subject: Ski and Snowboard Safeness with Waxing and Tuning [print this page] Ski and Snowboard Safeness with Waxing and Tuning
If you enjoy the slopes on skis or snowboards you hopefully realize the importance of caring for your gear properly. Proper ski and board care includes regular maintenance and other things that allow you to have a safe, fun experience on the slopes. If you read about it and talk to the right people you will soon discover that you can do much of the work yourself. As you begin to learn you may want a professional to train you in proper technique. Here we will be talking about three tips for tuning and waxing that you need to know.
For anyone who doesn't have the patience to properly tune and wax their gear, at least consider this. If you want your skis or snowboard to perform a lot better, at least use some wax on them. Work in some cold wax as much as possible into the bases, if you don't want to take the trouble to use hot wax. If you choose to do that, it's better than nothing, but don't expect the same kind of high performance you'll receive from skis that have been hot-waxed.
When you're ready to edge your skis, then you'll want to consult the recommended edge angle supplied by the manufacturer. Although we will admit that with more experienced skiers and riders that is often a matter of personal preference. Unless you are confident in your own judgment, however, it's best to do what the company suggests. The edge angle will usually vary from between one and three degrees. Aside from a file, many people like to use a file guide as well. A file guide is not essential, but it will make it simpler if you don't have much experience. After you've used a file on every edge, then you'll want to go over them again with a diamond stone. You will find that diamond stones work more smoothly if you wet them a little before using them.
Sometimes the snow under your skis or board just doesn't cooperate when you get out there, and you want to be ready for this. It's no fun when this happens, but you can remedy the situation.
You never know when you'll need to do a fast wax job, which is why you should carry a bar of base wax at all times. Certain kinds of ice will cause the wax to fall right off the base of your skis or board. All you have to do is apply some wax to your base and you should be back in motion once again. So it makes good sense to keep some wax on hand. All purpose waxes that have fluorine are the kind you should look for. Why get wax that has fluorine in it? You want your board or skis to be slippery, and fluorine is what gives the wax this quality. The fluorine in the wax is what helps the ski from sticking to the snow. This makes your gear work smoothly.
We realize that you may not want to take the trouble to wax your board or skis. It's simply a necessary part of winter sports. No one can force you to take good care of your equipment, of course. So at the rock-bottom very least, put some wax on your bases. One way or another, everyone learns that going out there without wax is not a good idea!
