Swix Sport, the global market leader in wax and tools has announced Minneapolis based, Evan Pengelly as Swix Racing Service Director. Pengelly, a dedicated skier and fifteen year veteran of the cross country ski industry, comes most recently from Racing Service at Rossignol where he supported top U.S. athletes.

“I’m excited to be joining Swix as the Nordic Racing Service Director. Swix is the clear industry leader in wax, poles and clothing so to work with the very best is a great opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with athletes, coaches and retailers again to help promote and grow the sport.

Swix Sport US maintains partnerships across the country with both elite and U.S. Ski Team athletes. An event sponsor for the American Birkebeiner, the New England Nordic Ski Association as well as the technical uniform supplier for the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team, Swix has influence throughout the U.S. market at all levels.

“Evan is simply the right guy for this job,” explained Swix Sport US CEO, Steve Poulin. “His history as a competitor, his background supporting elite athletes and his time in a retail environment make him uniquely qualified to support the Swix brand. We’re grateful to have him on board.”

Pengelly’s tenure as Nordic Racing Service Director began on December 1st. He will be visible at elite events throughout the U.S. For more information, log onto www.swixsport.com. To contact Evan, reach out to him at epengelly@swixsport.com

Internationally recognized outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its legendary customer service and high-quality gear and apparel that help to further people’s enjoyment of the outdoors and Swix, renowned for its cutting edge technology in world class competition and training wear, today announced a partnership with the U.S. Cross Country Team.

As official supplier to the U.S. Cross Country Team, L.L.Bean will provide insulated outerwear and rainwear, as well as casual wear and hats. Swix will develop customized World Cup and World Championship race suits and performance jackets and pants. Both companies will share responsibility for summer training products.

“We are thrilled that Swix will be joining us in partnership with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association,” said Christina Semanyshyn, L.L.Bean’s manager of strategic partnerships. “For more than sixty years, Swix has been one of the strongest, most recognized names in the ski industry with L.L.Bean carrying their quality products for years. Like us, as well as U.S. Ski & Snowboard, they share our collective passion for living an active lifestyle and enabling people to get outside.”

“U.S Ski & Snowboard welcomes Swix as a clothing supplier to the U.S. Cross Country Team”, stated Dan Barnett, Chief Commercial Officer. “The Swix product line complements L.L.Bean’s offerings and together will provide the comfort and performance the Team will need in the clothing category. Swix’s product mix, technology and attention to detail will help the U.S. Cross Country Team achieve athletic excellence during the 2018-19 competition season.”

The U.S. Cross Country Team achieved historic results last season with many top performances on the World Cup and at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.  On the World Cup, among many podiums, Jessie Diggins placed second overall with Sadie Bjornsen finishing sixth overall. Sophie Caldwell finished third overall in the Sprint category.  Diggins also finished third overall in the Tour de Ski. The season highlight was Jessie Diggins (Afton, Minn.) and Kikkan Randall (Anchorage, Alaska) winning the gold medal in the in the Team Sprint at the 2018 Games.

“I am thrilled that Swix will be a clothing supplier to the U.S. Cross Country Team, while simultaneously building on our strong partnership with premier retail partner, L.L.Bean,” said Swix Sport USA President/CEO Steve Poulin. “Together, we’re committed to ensuring this team will have unrivaled performance clothing while competing against the best in the world.”

“The U.S. Cross Country Team athletes and staff are very excited to be wearing Swix this season”, said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Head Cross Country coach Chris Grover.  “Swix has a long history of providing high-end performance-wear for some of the best athletes and teams in the world. The fit, functionality and performance of Swix racing and training gear is world-class, and we’ll need this level of performance to meet our goals of winning multiple medals at the 2019 Seefeld Nordic World Championships. The combination of L.L.Bean outerwear and Swix performance gear is ideal for the USA program and we are grateful to both companies for their incredible support and their belief in USA Cross Country ski racing.”

About L.L.Bean, Inc.

L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. L.L.Bean currently operates 41 stores in 17 states across the United States, along with 27 stores in Japan. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram.

About Swix

Swix with roots running deep in the snow and ice of Scandinavia, is an industry pioneer in the development of ski waxes, tuning tools, poles and apparel for both alpine and cross-country skiers around the globe. With a constant focus on research and development, athletes skiing on Swix wax, poles and technical wear have captured countless Olympic and World Championships medals since the company’s debut in 1946.  Swix Sport is part of the newly formed Brav outdoor group of brands. Toko, Lundhags, Ulvang, Helsport, Orginal, Hardrocx, and Skisporet. Learn more at Brav.com. Instagram. Facebook. www.swixsport.us

Swix Sport AS, the global leader in ski wax and tools announced an exclusive partnership with Boise, Idaho based Finite Ski Tools. Called the “black box” secret at World Cup and Olympic Nordic Ski races for over a decade, Finite creates precise ski structure tools with unmatched accuracy and versatility. Finite Ski Tools, along with sister brand K-EDGE (maker of elite bike racing parts) is owned by AceCo Precision Tools of Boise, Idaho.

“I am proud to see SWIX recognize the quality and performance of Finite structure tools.” States, Eric Jensen, Owner/President of AceCo Precision Tools. “SWIX will now be able to offer the world what only a tight group of elite level wax techs and racers have previously enjoyed.” The Finite Ski Tools brand will discontinue direct sales and the sought-after structure tool will be offered under the SWIX brand, starting in the fall of 2018 exclusively at SWIX Sport retail and distributor partners.

“We really look forward to this cooperation and to updating the SWIX hand structure program.” Shares Eivind Opsahl, SWIX Product Manager. Utilizing feedback from Swix World Cup service, new Finite rollers with new patterns and structures will be introduced in the seasons ahead.  “The combination of Swix R and D resources and AceCo manufacturing capabilities is a perfect match” continues Eivind. Testing of new structures will begin immediately.

“It’s an indispensable tool,” adds Swix Racing Service Director, Chris Hall. “No wax box is complete without a structure tool of this caliber.”

The Swix Finite Tool will be available for preview at this year’s American Birkebeiner Expo pricing is TBA.

Swix Sport USA announced today the launch of a new custom site, team wear portal and design support for programs looking for elite level clothing. The new site allows teams and groups to easily customize an array of high-quality Nordic and Alpine Swix pieces with design support from the Swix custom team. “It’s a one-stop shop for design and outfitting,” described Kelley Roche, softgoods manager for Swix Sport USA.

The design team is lead by experienced creative designers to ensure designs that match the excellence of Swix technical pieces. Consumers can experiment with colors and patterns while utilizing a variety of template choices.

For more information or to ready for the 2017 – 2018 season, visit www.swixcustom.com.

With the 2017 Birkie less than 2 weeks away, it is not too early to start getting race skis ready for their final layer of race wax before the big day. Doing a little work on your skis now makes a big difference in time spent waxing the night before the race. Below are some tips to save time, energy and stress the night before the Birkie.

1. Clean and brush your skis well. Brushing your skis after every ski does a good job of removing dirt and old wax from the ski base structure. However, it does not completely clean the base. It is the dirt and other foreign contaminates that cannot be seen which the brush misses. Using a Glide Wax remover, like the I84 Glide Wax remover will completely clean the ski base. And, it is more efficient and effective than hot scraping. Make sure to use a separate nylon brush for your Glide Wax Cleaner.

2. Saturate the ski base with the 6 line. Looking at the long-term weather forecast, there is a predicted warm spell over the weekend and into early next week. Then, temperatures will start to drop below freezing overnight. Expect the snow to be very icy and granular. So, after ski training, it will help to rewax your skis with either CH6X or LF6X. The 6 line is hard enough to condition the bases for the race wax, but not so hard that you need to use high iron temperatures. As I always like to say, don’t seal your base before the race!

3. Clean brushes and sharp scrapers. The basic tools like brushes and scrapers need to be in good working order. Make sure to have clean brushes that do not have bent bristles or are filled with wax. If the bristles are bent, it might be time to invest in a new brush. Keep your wax scrapers sharp. Use fine grit sandpaper to sharpen them or purchase a scraper sharpener (T0408 or T410).

4. Initial thoughts on predicted Swix Wax Recommendation for the 2017 Birkie. While we are still more than a week out from race day, the forecast lends itself to these choices for race wax. Both Marathon BW and Marathon White are ideal waxes for predicted conditions. With the snow being icy and granular, both Marathon waxes are specifically designed to combat aggressive snow crystals because they both have the highest flouro content of any paraffin wax on the market and they are extremely hard and durable paraffins. For Cera F powders, FC78 Super Cera is a perfect Flouro Powder for icy and granular snow conditions. A Velocity Enhancement coat of HVC Warm over FC78 Super Cera will make your skis slippery and fast. Look on the Swix web site, www.swixsport.us for an updated preliminary wax recommendation on Monday.

Swix Sport USA Inc. is pleased to welcome 2016 World Cup Champion Jessie Diggins as a Swix sponsored athlete. A steadfast competitor, Diggins has rocketed up the ranks of the International WC results pages since her debut at the 2011 World Championships in Holmenkollen.

“Swix Sport prides itself on being the preferred equipment for the world’s best athletes and nothing excites me more than seeing an amazing, home grown American athlete join our ranks.” Stated Steve Poulin CEO of Swix Sport USA.  “This is an exciting time to be a cross country fan in America.  With Jessie headlining our stable alongside Sadie Bjornsen and Sophie Caldwell, Swix has the most talented roster America has ever produced.  We are proud to support Jessie and the future of American cross country racing.”

Fresh off a successful 2015-16 world cup season that saw a Tour de Ski stage victory, as well as podium finishes in the Toblach 5km skate (1st), 10km skate in Nove Mesto (3rd), Lahti skate sprint (2nd), Gatineau skate sprint (3rd) and 10km pursuit classic (3rd) during the Tour de Canada, Diggins has banked the confidence necessary to compete with the best. “Winning my first World Cup was a huge moment for me, because it broke the glass ceiling that US Women’s distance skiing had been under” said Jessica. “Previously, I had thought it was nearly impossible to keep up with the Scandinavian countries in distance races, and when I finally won and then went on to gain more distance podiums I started to really race with confidence, knowing that I belong in the fight for the win.”

Diggins has built a reputation for her grit, high energy racing and for expertly balancing her intense dedication to the sport with her unique and fun sense of style.  From Afton, Minnesota, Jessica compliments her training regimen with community activism, dedicating her time to junior athlete training camps and clinics, school visits, writing kids blogs and working as an ambassador for Fast and Female.  and staying true to her spirit, is the secret choreographer for the U.S. Ski Team’s epic viral dance videos.

“What I love about skiing is the chance to push my body to the limit, the rush of training outside on beautiful trails and the chance to discover something new about myself with every race.”

In addition to choosing Swix as her preferred ski pole and racing glove, Diggins will be collaborating with the Swix design team on a signature line of performance equipment, marrying together the Swix technical expertise with Jessie’s unique sense of style and energy.

“I’m so excited to be collaborating with Swix to design some signature items, coming soon! I believe wholeheartedly that skiing and racing should be fun and I’m thrilled to be able to share that through new product lines that I’m connect to. Swix is an ideal partner. I believe that Swix can give me that extra edge I need to continue to step up in my racing, and I can’t wait to try the newest Triac pole. I want to become the best in the World, so it makes sense to be racing on the best equipment in the World.”

Jessica Diggins will use the forthcoming Triac 2.5 as well as Swix gloves in competition.

Follow Jessie on Instagram and stay tuned to swixsport.us for more on the forthcoming Jessie Diggins Signature Line and a preview of all new Swix gear arriving this fall!

In the wake of Swix’s release of the Cera Nova X line, Swix National Racing Director Chris Hall is embarking on a year long clinic and outreach tour to educate people on the new waxes, lineups and products available through the redesigned system.

“Representing three years of research and development, the Speed Tour is sure to be valuable for any cross country skiing enthusiast,” Hall described.

Continuing this year’s Speed Tour with a swing through Colorado, including stops at the Ski Haus in Steamboat Springs Monday  December 15th. Aspen Cross Country Center Tuesday December 16th and finishing up with a stop at Boulder Nordic Sport  Wendsday December 17th. All clinics start at 6pm and are roughly 1.5 hours with a open discussion period.
For more on the Cera Nova X system, see our launch press release. Follow Swix Nordic on Facebook for updates on when the Speed Tour might visit a location close to you.

Swix is a long time champion of the Nordic community, supporting programs, athletes, venues and retailers at all levels of the sport. Their long-standing sponsorship of New England Nordic Ski Association likewise supports NENSA programing along the entire pipeline, from the Bill Koch Festival to the New England Junior National Team and beyond.

“New England is excited to have support from Swix as their products have proven to be excellent at this venue,” said Justin Beckwith and Nick Mahood, head wax techs for the New England Junior National Team. “We look forward to making some super fast skis for our Junior National Team!”

“This year, with Junior Nationals in our own back yard, at Trapp Family Lodge, NENSA is particularly proud to fly the Swix flag in the New England camp,” said NENSA executive director Zach Stegeman. “Swix does a remarkable job of supporting and growing our sport at all levels, and we know every team at Junior Nationals is benefiting from their own relationship with the Haverhill, MA based Swix Sport USA group. As for the New England team, you’ll see that support directly in some fast skis, and a sharply dressed coaching staff, but their partnership with NENSA runs deeper than that.”

Swix has channeled additional support to NENSA’s New England Marathon Series as well. Participants and spectators alike can look for the Swix crew at their tent in upcoming New England Marathon Series events like the Bretton Woods Bretton Woods Nordic Marathon at Omni Mount Washington Resort on March 8^th.

Swix will also have a strong presence at Trapp Family Lodge for the 2014 USSA Junior National Championship. Chris Hall and Drew Gelinas will be on site testing wax and structure in providing neutral support for all teams.

About Swix Sport AS

Swix Sport AS head quarter is situated in Lillehammer, Norway. In addition we have subsidiary companies in Boston, Swix Sport USA Inc., Tokyo, Swix Sport Japan K.K and Germany, Swix Sport GmbH. Swix products have existed since 1946, and are still young and healthy. Swix is one of very few Norwegian consumers’ products to be found in shops all over the world having snow and winter. Swix is wholly owned by the Ferd group, which is one of Norway’s leading privately owned businesses. Swix Sport AS is also the owner of the brands Ulvang, Pedros and Bavac.

About the New England Nordic Ski Association

The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is the umbrella for most organized Nordic skiing events in the region. NENSA hosts dozens of events, competitive and educational, for skiers of all ages and abilities at venues across the Northeast. The sport of cross-country skiing, or Nordic skiing, as practiced by our youth skiers and families, is a lifetime activity firmly rooted in New England tradition. Cross-country ski racing, as performed in the NENSA Eastern Cup series, and at our Championship Events, is a fast, explosive, and visually dynamic sport. In addition to athlete development, NENSA is focused on expansion of the sport of Nordic skiing through robust youth programming, citizen and elite national-level racing programs, and as a leader in adaptive Nordic skiing. NENSA’s Youth program is the 2013 recipient of USSA’s top national award for excellence in youth programming. The V.A. funded Adaptive program links with adaptive athletes and organizations across New England in a variety of sports and seasons.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST 10AM

FORECAST- NOAA SITE

Friday Feb 21st: Snow, windy with areas of blowing snow before 11am ,Cloudy, with a temperature falling to around 14 by 5pm.
Friday night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1.
Saturday Feb 22nd: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 13F.

COURSE CONDITIONS
Given the new snow, it is very likely that the track surface will be soft. However, with the new snow, normal CH, LF and HF waxes will be the wax of choice. BW and Moly/Graphite waxes will not run well in these new snow conditions.

WAXING CONSIDERATIONS

1. BASE PREPARATION

Clean glide zones with SWIX I84 FLOUR GLIDE WAX CLEANER. Apply I84 Cleaner with Swix Fiberlene. While the I84 is still wet on the ski base, scrub the ski base with the SWIX T161 WHITE NYLON BRUSH. Wipe excess I84 off the base with Fiberlene. Brush out the ski with SWIX T179 STEEL BRUSH. Next, apply one (1) layer of SWIX CH10. Use iron temperature of 135C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush out with SWIX T179 STEEL BRUSH. For a final layer, apply one (1) layer of SWIX CH6. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush out with SWIX T179 STEEL BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

I84 FLOUR GLIDE WAX CLEANER

T161 WHITE NYLON BRUSH

T179 STEEL BRUSH

CH10 HYDROCARBON WAX

CH6 HYDROCARBON WAX

FIBERLENE

2. DURABILITY

For a race of this length it is very important to use several layers of wax and make sure the pores of the ski base are 100% saturated with the race wax of the day. We are recommendingLF, HF, and CERA F waxes because of their strength, durability and wide temperature range.

3. BRUSHING

Be sure to treat each wax layer as if it is a final race layer. We are recommending using theSWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH as the first brush after scraping and the SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH as a final polish brush for all LF and HF wax layers. For the final Cera F layer, we are recommending using the SWIX T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH or the SWIX T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH as a first Cera F brush and the SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH as a final polish brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH

T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH

4. SKI SELECTION AND STRUCTURE

Use a medium to medium/stiff flex ski with a fine to medium/fine structure that will be fast and float well over a soft and new snow track. Additional hand structure is recommended due to the track and warming temperatures through Wednesday and Thursday. We recommend using the SWIX T423 STRUCTURE TOOL with the .3MM BROKEN V STRUCTURE ROLLER attached after the final waxing. Polish with the Blue Nylon brush after application.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

T423 STRUCTURE TOOL

.3MM BROKEN V STRUCTURE ROLLER

GLIDE WAX RECOMMENDATION:

FORMULA 1 LANE TO HAYWARD WOMEN’S SKATE ELITE, MEN & WOMEN ELITE CLASSIC, WAVE 1 CLASSIC AND MEN’S SKATE ELITE WAVES

Base LF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) Layers of SWIX LF4. Use iron temperature of 150C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race HF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) Layers of SWIX HF4. Use iron temperature of 150C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race Cera F Wax Layer: Apply one (1) Layer of SWIX FC7 CERA F POWDER OR SWIX FC100 CERA F POWDER. Use iron temperature of 160C to apply and move iron quickly over the ski base, 5-7 seconds per ski. Let cool 3-4 minutes. Brush out with SWIX T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH or SWIX T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER- SWIX LF4

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF4

CERA F LAYER- SWIX FC7 CERA F POWDER OR FC100 CERA F POWDER

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

EXPRESS LANE TO HAYWARD WAVE 2 CLASSIC THRU WAVE 5 SKATE

Base LF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX LF6. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race HF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX HF6. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race Cera F Wax Layer: Apply one (1) layer of SWIX FC7 CERA POWDER OR SWIX FC100 CERA POWDER. Use iron temperature of 160C to apply and move iron quickly over the ski base, 5-7 seconds per ski. Let cool 3-4 minutes. Brush out with SWIX T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH or SWIX T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER- SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF6

CERA F LAYER- SWIX FC7 CERA POWDER OR FC100 CERA POWDER

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

EXPRESS LANE TO HAYWARD WAVES 6-9

Base LF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX LF6. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race HF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX HF6. Use iron temperature of 135C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race Cera F Wax Layer: Apply one (1) layer of SWIX FC7 CERA POWDER OR FC100 CERA POWDER. Use iron temperature of 160C to apply and move iron quickly over the ski base, 5-7 seconds per ski. Let cool 3-4 minutes. Brush out with SWIX T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH or SWIX T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER- SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF6

CERA F LAYER- SWIX FC7 CERA POWDER OR FC100 CERA POWDER

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE PRO WAVE 2 CLASSIC THRU WAVE 5 SKATE

Base LF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX LF6. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race HF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX HF6. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race Cera F Wax Layer: Apply one (1) layer of SWIX FC7WS COLD TURBO BLOCK. Apply block and use SWIX T018F ROTO-FLEECE to roto-fleece into ski base. Brush out with SWIX T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH OR SWIX T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER- SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF6

CERA F LAYER- SWIX FC7WS COLD TURBO BLOCK

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE PRO WAVES 6-9

Base LF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX LF7. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race HF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX HF7. Use iron temperature of 135C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race Cera F Wax Layer: Apply one (1) layer of SWIX FC7WS COLD TURBO BLOCK. Apply block and use SWIX T018F ROTO-FLEECE to roto-fleece into ski base. Brush out with SWIX T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH OR SWIX T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER- SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF7

CERA F LAYER- SWIX FC7WS COLD TURBO BLOCK

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE WAVE 2 CLASSIC THRU WAVE 5 SKATE

Base LF Wax Layer: Apply one (1) one layer of SWIX LF4. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race HF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX HF4. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER- SWIX LF4

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF4

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE WAVES 6-9

Base LF Wax Layer: Apply one (1) layer of SWIX LF6. Use iron temperature of 140C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

Race HF Wax Layer: Apply two (2) layers of SWIX HF6. Use iron temperature of 135C to apply. Let cool, scrape and brush with SWIX T158 BRONZE BRUSH. Polish with SWIX T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER- SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF6

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

KICK WAX RECOMMENDATION:

KICK WAX APPLICATION

As the race is still two days away, it is difficult to predict the exact kick wax for the Birkie. Based on the forecast, a strong and tough hard wax binder is needed. Using the current weather information, we will provide a preliminary Kick Wax recommendation but it will be important to check with Swix at the Expo for recommendation updates, waxing advice and tips.

KICK ZONE PREPARATION

Remove old kick wax with a kick wax scraper and clean the kick zone with Swix Base Cleaner and Swix Fiberlene. Let the base dry. Use 80 or 100 grid sandpaper and texture the kick zone by sanding the zone in a manner parallel to the groove in the ski base. The SWIX T0011 CORK AND SANDPAPER COMBI TOOL is ideal for this process. A typical adult kick zone is 65-75cm from the back of heel forward. A typical adult klister zone is 60-65cm from the front of the heel forward.

BASE KICK WAX: Binder Layer

VG35 GREEN BASE BINDER COVERED WITH V40 EXTRA BLUE

Apply one (1) even, but generous layer VG35 GREEN BASE BINDER. Iron in the VG35 with the iron set at 110C and smooth even with a cork. Let cool for 2-4 minutes.

Next, apply one even layer of SWIX V40 EXTRA BLUE over VG35. Iron once with the iron set at 110C and smooth with a cork. Let cool for 2-3 minutes.

RACE KICK WAX: Kicking Layers

Waves Elite & 1-2: SWIX VR30 LIGHT BLUE

Apply 4-6 thin layers of SWIX VR30. Cork smooth.

If added kick is needed, add one layer of Swix VR40 underneath the foot to 15cm in front of the binding. It is recommended to cork outdoors to keep the wax cold.

Waves 3-9: SWIX VR40 BLUE

Apply 4-6 layers of Swix VR40. Cork smooth. If added grip is needed, add one layer of Swix VR45 underneath the foot to 15cm in front of the binding. It is recommended to cork outdoors

Wednesday , FEBRUARY 19^TH 9AM

FORECAST- NOAA SITE

Wednesday Feb 19^th:  mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Thursday Feb 20^th. Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 35. Friday Feb 21^st:  A chance of snow and/or rain, high of 37F, low near 18F.

Friday Feb 21^st. A 20 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 19.

Friday night. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -1.

Saturday Feb 22^nd:  Partly sunny, with a high near 13.

 COURSE CONDITIONS

Given the new weather forecast, it is very likely that the track surface will be soft.  With the snow event on Thursday day leading into the evening, expect softer conditions on race day.  However, with the new snow, normal CH, LF and HF waxes will be the wax of choice.  BW and Moly/Graphite waxes will not run well in these new snow conditions.

WAXING CONSIDERATIONS

1.  Base Preparation

Clean glide zones with Swix I84 Flour Glide Wax Cleaner.  Apply I84 Cleaner with Swix Fiberlene.  While the I84 is still wet on the ski base, scrub the ski base with the Swix T161 White Nylon Brush.  Wipe excess I84 off the base with Fiberlene.  Brush out the ski with Swix T179 Steel Brush.  Next, apply one (1) layer of Swix CH10.  Use iron temperature of 135C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush out with Swix T179 Steel Brush.  For a final layer, apply one (1) layer of Swix CH6.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush out with Swix T179 Steel Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

I84 FLOUR GLIDE WAX CLEANER

T161 WHITE NYLON BRUSH

T179 STEEL BRUSH

CH10 HYDROCARBON WAX

CH6 HYDROCARBON WAX

FIBERLENE

2.  Durability

For a race of this length it is very important to use several layers of wax and make sure the pores of the ski base are 100% saturated with the race wax of the day.  We are recommending LF, HF, and Cera F waxes because of their strength, durability and wide temperature range.

3.  Brushing

Be sure to treat each wax layer as if it is a final race layer.  We are recommending using the Swix T158 Bronze Brush as the first brush after scraping and the Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush as a final polish brush for all LF and HF wax layers.  For the final Cera F layer, we are recommending using the Swix T164 Wild Boar Brush or the Swix T157 Horsehair Brush as a first Cera F brush and the Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush as a final polish brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

T164 WILD BOAR BRUSH

T157 HORSEHAIR BRUSH

4.  Ski Selection and Structure

Use a medium to medium/stiff flex ski with a fine to medium/fine structure that will be fast and float well over a soft and new snow track.  Additional hand structure is recommended due to the track and warming temperatures through Wednesday and Thursday.  We recommend using the Swix T423 structure tool with the .3MM Broken V structure roller attached after the final waxing.  Polish with the Blue Nylon brush after application.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

T423 STRUCTURE TOOL

.3MM BROKEN V STRUCTURE ROLLER

GLIDE WAX RECOMMENDATION:

FORMULA 1 LANE TO HAYWARD   Women’s Skate Elite, Men & Women Elite Classic, Wave 1 Classic and Men’s Skate Elite Waves

Base LF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) Layers of Swix LF4.  Use iron temperature of 150C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race HF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) Layers of Swix HF4.  Use iron temperature of 150C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race Cera F Wax Layer:  Apply one (1) Layer of Swix FC7 Cera F Powder or Swix FC100 Cera F Powder.  Use iron temperature of 160C to apply and move iron quickly over the ski base, 5-7 seconds per ski.  Let cool 3-4 minutes.  Brush out with Swix T164 Wild Boar Brush or Swix T157 Horsehair Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER-  SWIX LF4

HF BASE LAYER- SWIX HF4

CERA F LAYER-  SWIX FC7 CERA F POWDER OR FC100 CERA F POWDER

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

EXPRESS LANE TO HAYWARD     Wave 2 Classic thru Wave 5 Skate

Base LF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix LF6.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race HF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix HF6.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race Cera F Wax Layer:  Apply one (1) layer of Swix FC7 Cera Powder or Swix FC100 Cera Powder.  Use iron temperature of 160C to apply and move iron quickly over the ski base, 5-7 seconds per ski.  Let cool 3-4 minutes.  Brush out with Swix T164 Wild Boar Brush or Swix T157 Horsehair Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER-   SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER-  SWIX HF6

CERA F LAYER-  SWIX FC7 CERA POWDER OR FC100 CERA POWDER

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

EXPRESS LANE TO HAYWARD    Waves 6-9

Base LF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix LF6.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race HF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix HF6.  Use iron temperature of 135C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race Cera F Wax Layer:  Apply one (1) layer of Swix FC7 Cera Powder or FC100 Cera Powder.  Use iron temperature of 160C to apply and move iron quickly over the ski base, 5-7 seconds per ski.  Let cool 3-4 minutes.  Brush out with Swix T164 Wild Boar Brush or Swix T157 Horsehair Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER-  SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER-  SWIX HF6

CERA F LAYER-  SWIX FC7 CERA POWDER OR FC100 CERA POWDER

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE PRO   Wave 2 Classic Thru Wave 5 Skate

Base LF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix LF6.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race HF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix HF6.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race Cera F Wax Layer:  Apply one (1) layer of Swix FC7WS Cold Turbo Block.  Apply block and use Swix T018F Roto-Fleece to roto-fleece into ski base.  Brush out with Swix T164 Wild Boar Brush or Swix T157 Horsehair Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER-   SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER-  SWIX HF6

CERA F LAYER-  SWIX FC7WS COLD TURBO BLOCK

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE PRO    WAVES 6-9

Base LF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix LF7.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race HF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix HF7.  Use iron temperature of 135C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race Cera F Wax Layer:  Apply one (1) layer of Swix FC7WS Cold Turbo Block.  Apply block and use Swix T018F Roto-Fleece to roto-fleece into ski base.  Brush out with Swix T164 Wild Boar Brush or Swix T157 Horsehair Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER-   SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER-  SWIX HF7

CERA F LAYER-  SWIX FC7WS COLD TURBO BLOCK

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE   Wave 2 Classic Thru Wave 5 Skate

Base LF Wax Layer:  Apply one (1) one layer of Swix LF4.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race HF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix HF4.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER-   SWIX LF4

HF BASE LAYER-  SWIX HF4

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

PERFORMANCE   WAVES 6-9

Base LF Wax Layer:  Apply one (1) layer of Swix LF6.  Use iron temperature of 140C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

Race HF Wax Layer:  Apply two (2) layers of Swix HF6.  Use iron temperature of 135C to apply.  Let cool, scrape and brush with Swix T158 Bronze Brush.  Polish with Swix T160 Blue Nylon Brush.

PRODUCTS NEEDED-

LF BASE LAYER-   SWIX LF6

HF BASE LAYER-  SWIX HF6

T158 BRONZE BRUSH

T164/T157 WILD BOAR BRUSH/HORSEHAIR BRUSH

T160 BLUE NYLON BRUSH

KICK WAX RECOMMENDATION:

KICK WAX APPLICATION

As the race is still two days away, it is difficult to predict the exact kick wax for the Birkie.  Based on the forecast, a strong and tough hard wax binder is needed.  Using the current weather information, we will provide a preliminary Kick Wax recommendation but it will be important to check with Swix at the Expo for recommendation updates, waxing advice and tips.

KICK ZONE PREPARATION

Remove old kick wax with a kick wax scraper and clean the kick zone with Swix Base Cleaner and Swix Fiberlene.  Let the base dry.  Use 80 or 100 grid sandpaper and texture the kick zone by sanding the zone in a manner parallel to the groove in the ski base.  The Swix T0011 Cork and Sandpaper combi tool is ideal for this process.  A typical adult kick zone is 65-75cm from the back of heel forward.  A typical adult klister zone is 60-65cm from the front of the heel forward.

BASE KICK WAX:  Binder Layer

VG35 GREEN BASE BINDER COVERED WITH V40 EXTRA BLUE

Apply one (1) even, but generous layer VG35 Green Base binder.  Iron in the VG35 with the iron set at 110C and smooth even with a cork.  Let cool for 2-4 minutes.

Next, apply one even layer of Swix V40 Extra Blue over VG35.  Iron once with the iron set at 110C and smooth with a cork.  Let cool for 2-3 minutes.

RACE KICK WAX:  Kicking Layers

Waves Elite & 1-2:  SWIX VR30 LIGHT BLUE

Apply 4-6 thin layers of Swix VR30.  Cork smooth.

If added kick is needed, add one layer of Swix VR40 underneath the foot to 15cm in front of the binding.  It is recommended to cork outdoors to keep the wax cold.

Waves 3-9:  SWIX VR40 BLUE

Apply 4-6 layers of Swix VR40.  Cork smooth.  If added grip is needed, add one layer of Swix VR45 underneath the foot to 15cm in front of the binding.  It is recommended to cork outdoors.