How to Wax a Toboggan

You don't need to review your high school physics notes to improve your acceleration in the snow this winter. If you're planning to bundle up and head outside, here is an idea that may bring you even more fun and speed down the sledding hill.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• wooden toboggan
• ski wax
• dust-free cloth
• scraper tool
• plenty of newspaper

1. Select an indoor (i.e. heated) area to wax your toboggan. You may choose to do this on the floor, or the dining room table. Cover the work area with plenty of newspaper to catch the shavings.

2. Gently rest the toboggan upside down in the center of the paper.

3. Wipe the bottom of toboggan to clean the entire surface area before applying wax. Visually inspect for a clean and dust-free surface.

4. Apply a thin coat of wax from the front of the toboggan to the back, covering the entire running surface area.

5. Working from front to back, hold the scraper at a 45% angle to the surface and gently skim the entire area to remove any excess wax.

6. With dry, clean hands, feel the lubricated surface. It should be smooth and slick to the touch with only a thin coating of wax. If not, repeat steps 4-6 to create a smooth surface.

7. Protect your newly waxed toboggan while you clean up your work area.

Tips & Warnings

• If the snow is falling as you read this and you don't have time to get to a ski shop for X-country wax, you can try floor wax or even household paraffin wax.
• Be careful of the increased speed with your newly waxed wooden toboggan.