Nakkertok has enacted a ban on the use of fluorinated ski waxes at our facilities. As of November 8th, 2021, this ban will apply to all glide waxes, with a limited exemption for specific race categories at the Candy Cane Cup and Eastern Canadian Ski Championships being held at Nakkertok this season. Commencing with the 2022/2023 ski season this ban will apply to all activities and events at Nakkertok and to both glide and grip waxes.

This ban extends to all skiers using the Nakkertok facility including members, non-members, recreational skiers and those in training and racing programs. Application of fluoro wax products is not permitted on site. Skiers are not allowed to apply fluoro wax products at home on skis to be used at Nakkertok.

What is a Fluoro Wax?
Fluoro compounds are used in high performance waxes primarily for their ability to shed/repel water. Particularly in warm ski conditions, this can have a big impact on glide speed. In recent years substitute products have been introduced that have equal performance in many conditions.

Fluorinated waxes and waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have significant negative health and environmental consequences. These substances have the potential to harm the individual, enter our food and water supply and remain in the environment for generations. Many compounds found in fluorinated waxes are banned for sale by the European Chemicals Agency and are listed in the United States Environmental Protection Agency Toxic Substances Act. FIS, Nordiq Canada, Biathlon Canada and the United States Ski and Snowboard Association have all committed to eliminate fluorinated wax products from competition.

Why Now?
Nakkertok has long been a leader in this area, playing a key role in the elimination of these waxes from competition for younger athletes in regional and provincial races. Although governing bodies in Canada have long declared their intention to fully ban these products, they are still permitted at some racing levels. Nakkertok is unwilling to wait any longer, and we hope that by enacting this ban it will help accelerate the larger process.

Exceptions
There will be no exceptions. Nakkertok will not accept races that allow fluoro waxes.

What about fluoro products I already own?
You may already have some fluoro products and you may want to use them. In our opinion, the best thing you can do for your own health and for the environment is to dispose of them at a hazardous waste facility. You are not allowed to use them at Nakkertok. Examples of fluoro glide waxes include:
High Fluoro (HF), Medium Fluoro (MF) or Low Fluoro (LF) glide waxes, including HF, MF or LF powders, pucks, blocks and liquids, as well as cold-weather powder additives and hardeners containing fluoros

If you typically buy the cheapest wax available you do not have any fluoro wax.

What waxes can I use?
Nordiq Canada maintains a list of approved waxes on their website. As of the publication date of this notice, an excel spreadsheet with a full list of allowed waxes is available at this link.

Enforcement of the Fluorinated Wax Ban
The fluoro wax ban will be self-governed by Nakkertok Programs coaches, parents, athletes and club members. Any member found applying fluoro wax products on site may be subject to sanctions including suspension of membership. Any member found using fluoro waxes for competitions at Nakkertok will be subject to additional penalties as per the Racing and Event Committee.

If you have any further questions please reach out to your program lead or to president@nakkertok.ca.