CCBC Protocol Regarding the Use of Fluorinated Waxes

There was a great deal of confusion following the initial FIS ban on fluorinated waxes, and given the lack of a functional testing unit to date, our sport remains in transition between using fluoro and non-fluoro waxes.

Nordiq Canada has posted it’s waxing policy for the 2021-22 season – to view it click here.  To find out which races in Canada will be FIS sanctioned in 2021-22, click here.  

As a result of the ongoing changes, CCBC has replaced it’s waxing protocol from last year with an updated version for the 2021-22 season (click here).  This new version is designed to help clubs save dollars by limiting their investment in waxes while the non-fluoro wax scene continues to evolve, and it will only be in effect for this ski season.

Rationale behind the updated protocol:

The objective of the new protocol is not to prepare the most competitive skis for athletes.  Wax testing carried out by CCBC has already ensured that the identified products and their various application methods are suitable for competition.  Instead this protocol encourages an athlete-centered approach to ski preparation.  In prescribing our specific selection of usable products, athletes will benefit from:    

• increased opportunities to engage with coaches and technicians resulting from limited testable glide wax options and fast and easy application;
• decreased costs for preparation; reducing a barrier to entering races and allowing more resources to be directed towards athlete development; and
• a more level-playing field, with no athletes being disadvantaged because they don’t have access to high-end products.

Associated notes:

CCBC wax testing confirms that: 

• Vauhti and Swix products are competitive when applied in a cold application or buffing method, regardless of whether cold application methods were recommended by the manufacturers. Cold application provides for fast and easy application and is generally more cost effective. Equivalent liquid and hot applications from the same company have also proven to be competitive in certain conditions, however they may be more costly and / or time consuming.
• As suggested, Vauhti and Swix product costs correlate directly to performance increase.  Swix products progress in cost and performance from PS à HS à TS; Vauhti products progress from One à Up à Pro àRace.

Wax Update:

• Swix is bringing into the market a completely fluor free racing glide wax system that is based on new raw materials that comply with their sustainability strategy.  These waxes are shaping a line of new products called Pro. The Pro Line is still recognized by the traditional Swix colour system and numbering logic.  Swix is now producing cold application products (both glide wax and application tools).
• Master wax has a fluor free junior kit which include a roto handle that fits in any standard drill, four wool applicators, and four waxes from the racing fluor free line all in a handy padded case.  Waxes include: Transformed -1-6, Medium -4-10, Cold -7-14 and Very Cold -10-17. Remember to label the applicators with the wax it is for and make sure not to mix waxes on the same applicator. These waxes can also be bought individually. 
• One Vauhti liquid bottle is advertized to wax up to 50 pairs of skis if applied correctly
  • ULLA has a new wax lineup coming out in the fall of 2021.  They have scaled down the number of waxes to make waxing for a ski team easier than before.  Four plain colour waxes for natural snow, four black colours for transformed snow. Team packages include all the tools a club needs to make their team competitive without spending countless hours in the wax room. All products are made in Canada.