The Cassiar Asbestos Sheet, February, 1974, Page 15
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Some memhers. of Mrs.
* Karen Clark's Cross-
ie Country Ski Club. +
Mrs. Clark spends a +
*« great deal of time
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with these students. #
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Cross-Country Skiing

BASE WAX:

WAXING: ; If waxing holds great fascination for
a you, by all means apply a base wax. I.find
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There is a whole mystique surrounding on SUnGeereees Fares cites cul’ 29 pars
. P so seldom bother. You can buy base wax in
the waxing of skis and I am rather reluctant AS ‘
’ “ ‘ tubes. After applying a small amount rub it
to get into tt. However, the fact remains hi : :
" : c ightly on the surface. Smooth it out with
that waxing for all cross-country skiers is 2 os ae Geniiteinn lee eroundr paid
important, and trying to ski without it is ae et :
like trying to skate on dull rusty blades.
It is impossible to wax perfectly for all
snow conditions. Everyone makes mistakes in
waxing, especially when conditions are
changeable. Also it should be remembered
that everyone moves differently on skis, and
that makes waxing an individual technique.
This article then, should be regarded as
‘nothing more than a guide. Experiment.

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SURFACE WAX:

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Surface waxes are coded by colour to
indicate thetr relative hardness. The rule
of thumb is that soft new snow at very cold
temperatures call for very .hard wax, and old
hard crust or wet snow at warmer temperatures
require the softest waxes. There are waxes
of varying degrees of hardness for every-
thing in between. The four brands of wax
that seem to be the most popular are Swix,
Rode, Rex, and Ex-Elit. Each of these
manufactures have perhaps nine different
colours of wax that they have produced for
just about every conceivable snow condition.
Blue wax (all four brands) is for old snow
that forms a clump when grasped in the hand.
Violet wax is for old snow that balls up
easily when grasped in the hand. Red wax
ts for old snow that drips water when
squeezed. There is even a wax for when a
handful’ of snow is not to be had. When you
have decided on the proper colour, apply it
directly from the tube to your ski. Rub
vertically.

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BASE:

33

Many skis today come with a base already
applied. But because you will need to re-
apply the base, possibly before the season
is out, you should learn how to do it.

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The base material commonly used is pine
tar, or something like pine tar, called
grundvalla. A can of this costs about $3.00
and it is best applied with a propane. torch
until it boils or bubbles on top of the wood.
Make sure that the skis are warm. Never
apply a torch to cold skis. Spread the pine
tar on thickly. Just before the base
material flames, or just after, wipe this

spot with an old towel with a single wipe.
autos einiiphd Mevape onndiy Cog a paces iesecimeye, Strat vee apa; 208 eis
small area at a time. If-you do too large a Sion lagi 2h BOS OTELNY, ae Ene se eeae te a
portion at a time, the base material will Nal Dae RC 7 oats as 9 2
cool and will not wipe off. It will
probably seem like you are taking off more
than you are putting on, but the coat that

is left is what is important. When you are

through, the base should feel smooth and dry VISIT THE SKI LO FT
and not excessively sticky. One word of —

caution: don't burn in a base on skis that

have edges made of plastic. And don't try SELECTION OF:
pine tarring on the living room carpet. .

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When skis are properly waxed it is

cross-country skiing!

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Touring & X-Country Skis
Downhill Skis

* Lions | Bingo

. Jackets, & Warm-Up Pants

*ea\ TO_BE HELD THURSDAY EVENINGS STARTING AT Sweaters & Toques

ey = 7:30 P.M. ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:

a . Ski Gloves, Mitts

Me a) OF: .

a _ FEBRUARY 14 AND 28. Thermal Socks

A ~ MARCH 14 AND 28 . Curling Gloves & Knee Pads
(i) APRIL ll AND 25 . Other Small Ski Essentials

you HAVE. A CHOICE OF CASH OR PRIZES. 7 CONTACT:
MASTER CARD $1.50 FRANK & ELIZABETH EGYED
EXTRA CARD D0) , 277 HUNT STREET

EVERYONE WELCOME PHONE: 778-7278
PARTICULARLY GAMBLERS eS eee

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