Kick Wax
Kick Wax: Essential for Classic Cross-Country Skis
Grip wax, commonly referred to as kick wax, is applied to traditional classic cross-country skis to enable the athlete to move forward by gripping the snow. The skier's efficiency relies heavily on the effectiveness of the wax. Different waxes are suited to various snow temperature conditions, and many products indicate a temperature range for optimal performance. It is essential to determine if your skis are waxable or waxless, as the latter type does not necessitate kick wax. Classic skis equipped with synthetic skins or fishscales in the kick zones require no kick wax and offer greater ease of use for beginners.
What Is the Method for Applying Kick Wax?
Before heading out onto the snow, you can easily apply kick wax to cross-country skis. The wax is applied to the ski bases by rubbing the wax stick onto the kick zone, also known as the wax pocket. Layer the wax thinly (up to three layers), smoothing each layer with suitable sandpaper or a foam cork. Completion is achieved when the final layer is smoothly finished.
Additional wax types can enhance ski performance. Klister wax is ideal for snow conditions where regular kick wax is insufficiently effective. Glide wax should be applied outside the kick zone on the base of the skis to facilitate a smooth forward motion.