forward ones. That is, we move our hand only in one direction, from toe to heel. Otherwise, the design may be damaged. It’s also not worth moving off the trajectory, strictly parallel actions that repeat the structure.

The second stage is priming. For this purpose, we will need primer paraffin, which must be applied in an even layer. Next we need temperature treatment so that it melts. Either a special iron or a regular household iron will do. But keep the temperature low, otherwise you may accidentally damage the equipment. Threshold – 150 degrees.

Now use a hard scraper along the entire length, breaking down and cleaning off the paraffin layer. Clean the central gutter too; for this you will need a thin stylus. Although, in principle, you can use any sufficiently thin object. Only without a sharp end, like a screwdriver. Remember to be careful.

Then, in order to get rid of the remaining primer, we will need a hard brush. But not with steel bristles, but with nylon bristles. There is no longer any need to work only through progressive movements and at a strict angle. No damage can be caused no matter how hard you try.

Main part. It consists of applying “warm” paraffin, which gives our sports instrument protective properties. It is applied using the same method as the previous one. Moreover, several layers are used. Remember that each new layer can only be applied at the moment when the previous one has already completely hardened. This will take 15-20 minutes.




The last stage is the removal of paraffin. Actually, the same thing we did after the primer. First we go through the scraper, and then move on to the brush. Carefully and methodically remove all residues.

Application of accelerators

There are several types of products, and the method of applying them has a number of key differences. Therefore, first select a specific one, and then move on to the method.

Solid

Preparing skis at home with its application is a fairly easy process. You can process the equipment only after you have finished working with paraffin and removed the residue. Rub the accelerator evenly over the entire surface, and then rub it in using a special thermal plug. Continue the procedure until you feel an increase in temperature due to friction. After this, let your result take hold, wait about half an hour or forty minutes. Then remove everything with a hard brush. Afterwards the process can be started again. For better results, repeat the cycle 4-5 times.

Fluorocarbon powder

It should be used not after the base paraffin, but at the final stage. When you have finished waxing for a specific weather and type of snow.

In fact, you just need to sprinkle it on the surface. The layer should not be continuous; it is enough to cover approximately half of the total area. Next, use a sponge, roller or other object to level our powder over the entire area. AND last step– processed using temperature. Ironing through gauze will help again. The resulting accelerator must be removed no earlier than half an hour later.

Emulsions

This type is also applied at the final stage, like the previous one. You just need to rub the substance evenly and leave it alone for a few minutes. Usually 4-5 is enough. After this, we arm ourselves with the cork and begin to rub in with smooth movements. Don't apply too much pressure; the intensity is important, not the force. When the emulsion warms up, stop the process and wait about half an hour. And, accordingly, we delete it.

How to prepare classic skis

Unlike skating style, where paraffin needs to be applied tightly, covering even the pads, in this case we will need to apply protective substances and accelerators only to the sliding surface, and mainly to the toe and heel. After all, only straight movements are implied.

Treatment of the slip zone

We apply paraffin in the same way, grind it, heat it, and so on. The only question is where exactly to put our efforts. Actually, we need to determine effective part- the one that will come into contact with the snow - near the toe and heel. But how do you know the specific range? There is no general standard. It depends on the hardness of the material and its elasticity. And also on the weight of the athlete.

Reveal effective zone quite simple - put on your skis, and then lock into upright position. All that remains is for a second person (whom you will prudently ask in advance for help) to insert a sheet of paper or cardboard, maybe even a cloth, under the lower surface of the sports instrument. And marked those parts where it does not touch the floor. Accordingly, we don’t need them.

Solid ointments

To fix such a substance tightly on a plane, first prime it. You will also need a base ointment - a primer. It is applied simple movements as if we were smearing glue on a sheet of paper. Apply evenly and smoothly, without accumulation areas, over the entire length of the effective part.

Next, use an iron to melt the layer and wait a few minutes until it hardens completely. Now we have a rough structure that will allow the solid ointment to be firmly fixed. It is applied in the same way, but without thermal effects. We just plug it with a cork.

Liquid ointments, klisters

The key difference here is the heating process. In exactly the same way, we place the primer klister as the first layer, and on top we apply the main one, for specific weather conditions. But without waiting and warming up with an iron. We will heat it with a hairdryer and do it all at once. At low temperature, about 5-10 minutes. Then wait for hardening for 7-8 minutes.

Cleaning the sliding surface

Cleaning is an important aspect of caring for your sports property. Ideally, this should be done once every 3-4 races or a couple of times per season. It is possible more often, but less often is not recommended.

To do this, we need basic paraffin, which is heated with an iron. After this, all debris and pollution rise above the level of the substance. And they can be easily removed with a scraper; it is most logical to use an acrylic one.

Brushing

Why is this necessary in principle? We told you that for better grip on snow, manufacturers apply a certain structure, the so-called pattern. These are small grooves that are easily filled with any strengthening or cleaning substance. And it is simply impossible to get it out of there with a scraper.

This is where stiff bristle brushes come in handy. But remember that with strong pressure we simply bend the bristles, and it begins to move parallel to the grooves, that is, it does not penetrate them. Therefore, cleaning must be carried out strictly at a right angle so that the lint penetrates into every recess.

After using a scraper, always brush thoroughly;

Take brass or steel, as well as nylon;

Secure the useful part with tape or paper, but not with tape;

It is better to use an iron for ointments, because a regular household appliance is difficult to regulate in terms of temperature accuracy.

Getting ready for competitions

This is not to say that amateurs will not need this information. No, anyone can use these methods. But, if amateurs can neglect them, then for serious performances you have to be fully armed.

Primer

The procedure is carried out in two stages. The first is working with soft paraffin; all technical details are described above. Apply, melt, remove. This process is necessary to get rid of debris and dirt. You can repeat the procedure a couple of times to be sure.

And in the second stage we rub in the middle layer, which will act as a primer. And here, too, we need several approaches. The bigger, the better. But don’t fall into fanaticism, 4-5 times is more than enough.

Considering the fact that it is in this aspect that beginners make the vast majority of mistakes that can become critical during serious races, we will give several detailed recommendations.

Temperature and its influence

It is worth knowing that too much heat is in principle unacceptable. 150 degrees Celsius is considered critical. But it’s better to stay at 100-120 degrees.

If you notice or smell smoke, stop working immediately. This means that the plastic is close to deformation, since the paraffin began to smoke.

You need to melt the substance from the middle towards the edges, and not from beginning to end. And be especially careful in areas where the thickness of the plastic is minimal. There is a very high risk of deformation and damage.

How can plugs and brushes heat up?

The key to success is intensity and changing the frequency of movements. Use alternately different degrees of speed of revolutions, and in addition, different application of force.

But even in this aspect, it is unacceptable to be overzealous. If you feel that when you put your hand on the plastic, you simply cannot hold it for a long time due to the heat, you should stop.

Cycling

This is the process of flattening the plastic. We will need it in cases where, due to oxidation or improper use, the surface has already been completely deformed or oxidized. In this case, only scraping will help. Scraping and removing the plastic layer using a scraper.

Remember that we are also removing the structural pattern, so it will need to be reapplied by hand.

How to properly prepare skis at home, video

To conclude our review, we will provide some basic tips that will be of interest to beginners who are not familiar with all the tricks of caring for winter clothes. sports equipment.

If you don't ride often, you can use inexpensive quick-drying lubricants. They do not require heat treatment; they harden on their own in just five minutes. True, the duration of the effect is greatly reduced, only 5-6 kilometers.

It's not just the ability to glide that's important when skating. It is worth checking the fastenings, removing debris and possible rust.

When choosing a substance, remember your goal. If you participate in competitions, then the choice of accelerators will be justified. And if you are going for a walk, this is clearly unnecessary.

The first couple of weeks after purchase, the product may retain factory fluff. If you do not remove it yourself, it will slightly, but still reduce the efficiency of sliding.

For winter active rest On the street, it makes sense to take care not only of equipment, but also of warm clothes. The Stayer brand offers suits that make playing sports comfortable, dry and not cold.

Conclusion

It is not only equipment that has been used for a long time that needs care. Preparation of skis after purchase is no less important. Remember that for better effect You should take care of your property at all stages and during all periods. If you start care only on the eve of the competition, then the overall functionality will be at a very low level.

Almost any athlete will confidently say that 50% of success depends on the quality of ski preparation for a race. Very often, due to poor lubrication or improper cleaning, it is not possible to achieve the desired results, especially with skating. How do athletes prepare their main equipment, and how should they select everything they need?

Lubrication of skis at home

For professional athletes, a whole team is involved in preparing the equipment, but in fact, each person can master this technique independently.

• paraffin;
• special iron for applying paraffin;
• sliding brush for cleaning the surface (steel or brass);
• scraper for cleaning the surface.

It is difficult for a beginner in skiing to understand all these tools, so to select special equipment, you need to go to a professional store. Here a person will be told what exactly he should buy to prepare his skis for skating.

To avoid problems with applying special substances and preparing skis for skating at home, you need to understand each issue separately.

Information about lubricants for skating skis

There is currently on the market two types of lubricants:

• hydrocarbons;
• fluorocarbon.

Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, hydrocarbon lubricants for skis wear off very quickly, so they have to be reapplied often. In addition, special substances in the composition of such paraffin are activated only at a certain temperature, and then the lubricant begins to work. That is why it will not be possible to use it in all weather conditions.

Fluorocarbon lubricants are divided into three types:

• low fluoride;
• medium fluoride;
• high fluoride.

Everybody is here depends on humidity level. If the snow moisture level is low, low fluoride paraffins must be used. If the humidity level is high, then high-fluoride options are suitable.

The lubricants themselves for skating skis are inexpensive. Now on the market you can find options from domestic manufacturers, costing from 100 rubles.

Ski preparation

This is a dangerous process for skis in the preparation of equipment - this is the application of paraffin. The thing is that paraffin is mainly applied with a special heated iron. If a person applies too much force, there will be no paraffin layer left between the skis and the iron, and the equipment itself will be damaged.

The first thing to do is preheat the iron to about 60 degrees. Using a warm iron, lightly touch the paraffin and apply a few drops to the entire surface of the skis. Next, the lubricant must be melted into the surface of the skis with an iron. Experts recommend applying one to three layers. After this process, you can leave the wax on the skis for 10 or 15 minutes.

Despite the fact that a person processes the skis with a scraper, a decent amount of paraffin still remains on the surface. It usually accumulates in scratches and plastic structures. That is why, after working with a scraper, it is necessary to treat the surface with a brush.

Removing wax from skis is a very difficult task, and here too there is a system of actions.

• Using a special scraper, you need to start removing paraffin from the surface.
• It is necessary to work with a scraper with the same pressure, without being too zealous in individual parts, otherwise the surface will be cleaned differently.
• The remaining parts of the lubricant should be removed with a special brush, and the movements should be short and quick.
• If you want to remove even the base layer of paraffin, you should use the iron again.
• Having applied one layer of paraffin, you should immediately remove it with a scraper, along with any remaining grease and dirt from the surface of the skis.
• Such removal of excess or complete removal of lubricant is required if the skis do not ride well. Perhaps, during the initial application of the substance, the person made some mistake, and the paraffin was applied incorrectly. This should be corrected immediately using the above technique.

• It is very difficult to apply lubricant yourself for the first time, so if difficulties arise, it is better to contact a professional or watch thematic videos. You should also be careful when working with a hot iron, trying not to hurt yourself or damage your skis.
• It is very important to never forget about the preparatory stage of work. Often the success of all subsequent operations depends on the ski cleaning process.
• It is also worth working with skis only if they are securely fastened on a flat surface. Every little detail is important here, because it can affect the quality of work.

Preparing skating skis - video

It is very important to watch the training video before preparing your skis for skating for the first time. It will help you master the technique of the process.