Hot Tuning & Waxing Tips for Ski and Snowboard Sports
All skiers and snowboarders want the best ride possible. Waxing and tuning your skis can have a surprising effect on your day. It’s even more noticeable in less than ideal situations like when it’s icy. It mostly depends on where you live and ski. Complacency is easy to fall into when you always ski at the same place. Here are some waxing and tuning tips to help you get the most out of your skis.
It’s important that your skis or snowboard are warmed up before you work on them, so bring them inside for a while before you do any waxing. Whatever you’re doing, it will work better if your equipment has had a chance to warm up. Unless you want bubbles to form at the base, for example, you shouldn’t wax your skis when they’re cold. This will mean extra work for you, so you’re better off waiting until they’ve warmed up. Your wax iron has to be at the correct temperature, which will depend on the wax you will be applying. The iron has to be hot enough to properly melt the wax, but if it’s too hot, the wax can start smoking, which should be avoided.
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. The manufacturer can give you the best guidelines, however, if you’re not that experienced yet. You’ll find variations in edge angle of about 1-3 degrees. You may want to use a file guide in addition to the right kind of file. If you are very adept at filing you may not need a file guide, but it can be helpful. First you’ll file each edge, and then use a diamond stone and do the same thing. You will find that diamond stones work more smoothly if you wet them a little before using them.
You always want to be prepared, whether skiing or board riding, for those uncooperative days on the big hills. When you’re having a day like that, it’s good to be able to turn things around.
Having base wax with you means that you can always do a wax job whenever you have to. Sometimes, you’re on the ice and it’s just peeling the wax right off your ski/board base. So, not to worry, as you can do a quick wax rub-down on your bases and be good to go. It only makes sense to be prepared. Look for a type of wax that contains fluorine for best results. Why get wax with fluorine? This substance gives the wax the slick quality you want. Wax with fluorine will keep your equipment mobile, and prevent it from getting stuck. That’s the whole idea, to slide and not stick.
Keeping your skis and boards tuned is an important part of participating in winter sports.
Learning how to tune and maintain your gear will keep you safer, and it will mean your equipment lasts longer. If you ski or snowboard regularly, it only makes sense to know your gear and how to care for it. Pros in the shops that sale equipment can be very helpful in giving you tips about maintaining your gear, but ultimately you are responsible for it. You are the one who has to decide how to take care of your own equipment. But no matter what you do, just be sure to take good care of your boards and skis, and ski and ride safe.
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