Waxing Theory + Technique
Ski Diagram & Terminology
Camber (“stiffness”)
Binding
Base (bottom of ski)
Glide zone & Grip zone
(Wax pocket - 12-18 inches from heel)
Ski Fit – What skis do I need?
The best fitting skis are stiff enough to prevent the wax pocket from collapsing when you are standing on the skis. Ski manufacturers have charts to fit a person with a pair of skis
· For beginners the length of the ski should be at arm pit length.
· As a general rule for an experienced skier, ski length should be head height.
· Pole length for beginners should be armpit high (generally shoulder high).
· Boots need to fit snuggly when wearing thick socks (too lose and you lose control of the ski; too tight and you will be uncomfortable and get cold feet).
Ski Wax & Snow Properties:
Goal of Wax: the goal behind applying wax to skis is to gain maximum traction during the kick phase, while maintaining minimum friction during the glide phase.
· The general rule for wax is: softer wax is used for warmer conditions, while harder wax is used for colder conditions.
· The colder or newer the snow (sharper the edges of the snow crystals), the more the snow crystals will dig into the wax. The result is greater traction.
· The warmer or older the snow, (the rounder the edges of the snow crystals) the less the snow crystals will dig into the wax. The result is less traction.
Kick Wax Temperature Range Chart
New fallen snow-8°C to -15°C
Old, transformed snow
-10°C to -18°C
V20 GREEN / New fallen snow
-2°C to -10°C
Old, transformed snow
-5°C to -15°C
V30 BLUE / New fallen snow
-1°C to -7°C
Old, transformed snow
-3°C to -10°C
V40 BLUE EXTRA
New fallen snow
0°C to -3°C
Old, transformed snow
-2°C to -6°C
V45 VIOLET SPECIAL / New fallen snow
0°C to -1°C
Old, transformed snow
-1°C to -3°C
V50 VIOLET / New fallen snow
+1°C to 0°C
Old, transformed snow
0°C to -2°C
V55 RED SPECIAL
Note: All temperatures given on Swix waxes are air temperatures measured in the shade.
How to apply wax: Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on8ok9e-zyM
· If you are slipping, re-wax with the next warmer wax
· You can apply a warmer wax on top of a colder wax but not vise-versa
· If the wax gripes too much, the snow crystals will not release at the start of gliding, and you will be slowed down significantly
Cross Country Ski Technique
Ski Technique you will need to learn for winter camping
· Diagonal Stride –propulsion method (the technique which looks like walking)
· Double Pole – extra propulsion while gliding during a flat or shallow decline
· Kick Double Pole – fast propulsion on a flat or incline.
· Step Turn – turning technique on sharp or step decline
· Snowplow – slowing or stopping method on a flat or decline
· Herring Bone – technique for slow assent of steep inclines
Diagonal Stride
Video on Technique (This guy has way too much time on his hands):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gqb09bLVdoM
The Diagonal Stride is all about weight transfer; shifting your weight from one ski to the other. When striding, keep your toes, knee & noses inline in a vertical plane.
1) Start with slightly bent knees and shift all of your weight on one ski, to provide traction/resistance.
2) Kick your non-weighted foot forward, transferring weight gradually so that your weight is balanced evenly on both skis. Allow yourself to glide using momentum.
3) Then draw your legs closer together as you shift weight on the other ski, and shift your weight to the ski you kicked forward. Repeat steps continuously.
4) Timing will help you gain a smooth and steady efficient stride. Proper timing of when you shift your weight and when you kick feet will give you the greatest speed with the least amount of effort.
Key Movements to Avoid
· Twisting or swaying your upper body
· Leaning back
· Swinging your arms