Ski waxing remains a prominent maintenance technique for all types of snow skiing. Downhill and freestyle skiers use ski wax to increase the speed capabilities of their skiing blades. Cross-country skiers wax their skis to enable a smooth gliding motion across level terrains. Waxing your skis on a regular basis will help to prevent damage from rough riding surfaces.
History
Skiing was not recognized as a sport until the 1800s. According to the New England Nordic Ski Association, early racers developed ski wax formulas to gain an edge over their competitors. Primitive ski waxes consisted of natural ingredients, including animal fat and tree sap. Modern waxes contain such chemical components as paraffin and microcrystalline substances.
Function
A glide wax refers to a prominent formula of ski wax. Glide waxes help to decrease the friction that takes place between the bottom of your skis and the snow-covered riding surface. Kick waxes serve the opposite function, helping to increase the amount of friction between your skis and the riding terrain. Apply glide wax around the tips of your skis to increase your turning capability. Use kick waxes in the middle of your skis to avoid slide outs on icy patches of snow.
Types
Many types of ski wax are produced with solid hydrocarbons. According to the New England Nordic Ski Association, the hydrocarbon chemical group contains plastics, fuels and waxes. The hydrocarbon construction allows you to apply the wax easily to the bottom of your skis. Hydrocarbon skiing waxes help to decrease the amount of riding friction. Paraffin waxes enable your skis to glide over the sharp crystals of newly fallen snow.
Effects
Manufacturers offer varying formulas of ski wax to accommodate to the consistency of the snow that covers the riding terrain. Hard-packed snow often occur in winter conditions where the temperature hovers around 32 degrees F. Use harder types of wax to ensure your skis can grip a slick riding surface. Softer waxes can stay on your skis when the snow has a slushy consistency. The New England Nordic Ski Association states that softer wax creates an uneven surface on the bottom of your skis, which prevents you from sinking into the snow.
Benefits
Fluorocarbon ski waxes remain ideal for spring skiing condition. The fluorocarbon wax helps to repel dirt and water particles from the bottoms of your skis. Downhill racers use kick waxes to remain stabilized during high-speed maneuvers and turns. Kick waxes also allow you to push off the snow when participating in cross-country treks. While climbing steep terrain, kick waxes prevent you from sliding backwards.
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