There was a thaw and the snow stuck to the skis. How to lubricate skis at home for better glide? Ski lubrication scheme at home

The most popular is skiing. In order to avoid problems during skiing, and the movement was comfortable, you need to take care of the equipment in advance. There are several options for special ski lubricants that need to be selected individually.

Why oil your skis?

This question arises among beginner skiers, since many consider this procedure unnecessary. During the ride, a friction force is created, which depends on the quality of the equipment and the condition of the snow. To reduce it, lubrication is carried out. There is another reason to lubricate wooden skis and equipment made of other materials, as the application of ointment prevents slipping back during the push. Thanks to the application of a special agent, the ski sticks well with the middle part to the snow. With the constant use of lubricants, you can extend the life of the inventory.

Which skis do not need to be lubricated?

There are different opinions regarding whether the preparation of equipment is mandatory. If we turn to the competent opinion of experts, then they, arguing about whether it is necessary to lubricate the skis, say that if you want to enjoy the perfect glide, then it is recommended to carry out a simple lubrication procedure before each walk. In addition, this will save the equipment for a long time.

How can you lubricate skis at home?

In shops and other points of sale you can find many different products designed for fans skiing. If a person does not plan to deal with it seriously, then there will be no need to spend money on expensive formulations presented in the form of aerosols or branded paraffins. For those who are interested in how to lubricate skis for better glide, a wide range of different ointments is offered.

Such funds are presented in two forms: for better glide and grip. Beginning athletes can use universal sets of well-known brands: "Visti", "Swix" or "Briko". All products are color-coded according to the temperature at which they must be used. If the temperature is above zero, then liquid formulations are used. For negative values, the following classification applies:

0 to -2 - purple;
-2 to -8 - blue;
-5 to -12 - light green;
-10 to -25 - dark green;
-15 to -30 - black.

When figuring out how to lubricate skis, you need to pay attention to common paraffins, which, according to their properties, are divided into options for sliding and fixing. It is worth knowing how to lubricate the skis so that the snow does not stick in the absence of other means, so you can use wax and paraffin from candles, but medical is better. It is widely believed among the people that soap can be used, but in reality it will not be of any use.

How to lubricate skis at home?

To take care of your own equipment, you do not need to turn to specialists, because, knowing some of the subtleties, all procedures can be carried out independently at home. For those who are interested in how to properly lubricate skis, you should know that it is important to consider not only the material from which the equipment is made, but also the style of intended riding.

How to lubricate plastic skis?

If such equipment has been purchased, then it is necessary to apply lubricant to a clean and dry surface at room temperature. Understanding that, it is worth considering the basic rules:

When using a solid ointment, apply it in several layers, rubbing each of them. After that, leave everything to cool, and the last layer is applied outdoors.
It is recommended to conduct a test after walking a couple of kilometers, and if necessary, the agent must be changed. Those who are wondering why you need to lubricate plastic skis, should know that without this the sliding will not be as good.
For classic skating it is customary to apply paraffin or sliding ointments, but only on the back or front part, but the central area is lubricated with holding agents.
When using paraffin, it is applied in drops, leveling them with an iron. After that, it is cooled and removed with a scraper. Finally, a nylon brush is applied.
There is another important topic - how to lubricate plastic skis with a notch, and so such equipment does not require lubrication, but over time the notch is erased and then paraffin should be applied.

How and with what to lubricate semi-plastic skis?

This type of equipment is made of wood, but a plastic plate is applied on top of the sliding surface, which protects against wear. In operation, it is the same as for products made of plastic. For those who want to know how to lubricate the skis so that there is no kickback, then the recommendations described above for the plastic option should be used.

How to lubricate wooden skis?

In the presence of equipment made of wood, it will not be possible to do without lubrication, which is applied to a dry and clean surface. First you need to carry out priming, for which paraffin is used and it is better to take a candle-tablet. You need to rub harder, and then, walk on top with a hot iron. Excess that is not absorbed, remove cycles. This procedure should be carried out before each exit to the snow. Instructions on how to wax skis are as follows:

Lay the gear down on a flat surface and clean it with a cloth.
Hold the heated iron 2.5 cm above the skis and start processing from the edge. Apply some wax to the iron itself so that it melts and drips. Walk them over the entire surface.
At the bottom, perform back and forth movements with light pressure. The resulting layer of wax should harden, and then, using a scraper, remove it, moving from the highest point to the bottom.
An important step in the instruction on how to lubricate wooden skis is to brush the entire surface with a special brush, making only translational movements and applying a little pressure on the tool.
For several hours, the skis must be taken out in the cold, and then left overnight at room temperature.

How to lubricate combination skis?

Some manufacturers have created special combination equipment that is suitable for both classic and free style. It is worth noting that you can meet them on the market less and less. To choose an easy way to lubricate your skis, you need to consider which running style will be used in a particular case. Processing schemes will be described below.

How to lubricate cross-country skis?

For amateur skating, you can simply use special ointments, which are selected depending on weather conditions. They should be 2-3 degrees higher than the temperature outside. Lubricate the block area with ointment, applying 2-3 layers, rubbing each with light movements. At the end, it is recommended to leave the equipment for 10-15 minutes. cool down. After skiing, using a scraper and a wash, the remnants of the product must be removed. Scheme how to lubricate cross-country skiing paraffin, is more complex.

First they need to be fixed on a table or machine. At the first stage, the process of "hot" cleaning is carried out.
Using an iron heated to the minimum melting temperature of paraffin, smooth out the melted grease. It is important not to delay.
Without allowing the paraffin to set, scrape it off using a scraper and a stiff brush. The final layer should be 0.5-1 mm.
After that, paraffin is applied, taking into account weather conditions. The procedure is similar to the steps described above, and after removing the remnants of the ski should cool for half an hour.
Using a scraper or nylon brush, wax residues are removed, bringing the surface to a shine.

How to lubricate classic skis?

Fans of such skating should use slip and hold ointments. It is customary to apply the first on a sliding surface, and the second on a block (a section in the middle, which is determined from the heel of the boot plus 15-20 cm). For those who are interested in how to lubricate skis, you should know the following information:

At the first stages of processing, cleaning is carried out, and then a sliding ointment is applied.
After that, treat the block with an ointment holder, which must be selected, focusing on the temperature and humidity of the snow.
If it's warm, then use liquid products, and if it's cold, then use solid products. In the second case, a rubbing cork is used.
It is important to consider that holding and sliding ointments should not be mixed.
After applying the first layer, the product must be given time to grab, and only then re-lubrication is carried out.
The preparation ends with polishing with a nylon brush.
Another important point- how to lubricate the skis with paraffin, so it is applied only to the ends of the equipment.

How to lubricate skis for skating?

The processing of equipment for such riding is simpler, since only slip waxes are used. Not for professionals, one layer of ointment, selected by air temperature, is enough. As in the previously described processing schemes, the surface is cleaned. After that, you can proceed to the instructions, which relate to how to properly lubricate the skis at home:

First, preheat the iron to the temperature indicated on the paraffin.
Attach the bar to the surface of the iron and run it so that the drops of paraffin are evenly distributed.
After that, run the iron from heel to toe to completely melt the paraffin. The fact that everything is done correctly will be evidenced by a uniform shine.
An important step in the instructions on how to lubricate skis with paraffin at home is to remove the excess with a scraper after the layer has set. Move against the course of skating. Finish with polishing.

How to lubricate skis?

Before going out on the snow, it is necessary to carry out a hot treatment of the equipment, which will help to fill the pores. The procedure for how to lubricate skis is similar to the options described above. First, dirt and existing irregularities are cleaned. Be sure to grease everything with a degreaser. In the next step, apply the blue ointment in a hot way, and then, after it hardens, remove the excess with a scraper. You can also use liquid ointments that are distributed with a sponge.

Snow clods on boots and boots are an unpleasant detail that can interfere with fast walking and create a risk of slipping and falling.

Under what conditions does snow stick to shoes more?

Any loose material (sand, flour, any insoluble powder) does not have the property of sticking to hard surfaces - it simply falls off them. But this happens only until water gets into the dry material - and with the advent of moisture, the sand begins to mold into cakes and stick to the skin, flour turns into dough, etc.

The same applies to snow (despite the fact that it is water itself): the more snowflakes are in a solid state of aggregation, the less snow sticks to the sole. However, if a certain critical mass of water is reached among the solid particles in the snow mass, then the opposite effect occurs - the snow sticks to the sole, but it is not necessary to do something with it: it falls off very quickly, simply slipping or draining due to its own high humidity.

That is, the air temperature at which the snow is most sticky is about zero degrees: when the snow mass underfoot is molded, but does not melt. You also run the risk of being covered with snowballs with boots if you go out with wet soles on a relatively dry snow cover at sub-zero temperatures - water in its solid state of aggregation sticks to wet surfaces, more precisely, freezes very well.

What can be done with shoes so that snow sticks to them less?

What to do if snow sticks to the sole?

From the point of view of physics and chemistry, the problem of sticky snowballs can be dealt with as follows.

Since water in its liquid aggregate state contributes to sticking, any substance that repels water should be applied to the surface. And such a substance should be some thick enough (so as not to drain from the shoes) and quite fatty mass.

Water-repellent properties have fats and paraffins. On their basis, protective creams for shoes are made, as well as ski wax- a special compound that is applied to skis so that they slide on a snowy surface.

Theoretically, if snow sticks to the sole, it should be smeared with shoe cream or ski ointment. However, this advice is of little use in real life - since it will be very slippery in shoes smeared with something greasy, especially if you go on wet smooth steps, parquet or laminate, etc. Although, if you have to walk on wet snow for a long time, which sticks strongly, without going into the premises, then this is a completely rational solution to the problem!

If smearing the soles is not your thing, then pay attention to the selection of the most comfortable shoes. Snow sticks less (or rather, it keeps worse when walking) on boots with a corrugated surface of the soles. However, we are talking about shallow corrugation, and not very much - since snow, on the contrary, gets very clogged into deep "pits" on the soles and makes it difficult to walk.

If various rough linings on the sole are attached to the shoes (up to sandpaper), then from sticking snowballs"Beautiful and Successful" advises making soft rubber heels for winter shoes. The smooth surface contributes to less grip with the snow mass, and the softness and elasticity of the rubber allow the sole to slightly spring when walking, which is why both dry and wet snow is shaken off and does not stick. The material from which such temporary linings can be made at home can be strips of rubber sealant for window frames.

For the same reason of elasticity, winter shoes with flexible and soft soles are good - for example, such a sole is usually found in ugg boots.

It is believed that, unlike plastic, wooden tourist skis absolutely do not need any additional lubrication. They say that resin perfectly protects them from water, the necessary slip is provided by a paraffin primer, and self-made know-how - silver ointment - protects from sticking. This is not entirely true. If the ski trip will take place at low temperatures and many long ascents are expected on the route, then the return of wooden skis can bring a lot of trouble, exhausting hikers, reducing the speed of the group.

So, within the framework of this article, we will talk about how to lubricate wooden skis and how this procedure is carried out. We bring to your attention instructions for lubricating wooden skis. By default, it is assumed that the skis are pre-tarred and after that they stood at least a day warm.

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Lubrication of wooden skis: applying the “base”

It is necessary to prime the ski in advance, at home. To do this, either special paraffin is used, or a paraffin (not stearin) candle, preferably a tablet candle in a metal cup (it is also called floating), because. more paraffin content.

Before lubricating wooden skis with ointment, rub them with stronger paraffin, iron them using something hot for this, for example, or a spatula heated on the stove.

Remove the cycles (with a special scraper) that have not absorbed excess melted, smeared paraffin.

Wax your ski regularly, before each outing on the snow. This is a good remedy for podlip. But it’s even better to use a “self-made” silver ointment for this.

"Serebryanka" adheres well to skis without preheating (unlike paraffin). Since it is gray, you can clearly see where the skis are smeared with it. Another advantage of the "silver" is the resistance to abrasion by snow.

Ointment for wooden skis "silver". Recipe.

Melt the paraffin or paraffin candle in a metal container that you don't mind throwing away (tin can).
Pour, stirring, aluminum powder (silver), in a ratio of 1: 2. Add a little bit of ski resin left over from ski resin. It will soften the ointment, which is especially important if you smear your skis with it in the cold.
Pour the mixture into a pre-prepared plastic cup, holding the temperature of boiling water. After half an hour - an hour the ointment will harden.
Cut off the glass with scissors. Ready!

When solidified, the aluminum will settle a little and on the one hand the bar will turn out to be more gray. This part of it can be used in warm weather, and the reverse (with the resulting notch) - during frost.

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Skiing is a useful and interesting activity for the whole family. But it’s not enough just to buy skis, they need competent care, including lubrication. Lubrication of sports equipment made of plastic is different from the same process with wood. This article is about how to properly lubricate plastic skis.

Lubrication of skis "for slip"

The technology for lubricating plastic skis is different depending on how you are going to ski. In order for the skis to glide, they are lubricated with hot paraffin, and to keep them on the snow, with a special ointment. for a better glide?

How to lubricate plastic skis "on hold"

The ski lubrication technology "on hold" differs from that described above. In order for the skis to have a tighter grip on the snow cover, they are lubricated as follows:

Ointments for skis

You have already learned how to properly lubricate plastic skis, but what kind of ointment should be used for this? Ski treatment products are conventional, low-fluorine and high-fluoride. Ordinary ointment is suitable if it does not exceed 55% when riding. In other cases, it is better to use products containing fluorine in one quantity or another. Such ointments are more expensive, but the skis glide much better after they are applied. Be aware that if the temperature of the iron exceeds the expected limit, the ointment containing fluoride will be released Lubricate the equipment in a respirator or in a well-ventilated area.

If you are wondering “how to lubricate plastic skis”, then go straight to the sports equipment store, where sales assistants will select the ointment that suits you.

Even the highest quality ointment will not bring your skis in order if you do not familiarize yourself with the basic rules of lubrication:

Apply lubricant only at room temperature. Skis must be kept clean and dry.
If you use a solid ointment, always apply it in several layers. Moreover, each layer must be ground separately, and the skis must be cooled after the procedure. If the temperature outside the window is up to -15 ° C, then 15 minutes will be enough for cooling, but if it is frosty outside, cool the skis longer.
How to lubricate plastic skis? For classic skiing, apply ointment or wax to the front and back of the skis, treat the surface in the middle with a compound for holding on the snow.

Want to know if you've lubricated your inventory correctly? Take a ski trip at least a couple of kilometers long. How to lubricate plastic skis in case of failure? If your skis roll too poorly, use a harder wax. If they are too slippery, use a higher temperature ointment.

Lubrication secrets of skis

In order for skiing to bring you only joy, you must clearly know how to properly lubricate plastic skis. In this case, as in any other, there are tricks and secrets.

Always check the weather forecast on the day of skiing. If the weather was sunny in the morning, and by the afternoon they promise an increase in the level of humidity and fog, be sure to take an extra bottle of ski wax with you. This will allow you to adjust the lubrication on the spot. Not sure which ski wax to choose? Get a special notebook and write down in it all the nuances of the "behavior" of the skis after using this or that tool. This will allow you to find the perfect ointment!

Be sure to keep ski wax out of the reach of children and make sure that moisture does not get into it. Otherwise, the tool will simply be damaged. On the street, close the tube immediately after use.

Proper storage of plastic skis

Careful processing and lubrication is required for skis at least once a year. Of course, professional skiers and people who rent equipment at resorts do this much more often. As a rule, this is done after each ride. For an ordinary person who prefers to take a leisurely ski trip on a weekend, this is useless.

How to properly lubricate plastic skis, you already understood. But how to properly store them? Be sure to store them lubricated, tied in two places (at the heel and toe). Place your skis in a dry place with

Here we are talking about amateur cross-country skiing.

When, at what temperature can you ski?

The ski season, for example, in central Russia begins with the appearance of snow cover (in November-December) and can continue until the end of March and even the beginning of April. You can ski at any temperature - from a small plus to a big minus, if at the same time you feel comfortable, do not freeze and do not sweat. To do this, you need to dress properly.

What to ski in?

How to dress properly?

Most often, the problem is not freezing, but overheating. First of all, you need exclude various down jackets and warm jackets. You can often see "skiers" with sweat on their backs - these people are doing it wrong.

IN proper clothes without movement it must be cold. Depending on the temperature outside and your pace of skiing, clothing and the number of layers may vary, but this rule should apply Always. At the same time, of course, you do not need thin tight clothes, like athletes. Put on synthetic thermal underwear (thin or medium thickness), top - preferably with a high collar. In any case, the throat must be protected: for this, a universal scarf-mask (balaclava) is indispensable, which can cover both the neck and, if necessary, the face. Above - a warm-up ski suit made of a Soft shell type material ("Soft Shell") or any similar combination of a light jacket and pants.

In the right ski clothing, you should be cold without moving, and while moving, you should not sweat.

You can take a light down jacket with you to put it on at a halt, but then take it off and put it in a backpack.

An important element is sufficiently thick socks (special thermal socks for cross-country skiing are recommended).

In addition, you will need a windproof hat that covers your ears well (but your head should not sweat in it) and ski gloves. It is good if a special coating is applied to the gloves to better hold the sticks. If the hat and gloves use Windstopper type material, this is a good sign.

A word of advice: Apply lip balm to your lips before skiing to prevent chapping.

What should I do if I'm sweating?

This means that you are dressed too warmly for the given weather and speed of movement. Slow down! Otherwise, you risk catching a cold. Next time, keep this in mind and dress lighter. Pay attention to what is said above: in the right clothes, you should be cold without moving, and while moving, you should not sweat.

What to do if your hands are cold?

You need different gloves. If you have ski gloves, then they are too thin. Look in the store insulated gloves for cross-country skiing. Mittens, knitted gloves - all this is nonsense, they are not suitable for skiing, as they are blown by the wind and do not hold well ski poles. If insulated ski gloves do not solve the problem, you can try ski gloves(just make sure there is a special coating there to better hold the sticks).

Can I cross-country ski in ski clothing?

Take note of what has been said above about proper clothing. Still skiing- this is a different kind of activity, and the clothes for it are different. But if you're skiing so leisurely that you're not overheating or sweating in ski clothing, then you're good to go.

What are the best ski boots?

Is it possible to ski at the beginning of winter when there is little snow?

When the snow cover is not yet very thick, it is already possible to ski, but there is a risk of scratching the skis, as stones, frozen ground, etc. can stick out in some places. Therefore, it is recommended to have at least two pairs of skis - one that is not a pity - for the first and last snow, and the second - for the main skiing in high season.

Can you ski when it snows?

Yes, sure. A thin fresh layer of snow even improves glide, and notched skis hold better on the track when pushing off. Of course, with heavy snow and wind, you will not be very comfortable, as the snow will fall into your face.

Is it possible to ski in positive temperatures?

Of course you can. Even necessary. Take into account everything that has been said above about proper clothing - you need to dress lightly so as not to sweat. And if you are driving out of town, keep in mind that it will be colder there.

Is it possible to ski in the spring when the snow melts?

If it seems to you that the snow has almost melted, then this indicates that you rarely get out of the city. As a rule, outside the city at this time there is plenty of snow. It's always a little colder there. It is enough to drive a few kilometers by car, and you can perfectly ski in the forest or in the fields, despite the fact that there are continuous puddles in the city. Especially for a long time the snow lies in the shade of trees, along the edges of the fields - look for such places at the end of the season.

Skis go well on a slightly melted track (in any case, such a track is much better than an icy one). Therefore, the spring time when the snow melts is a great time for skiing. And when minus and plus temperatures alternate (night/day), a crust forms in the fields, allowing you to ride in any direction and not fall through.

How often can you ski?

If you feel well and do not fall from fatigue after ski trip, then you can ride at least every day (if the weather is comfortable for you).

What should I do if snow sticks to my skis?

Slip often occurs at temperatures around freezing when you touch water or wet snow with your ski.

Advice: ride through a shallow puddle or patch of wet snow on two parallel skis, accelerating or pushing with sticks. Don't stop and don't push off with your foot. Driving then on dry snow, you will "wipe" the skis, and the snow will not stick. If sticking still occurs, clean the skis manually or repeat driving through a puddle and “wiping” the skis on dry snow.

When driving fast, the skis usually clean themselves, when they drive slowly, they rather freeze over. Try to dry your skis before stopping.