Summer is here, which means it’s time to put away the heavy jacket and pull on the bikini. But before you hit the beach, you have to make sure your skis are locked up and stored safely somewhere. It’s sad to say that a lot of people get injured or suffer damage due to careless or unsafe ski storage. You don’t want to be one of those people, so here are some easy tips on how to ensure that yourskis are always locked up and stored safely.
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Use Superglue
There’s no doubt that Superglue is an amazing product. It’s durable, easy to use, and has a long lifespan. It basically self-seals when you apply it, meaning it’ll stay locked up for years without the need for constant maintenance and reapplication. It also has the added benefit of being waterproof, dustproof, and acidproof, making it the perfect locking material for your skis. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly since it’s biodegradable and recyclable.
Use Caulk Remover
Caulk is a material made of rubber and plastic that you apply to the threads of two adjoining surfaces to seal them together. It’s used to caulk windows, doors, and stovepipes, and it’s a great way to seal your skis since it’s easy to apply and highly effective. Just be sure to remove all excess caulk before applying tape or a similar protective coating. And don’t worry, you won’t damage your hand while removing caulk, since it doesn’t hurt like usual rubber gloves do. In case you do tear a bit of skin while removing caulk, you’ll have a natural biopolymer available as a temporary solution until you heal.
Use Plastic Tubes
Most importantly, don’t wrap your skis in paper towels, sanitized cloths, or any porous material. These materials make it easier for water to penetrate, causing rust and damage to appear on your skis in no time. Instead, opt for plastic tubes that are completely waterproof and breathable. You can easily find these at your local hardware store. Just make sure to let them dry before storing them away, as damp skis are more prone to rusting.
Store On Edge
Another way to keep your skis safe is to store them on edge. This is very similar to the snowflake method where you stack one on top of another, but instead of using snow, you’ll use a block of wood or similar rigid material. When you store your skis on edge, it prevents them from moving around and getting damaged in any way. The same goes for your snow park pass – store it on edge, and you’ll prevent any injuries due to accidents caused by falling objects or careless driving, among others.
Use Tires
Of course, tires are great for storing your skis since they prevent movement and keep them tight and secure against vibration and wear. However, make sure to purchase the right kind for the application – tubeless car tires work great for this purpose, but solid tires are also suitable as long as they’re puncture-proof. If you have a choice, go for the tubeless variety so you can remove them when needed without having to worry about the tube becoming detached and lost. If you do lose a tube, it’s very easy to find replacements in most cases, either at a bike shop or a grocery store.
Use Safety Pins
You can also protect your skis by using safety pins to keep the boot laces attached and tied together. This prevents the laces from loosening and getting tangled while avoiding any accidents due to snagging or tripping. As long as you keep the safety pins in place, your boot laces should remain tied and the risk of accidents is greatly reduced. Just make sure to take them off before you leave the house so that the laces don’t become a trip hazard while you’re skiing. You can also purchase special safety pins that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Regular Cleaning
Finally, don’t be afraid to clean your skis regularly. A lot of people think that water will damage their plastic components, but in reality, clean water is actually good for your skis. It keeps them looking new and shiny, so it’s definitely an important step in preserving the quality of your rides. You can use a bit of soap or sand to lightly polish your skis when you’re cleaning them, avoiding any unwanted scratches and ensuring they’re smooth and perfect for the next session.
When storing your skis, it’s important to follow these tips so you can keep them in good condition and prevent any accidents or injuries. Of course, we’re not saying that all of these measures are necessary since regular cleaning and locking up your skis are good enough in most cases. However, following a few of these tips will be sure to provide you with extra security and peace of mind when storing and using your skis this summer.