Classic Waxing Simplified

WAXING THOSE CLASSIC SKIS  (a short dissertation) 

 

1/ Discovering the Wax Pocket

It is important to define the WAX POCKET of your classic skis as that is where you need to apply the grip wax.

a)   Place each ski over your index finger and locate the balance points. On the sidewall of each ski make a mark with a felt pen at the balance point.

b)   Then place both skis flat on a smooth, level, hard floor and stand on them with equal weight on each ski.

c)   Slide a sheet of writing paper under the foot at the balance point and determine how far forward and backward you can easily slide the paper. Make a felt pen mark at each slide extremity. The space between these two marks is the WAX POCKET.

d)   Shift all your weight to one ski and check that the wax pocket is closed (i.e. the majority of the surface of the ski is touching the floor.)

 

2/ Applying the Glide Wax

This short dissertation assumes you know how to apply hot wax to your skis using a waxing iron.

  1. Hot wax the glide wax on the skis, waxing from the line marking the front of the wax pocket to the tip of the ski and from the line marking the back of the wax pocket to the tail of the ski. Do this on both skis.
  2. Following the hot application of the glide wax, scrape off the excess wax with a proper wax scraper and lightly brush with a brass bristle brush. Many people prefer a combination plastic/brass bristle brush, but the reason for doing is the same. In summary, the main issues are that you scrape off the excess wax to a smooth surface and lightly brush to microscopically roughen the surface.  If your skis are new do the hot wax, scrape and brush routine at least 5 times to ensure the glide wax is well soaked into the ski base.

 

3/ Waxing the Pocket (Applying the Kick/Grip Wax)

The glide waxing is usually done only a couple times a season, unless you are very particular or a serious racer. The grip wax may have to be done each time you go skiing. It is very snow conditions dependent.

  1. Clean the wax pocket. Scrape the pocket well and if there is still some persistent wax remaining apply a sparingly amount of solvent (such as varsol) to an absorbent rag and wipe the wax pocket clean. Wipe off the solvent using an absorbent cloth or paper towel.
  2. Using a fine (100 to 120 grit) sandpaper, lightly sand the wax pocket. Sand unidirectional in the direction of travel, longitudinal to the ski.
  3. Hot wax the pocket with standard binder (eg - Toko base binder).
  4. Apply kick wax by crayoning on the kick wax, then corking it in well with a cork (synthetic corks are preferred). Apply at least one layer for every 5km you plan on skiing. More layers are required in abrasive (icy) snow conditions.