January 4, 2025
Good evening!
I'm getting this update out tonight because there's waxing available tomorrow at a couple wax host families. We also have our first race this week and we'll be hosting a race next week where we will need to have lots of help with that.
I also want to commend all our new skiers. Every one of you have made wonderful progress and you should all be so proud of where you are now. Many of you have come to optional practices and have taken coaching tips to heart. You are all ready for your first race.
So, here's the deal with waxing. We ski on created snow and it is both very abrasive and dirty. That means we need to clean and wax our skis more often than if we skied on clean, natural snow. Therefore, waxing skis is very important for maintaining your skis (for many it's quite an investment). Sunday the Chabots and the Frenkiewichs will be opening their homes for waxing. In order to make sure we don't overload one house I've assigned skiers to wax hosts. Those assignments are listed below.
For waxing, it is important for skiers to know how to wax their own skis. Older skiers will show/mentor younger skiers. There will be adults who also are very proficient in waxing.
The process is clean skis with cleaner; brush with the copper brush (#1); apply the base coat of wax (Rode Endurance or Graphite); cool skis; scrape and brush with stiff brush (#2); apply temperature appropriate wax (PS 6 Blue or BS 5 Green); cool skis; scrape and brush with stiff brush (#2); then brush with soft polishing brush (#3).
The whole process should take about an hour, but there's also the social aspect of the experience.
This week:
Sunday: waxing
Monday: practice @ Proctor 4:00-5:30 Freestyle distance with speeds
Tuesday: practice @ Proctor 4:00-5:30 Freestyle race prep and easy ski
Wednesday: race @ Dublin Nordic Center. MS departure is 11:45 am, HS departure is 12:00 pm. One bus for everyone. Coach Pruett will be on the bus, I'll be driving the trailer. Everyone travels on the bus both ways. We will stop for a snack at Dublin General.
Thursday: practice @ Proctor 4:00-5:30 Classic recovery and technique
Friday: practice @ Proctor 4:00-5:30 Classic easy ski
Race information: Once skiers get to the venue, skiers should put on their ski socks (not worn until putting on ski boots) and get their skis to carry them up to the trails. Then, they should get out on the trails and ski because once races start the course will be closed. (Meaning only racers in that race can be on course). Skiers should get a snack and drink some water. About 30 minutes before your race, you should start warming up by either skiing on the non-race loops or doing some easy pole running. After your race, you should cool down, change your socks and go cheer your teammates on for their races.