Preparing skis for skating. How to prepare skis for skiing or competitions? Preparing cross-country skis for skating

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

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

• paraffin;
• 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.

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.

Paraffins are substances for lubricating skis that increase glide, reduce traction with snow, and also prevent snow from sticking to the surface and repel water. Ski paraffin is an ester containing alcohol and fatty acid. In fact, paraffin is the same wax.

There are several types of friction that contribute to worse sliding. Let's list how wax can deal with them:

1. Wet friction. Eliminated by waxing and cleaning.
2. Mud friction. Removed with wax containing molybdenum additives.
3. Static friction. It can be removed with wax containing molybdenum additives.
4. Kinetic friction. Can be removed by waxing and brushing.

The ski base is like a sponge that absorbs wax. The glide is on the base, not on the wax. If you do not clean the wax from the surface, it will flow out from the base and prevent slipping. Sharp snow crystals will burrow into the wax and slow down your ride speed.

The benefits of ski wax are:

• increases ski speed;
• prevents oxidation of the ski base, oxidation leads to deterioration of properties and a reduction in the service life of the product;
• smooth gliding leads to improved balance;
• protects the ski base from damage.

Ski wax

One of the important things to consider when choosing a wax is what the temperature range will be in which you will be riding. Snow is usually a few degrees colder than the air temperature during the day, and a few degrees warmer at night. But it’s always better to err on the side of a cold temperature than a warm one. There are universal waxes that are suitable for any temperature. But still, lubricants with a temperature range will have better ski sliding properties. Below is a classification of ski lubricants. Depending on the manufacturing technology, they are divided into hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon.

All waxes have a hydrocarbon base, which includes various additives.

The simplest is hydrocarbon wax. It has no additives and is mainly used by amateurs. Universal hydrocarbon waxes are used for those who ride a lot on different types of snow. This type has good water-repellent properties and increases the service life of skis. The composition of hydrocarbon wax usually includes paraffin, microcrystalline and synthetic waxes, which are combined in different proportions. Paraffin is a soft, candle-like wax with a low coefficient of friction. Microcrystalline waxes are a branched type of hydrocarbon that are harder than paraffin. Synthetic waxes also make the wax harder. Molybdenum additives counteract the electrostatic effect that slows speed on cold, dry snow.

Waxes designed for different temperatures contain additives that work most effectively under certain weather conditions.

There are several types of ski waxes used for different temperatures:

1. Lubricant for cold skiing, where snow temperature is below -12. Here, additives are used to increase hardness for better wear resistance. This type is resistant to dry friction and scratches from ice crystals. In this case, water-repellent properties are not so important.
2. Lubrication where snow temperature is from -12 to -2 °C. Quite hard, but at the same time there are also water-repellent properties, since at this temperature the presence of water is possible.
3. Lubricant for warm skiing, snow temperatures above -2°C. It uses softening additives and has excellent water-repellent properties.

There are also fluorocarbon substances. Fluorocarbon is a hydrocarbon in which the hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms. Since fluorine is a hydrophobic substance, its combination with water molecules is minimal. These waxes provide increased slip in wet snow conditions.

Paraffins are produced in the form of blocks, powders, pastes, pencils.

The most common option is wax in the form of blocks or briquettes. Remains on the product the longest. After heating, it should be melted to ski lodge. It is important to carry out melting at a given temperature so as not to inhale harmful vapors of chemicals.

The paste is easy to spread and economical. A small cloth applicator is used for application and then buffed. The longer you polish the surface, the longer the wax will last. Suitable for use in a universal temperature range.

The powder is used after applying several layers of block wax to further enhance the gliding properties. They have a high cost due to the large amount of fluorocarbons in the composition. Used mainly by professional skiers.

Using wax on plastic skis

Although plastic skis have good glide, for example, unlike wooden ones, but they still need lubrication. During operation, the plastic begins to be subjected to mechanical stress from ice, and microcracks form. At the same time, the sliding properties deteriorate. Hydrocarbon lubricants fill all irregularities and cracks and extend the service life of the product.

Why choose liquid paraffins?

Liquid paraffins come in the form of a liquid ointment or spray.

Universal liquid ointments - klisters, good for use at a temperature of -5°C. Their only drawback is that they need to be washed with kerosene or gasoline.

There are highly effective innovative liquid paraffins on sale, which are very convenient due to quick application and no heat treatment. You just need to spray it on sliding surface and leave to dry for about 30 minutes. Easy, simple and convenient.

If you use regular liquid paraffin, then after completing the above steps you need to clean the surface with a nylon brush.

Other advantages include the absence of an iron and, for skating skis, a hair dryer (since it is not necessary to heat the klister, as for classic models), and the absence of harmful paraffin vapors. The preparation time is reduced significantly, and the wear resistance of the product will be higher.

Application of liquid paraffins

Liquid lubricants are available in tubes and jars. Sprays are used mainly by professionals as an accelerator. They have a high cost. Pastes, emulsions and gels are also popular among athletes. These are the so-called quick application ointments. They can be applied while directly on the ski slope.

With heat treatment

After the skis are cleaned of dirt and dried, initialing begins.

For this:

• heat the iron to 150 degrees;
• shake the bottle;
• apply spray paraffin to the sliding surface, different types of skis require different application of the substance;
• use a hot iron to move from toe to heel;
• leave the product to cool for 10 minutes;
• Clean the layer with a brush, removing excess wax.

This procedure, useful for skis, evens out the sliding surface. For best result Initialing should be repeated up to 10 times. This will allow all uneven areas to be well compacted with wax.

No heat treatment

In the absence of special equipment and time, use liquid lubricant without heat treatment. This is a less correct method and the effect will not be as high quality as when applied with heat treatment. Although new developments make it possible to achieve no worse effect than with classic application. So, to treat skis with paraffin you need:

• clean off dirt and dry the ski;
• go over the sliding layer with a brush;
• thinly apply a layer of lubricant; if it is a liquid, then use a sponge for even application;
• let stand for 3-5 minutes;
• polish with a pad along the entire length;
• leave the polished skis for 10 minutes.

Cost of liquid paraffins

Lubricant in the form of an ointment will cost around 300 rubles per 25 grams. Sprays are expensive because they have a high fluorocarbon content. And their price can reach up to 2000-3000 rubles, and sometimes higher.

Classic skis, unlike skate skis, are treated with additional holding ointment.

How to wax skating skis?

For this processing you need:

1. Clean the plastic with a fine steel or brass brush, and finish cleaning the product with soft nylon. This is done to open the pores of the surface.
2. Melt the paraffin with an iron that has been preheated to 135 degrees. Apply to the ski surface. Carefully, without applying too much force, move the iron from toe to heel for no more than 8-10 seconds, without holding it in place. Repeat the manipulations 3-4 times.
3. Cool the plastic to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
4. Remove the paraffin with a scraper. In sequence: from the groove, then from the edges and from the entire sliding surface.
5. Use a wire brush to remove any remaining grease using quick, short strokes from toe to heel. This step is needed to remove paraffin that has accumulated in scratches and deep structures of the plastic.
6. Polish with a nylon polishing brush.

Carry out this necessary processing yourself or contact a specialized ski preparation service center for this service.

Ski Preparation Tools

You will need:

1. Profile for ski preparation. Has two stops with a loop for fastening. If you do not have such equipment, then secure the ski using a table and a vice; any workbench will also do.
2. It is better to use the iron with a special soleplate. Otherwise, you can use an old household iron, but with caution.
3. Various brushes. Metal - cleanses old paraffin and dirt. Nylon - removes hard and soft paraffin, and also performs final polishing. Natural - remove soft paraffin, and also apply accelerators. Polishing - apply powders to a dry surface. Typically, three main brushes are used: thin metal, medium-hard nylon, soft nylon.
4. Ski scrapers are distinguished by thickness. Available from 3 to 5 mm thick, metal or plastic, the gutter scraper is shaped like the body of a ballpoint pen. Use it if you don't have a professional tool.
5. Ski stones - use them to remove rust from the edges.
6. Stoppers - for rubbing paraffin or ointment manually.

What kind of paraffin should I apply the powder on?

Powdered wax is applied after several layers of briquette wax and is used to increase speed properties. Due to the large amount of fluorocarbons, they are quite expensive.

Fluorocarbon powder does not wet the ski plate well. An intermediate layer of synthetic fluoride paraffin is required. It is recommended to apply SFR powders to HF paraffin. Possible combinations are HF-FC, LF7-FC, LF8-FC and LF10-FC. Amateurs most often place HR under the powder layer.

Which brand of paraffins is better?

The most popular companies among amateurs are SWIX and START.

The following lubricants are suitable for the climate of the Moscow region: HF80 START, LF6 SWIX, HF7 SWIX, HF8 SWIX. Of the powders, the brand F9-20 (±4°) has proven itself well. To completely cover the sliding surface with fluorocarbon, suspensions of activator F9-01 and powders and tablets are combined. For example, first rub the surface with a tablet, then make a layer of powder.

For old snow, the SFR99(±9°) START tablet is suitable. CH7 from SWIX and 423 REX BLUE have proven themselves well as a base coat (at temperatures above -10°). For abrasive snow, grades SG8 or LF8 are suitable.

Maximum water repellency is PHF200 (+1°+10°). PHF600 (-1°-6°) is suitable for fresh snow; PHF800 (-6°-12°) is good for hard snow.

The selection of ski coverage must be approached responsibly, because the climate is different in each region. If you prefer skiing, then caring for your sports equipment is necessary. This way, its service life will be longer, and its performance characteristics will delight you.

Ski paraffin is necessary to improve the sliding moment. No matter what kind of skis we ski - classic or skating - without additional lubrication the skis will give too good grip on the snow. But good grip is only needed when the wheels are moving on asphalt. In order to develop speed on a snowy slope, it is better to have minimal grip on the surface. In the case of flat skiing, reducing friction helps to reduce the effort a person makes when moving.

What are paraffins

Paraffins are hydrocarbon mixtures formed as a by-product of petroleum refining. Paraffin compounds have different degrees of viscosity. There are:

• soft (liquid) paraffins that melt at room temperature;
• solid - melt when heated within 70 ° C;
• crystalline - turn into a liquid state at temperatures above 70 ° C.

Functionally, paraffins are, in most cases, lubricating, water-repellent substances. They are added to various mixtures to give the appropriate consistency and properties. For example, Vaseline is made from petroleum hydrocarbons.

Paraffins are used in technical lubricants. These substances have also found their use in skiing as agents that improve the gliding of skis and snowboards.

Ski wax

Ski waxes are traditionally divided into:

• lubricants for cold skiing at snow temperatures below -12 ° C;
• lubricants for skiing at snow temperatures of -12 ° C…-2 ° C;
• warm lubricants for snow temperatures above -2 ° C.

The key substance that provides better gliding at high temperatures is fluorine. The less fluorine, the more severe frost (and low humidity) the paraffin is designed for. Conversely, high-fluoride greases are designed for mild and wet weather.

There are universal lubricants, the composition of which ensures good gliding on any snow. For example, TOKO Irox Fluoro spray, although low-fluoride, is designed for use in a wide temperature range 0 ° C…-30 ° C. In addition to fluorine, ski lubricants include: silicone, various salts, oxidized metals.

Using wax on plastic skis

It would seem that plastic is a well-gliding material without lubricants. Unlike, for example, traditional wooden skis, which, due to the low density of the material, provided better grip on the surface and, accordingly, drove worse.

The new skis actually glide great. But as you ride, microcracks appear on the sliding surface and edges. Ice and snow particles damage plastic. And although these changes are not noticeable to the human eye, under a microscope the surface of such a ski resembles a mountain landscape. Sliding properties deteriorate due to such a landscape.

In order to fill all these microdamages and restore the perfectly slippery surface of the ski, hydrocarbon lubricants are used.

Why choose liquid paraffins?

It should be noted right away that paraffins in liquid form do not have any advantages over solid waxes in terms of functionality. The purpose of all paraffin waxes is to impregnate the sliding surface of the ski. To ensure the most effective rolling, all waxes, including liquid ones, require heat treatment after application.

Liquid paraffins are available in 2 types:

1. liniment;
2. aerosol.

Paraffin in the form of a cream-ointment, in general, from the user’s point of view does not have any differences from solid types.

The aerosol form provides additional convenience in terms of application. True, part of the product is sprayed past, which is why the consumption of paraffin aerosols is always greater.

Application of liquid paraffins

To apply liquid paraffin, the ski must be clean and dry. Particles of dirt, water, ice that become clogged in the micropores of the sliding layer will not allow you to apply paraffin correctly.

With heat treatment

Waxing of skis with heat treatment, as a rule, is carried out during periods between skiing in home-garage conditions. This initially assumes that the skis have been cleaned and dried.

1. Heat the iron to 150 ° WITH.
2. Spray liquid paraffin onto the sliding layer of the ski. We mean that different types skis, require a different model of lubricant application. For skating skis, the entire sliding surface is lubricated. Classic skis are waxed, bypassing the central part.
3. Iron the ski from toe to heel.
4. Let the ski cool and dry at a temperature not lower than 0 ° C for at least 10 min.
5. We pass the layer with the applied lubricant with a brush.

As a result of these manipulations, heated paraffin penetrates the pores of the plastic, fills them, and the microscopic “landscape” of the sliding surface is leveled. The wax remaining on the surface is excess. We remove it with a brush.

Ideally, this cycle should be repeated up to 10 times. The fact is that brushing, in addition to removing the surface layer, also removes part of the “useful” paraffin that filled the microcracks. When we repeat waxing several times in a row, we better “compact” the uneven skis with paraffin, filling the unevenness and microcracks more efficiently.

No heat treatment

Often we do not have the opportunity to use an iron, we are limited in time, and we need to lubricate our skis because they glide poorly. Manufacturers of liquid paraffins offer the theoretical possibility of using their lubricants without heat treatment.

1. Drying the ski.
2. We clean the sliding layer with a brush to remove dust and dirt from the pores of the plastic.
3. Wipe and let dry a little.
4. Apply a SMALL layer of lubricant.
5. Let stand for 3-5 minutes.
6. We rub it with a cork, a pad or whatever we are used to using.
7. Let stand for 10 minutes.

If you still put too much lubricant, you should use a brush and remove the excess layer. However, lubricant manufacturers warn that with the cold method of applying paraffin, brushing at the final stage is not significant.

And if it does, it will last no more than 5 minutes. For proper cold lubrication it takes about 1 hour. It is advisable to have sun or some room for drying.

You should be aware that, even if all of the above conditions are met, cold waxing is always an emergency measure, which in its effectiveness can never be compared with the classic heat treatment option.

Cost of liquid paraffins

Paraffins in the form of ointments cost about $5 per 25 g. Sprays, especially high-fluoride ones, can cost up to $40 per 50 ml bottle.

The types of skis do not influence the choice of one or another wax. However, it should be remembered that, unlike skating, the sliding surface classic skis requires lubrication with additional holding ointment. Since traditional skiing requires pushing off and, accordingly, requires better adhesion of the ski to the snow at the point of application of force, the holding ointment is applied to the center of the ski.

Ski preparation is a science in itself, which requires taking into account a number of factors and variables. The weather, the quality of the coating, and the material used to make the ski are taken into account. Beginners often prepare equipment on their own, so they must take into account a number of points personally. It requires quite a bit of skill, but many consider it to be more advanced than skating.

Before preparing for classic move, its features should be taken into account.

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

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

The procedure for preparing classic skis

Preparation varies. The number of “steps” of training will depend on financial capabilities, model, and the availability of certain tools. There is no exact preparation plan. You should be guided by your personal feelings when driving, and they are individual. The type of ointments and treatments chosen depends on this.

For beginners, there is no point in purchasing expensive drugs; it will be enough to buy an inexpensive domestic or imported kit.

The order will be as follows:

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

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

Preparing the sliding surface

First you need to prepare the surface for the appropriate ointments. If the equipment is new, then you won’t have to prepare anything special. If the equipment has been used previously, you must first clean the surface.

Surface cleaning

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

• Treat with a bronze brush to remove old dirty grease.
• It is applied and immediately removed with a scraper.
• Next, the ski is cooled to ambient temperature.
• The surface is rubbed with a nylon brush, without pressure.
• Paraffin is applied and smoothed with an iron.

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

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

Surface preparation

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

Classic ski lubrication

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

In some cases, it is impossible to predict which stroke will be used throughout the course. You have to use a combination, that is, combine different methods.

Improving ski glide

Gliding can be improved different ways. Firstly, you need to choose the right equipment - in one case, plastic (or, for example, carbon) will be appropriate, in another - wooden.

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

Application of accelerators

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

Application of fluorocarbon powders

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

• The application surface is treated with sandpaper.
• The equipment is treated with primer powder.
• The primer ointment is heated with an iron to a temperature of ninety degrees.
• After cooling, rub with ointment.
• Rubber is used to ensure even application.

After this, the skis need to be taken outside so that they cool down to ambient temperature.

Application of emulsions

Emulsions are applied in this way:

• Primer emulsion is applied.
• Heats up with an iron.
• After cooling, the desired emulsion is applied in an even layer.
• The equipment is taken outside to cool down to operating temperature.

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

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

It is worth paying attention to the selection of the right lubricant; this will significantly affect the final result.

Preparing a move will be little different from preparing for a skating move. Professional athletes have special people do their training, but amateurs or beginners should be guided by their own skills and feelings.

In order for skiing in any terrain and in any weather to be a real pleasure, it is necessary to provide appropriate, high-quality training sports equipment for use. For this, special lubricants are used: paraffins, which ensure the skis glide and stay on the snow.

The quality of the ski's glide and the amount of pleasant emotions from skiing depend on how carefully and thoughtfully all the accompanying effects are selected and applied.

How to choose paraffin for different types of skis?

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

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

As for grip lubrication, its main function is to ensure minimal recoil while running. classic style. The substance is applied to the central zone.

The holding ointment 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 layer of snow. The connecting link between the ski and the snow is the holding ointment, into which the ice crystals penetrate. After pushing off, the ski should easily free itself from the snow, which will ensure good glide.

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

For short ski trips or holidays ski resort Once a year, the process of preparing sports equipment is not so complicated. Those wishing to take part in competitions and climb onto podiums must pay Special attention preparing skis.

Fluorocarbon waxes

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

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

Which paraffin is better?

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

Some of the cheapest paraffins are fluoride-free waxes. If funds are limited, 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 piste and glide perfectly on the snow. The cost of such waxes is much higher and the purchase of such products is not always justified or 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 to skis?

In this matter, the main thing to remember is that any ski lubricant is better than no lubricant. This is especially true for skis made of wood.

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

Instructions for applying paraffin to skis:

• For the procedure you need: an iron (if you don’t have a special one, you can use an ordinary household one, but without holes in the sole), a damp cloth, a plastic scraper, a nylon brush, a dry soft cloth.
• The first surface treatment of the ski is carried out at a temperature of 65-70 degrees with paraffins that are soft in consistency (fluorine-free).
• Using 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 kind of skiing the skis are intended for.
• Using a heated iron, touch the prepared paraffin and drip a little onto the surface of the ski. Using an iron, melt the wax into the surface of the equipment, while constantly ensuring that a layer of paraffin is maintained between the skis and the iron. Leave the ski for 10-15 minutes until the wax completely hardens.
• Then you need to remove the paraffin using a scraper and polish with a prepared dry cloth. Using a similar method, you should treat the remaining sliding surfaces of sports equipment and apply paraffin to the base layer of wax that matches the temperature of the snow. The method for applying weathering wax is similar to the method described.

How to remove paraffin from skis?

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

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

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

Instructions for removing paraffin:

• First you need to secure the ski in the machine.
• Movements of the scraper are carried out from the nose of the ski to the heel. The scraper should be used evenly without changing the pressure. 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, sand it with sandpaper.

• Particular attention must be paid to processing the edge of the skis and the groove. To do this you will need scrapers of the required shape.
• The remaining parts of 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 one, a hot method is necessary. To do this, you will need a special iron or a household iron without holes in the sole. Using an iron, you need to apply paraffin to the ski, and before it hardens, treat the surface with a scraper. If the action is performed correctly, a roll of paraffin, dirt and other substances used should form.

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