LESSON 9 Structuring Base 2 : Why ?

Objective of class:
To understand the function of a structured ski base and its varied forms.

In lesson 7 you were introduced to "structuring" by using various grit paper on different ski base sections! If you did homework I am sure you noticed once you have finished that the ski based looked very different in the three sections.

First let us focus on that term, "structuring". If you have problems remembering this term, think in terms of channels, or grooves. I would tell my children when they were doing their skis that we were making the skis "groovy"! For you post 60's children you know what that terms means!
We are making the skis "cool". Making the skis run with "mellowness"!
So whatever term you like just remember that no one in the skiing world makes shinny, smooth bases!

You want to be groovy!

I am sure as you did your homework for lesson 7 that you noticed that the coarse grit paper caused emmediate deep lines thus you had to be soft on the touch! The very fine paper tended to just get clogged up with very little grooviness!

Later you will learn to play with this range of grit paper and you will learn the very best combination for you!


Also you will learn how to have a "groovy" base using brushes of varied hairs!


The point in this class is to make you realize that you must ALWAYS make your ski base groovy! How and how much you will learn over time and experience. I will provide you with the basic procedures and you will find the best tools and procedures for you!

Several tuning companies have introduced, rimmers to create grooves in a more fixed pattern! Essentially they are brass or stainless metal rollers with a set pattern!
Remember when you were a child, you would roll a toy car over your arm and the tire ( sorry tyre) would leave an tire marks on skin! That is the same procedure you are doing with these rimmers!
I do not recommend them for you, as recreational skiers! I will show you how to do this in a cheaper manner with greater groovy range! So please do not rush to buy these rollers.

Ranges of groovyness
Think of this like three types personalities. ( for your added fun look up Sheldon's Body Types on Google).
Your ski base thus can have different personalities based on ski conditions.

FINE ( or 2mm by .5mm) grooves are for fine new snow. Later I will give you the grit paper I use for this fine groovy personality! It is the Ectomorph base personality. Reserve! Delicate!! A little cold!

Medium ( or 3mm by 1mm grooves)
These grooves are for "warmer snow" in the 0c range. Snow may be two to three days old but did not go through the melting/freezing cycle! This is important for you to note!

I repeat,,,,the snow did not go through the thaw/freeze cycle! This range is the Endomorph personality! Easy going. Wants to be accepted! Easy to apply! It is the type that 90% of recreational skiers will use.


Coarse ( .3mm by 2 mm groovyness)

This is the Mesomorph personality type base. Aggressive full of action! Does not like snow/water to get close to him! Notice the term .... him! Very concerned about his physical looks and with a no nonsenses attitude base pattern. Uses physical force to solve issues! Wants to evacuate those snow/water droplets right away!

You all have heard the expression, "fire and oil do not mix", well my friend the mesomorph ski base does not mix with snow/water!

Typically I get out my meso base ( coarse) out when spring ski conditions begin!

The three sections I asked you do do,,,should correspond to those three base personality types!

Some of you "brighter", more advanced students in Personality Theories or ski tuning , will ask about those figures .2mm, .5mm, .3mm and wonder how to determine them! You can't! They are examples from labratory work done by Swix and Toko! I do not expect you to measure each groove for correct depth! You will learn over time which paper grit you used which was effective for your area!
That is why you must have a tuning log!

You will learn over time your favorite effective; Mesomorph, Ectomorph and Endomorph base personalities. Believe once you are on right "groove" , you will feel your skis sing for you! You will feel the skis "float" no glide over the snow!
Go back and read what you did! what tools you used and what "groovyness" you had!

Hope you enjoyed this class!

Now for your homework! Observe some people in your "entourage" and see if Sheldon's Personality classifications are relevant!


I did warn you at beginning of course that this course would be different! Enjoy your observations.


A small comment to registered students.
I did tell you that I will evaluate you and that there is a "prize" at the end of class for student who did all assignments!

I am getting only the same students who are sending in their homework!Does that mean you have accepted NOT to run for the SKS RACING Tuning tool or the Diamond Stick or the gold plated true bar ( yes really gold plated)!