Ski wax
Ski wax is a viscous material applied to the bottom of skis or snowboards to help them perform on snow. In general, ski wax can be broken down into two categories: "kick" and "glide".
- Glide wax describes a range of waxes which can be applied to Nordic and alpine skis (as well as snowboards). The purpose of glide waxing is to decrease drag and also to protect the bases. The process of glide waxing most often involves heating up a wax appropriate for the anticipated temperature range and then dripping or rubbing the semi-liquid wax onto the base of the ski. The wax is then ironed into the base and then allowed to cool. Finally the wax is scraped off and the ski is brushed in order to expose structure in the base. Glide wax is usually made up of hydrocarbons, but more expensive, and considerably faster, waxes usually include fluoro-carbons. The effect of glide-waxing are somewhat mysterious, but it is believed that in the process of waxing the base becomes smoother and gains the water-repellant properties of hydro/fluoro-carbons. This creates less drag as the ski glides on a cushion of water on the surface of snow.
- Kick wax describes a variety of waxs specific to cross country skiing. This wax comes in two forms, "hard" and "klister". Hard wax is a tar-like substance which comes in a small canister. Klister is a semi-liquid which comes in containers similar to toothpaste containers. Klister is notoriously sticky and deserves its reputation as a difficult wax to use. Although the nuances of kick waxing are incredibly complex, all kick waxes serve generally the same purpose. The wax is applied to the portion of the ski extended out from below the region of the foot and when pressure is applied to this areas the wax grips the snow and allows the skier to propel themselves forward. This is referred to as the classical technique. What makes kick waxing difficult is hitting the correct wax. If the wax is for snow conditions wetter, or warmer, it the ski will be slippery and grip will be difficult to get. If the wax is for drier or colder conditions, the snow will end up getting stuck to the wax and drag will build up.
