Tight Turns Spring Skiing Sunscreen and Gorilla Glue Repairs

Sunscreens Even Picky Kids Will Wear

If there is one thing my children hate, it’s sunscreen. For over a decade, we’ve been arguing, cajoling, bribing and threatening one or the other of them with dire consequences to get this protection in a bottle on their faces.

They don’t like how it feels. They don’t like the smell. And while they don’t like sunburn, they’re kids so they don’t really think about concepts like “prevention,” “wrinkles,” or “skin cancer.” I do.

One of the primary objections I hear from my sons, is that they don’t like the feel of lotion. If your kids have the same issue, here are two recommendations for non-lotion sunscreen that just might help.

ColoreScience Sunforgettable Powdered Sunscreen SPF 30

While it has a cosmetic look and you apply it with a brush, this stuff works. A combination of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, our dermatologist (who is herself a brave ski mom) turned us onto powdered sunscreen for skiing. Because it brushes on dry, our boys use it gladly. They even reapply it throughout the day without complaining. They don’t even seem to mind getting teased about using “makeup.”

Upsides: A mineral-based product, Sunforgettable contains titanium and zinc, the best UVA and UVB blocking substances around. Although it looks skin-toned, it’s invisible. Sunforgettable comes in a container with a built in brush, so it’s convenient and easy to apply. Plus, it’s never sticky, so no one can complain.

Downsides: The application brush needs to be cleaned at least once a month. You and your kids need to be able to hold your breath when you’re brushing it on. Don’t inhale the powder. Also, this stuff is pricey, retailing for $50. However, refills are only $23.

Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 55

Another anti-lotion, Coppertone Sport Sunscreen is protection in a stick. Designed for “spot protection,” it’s a good choice for faces, especially ears, nose and cheeks — you know, all those areas your helmet and goggles don’t cover. It contains chemicals that guard against UVA and UVB rays and is formulated to be water-resistant for 80 minutes.

Upsides: This stick sunscreen comes in a light, portable, non-spillable (it’s a solid!) cylinder that will easily fit into a pocket. Since it’s not sticky, our kids will use it. They simply rub it over their exposed skin and they’re good to go. At only $5.49 per tube, it’s a good value.

Downsides: Because it is clear, you can’t see it going on. This makes me want to push harder when I apply it, which most kids don’t like. Our dermatologist and pediatrician are big proponents of mineral-based sunscreens, because they believe the UVA and UVB protection is better. This stick is chemical-based, but I think it’s better than nothing and if you can get your kids to wear it, its great!

Gorilla Glue for Ski and Board Repairs?

In the fall, a representative from Gorilla Glue offered to send me some samples. At a loss as to why I would need Gorilla Glue, she told me that it’s great for ski and snowboard repair. I expressed some doubt that I would be making my own repairs (that’s why ski shops were invented, duh?), but offered to take some sample of regular Gorilla Glue and Gorilla Glue epoxy.

As predicted, I haven’t made any repairs to the family skis. We have used the Gorilla Glue around the house. Our son also used it to build a large glider for a science project. When his glider was still intact after multiple flights, crashes and transport to and from school, we were impressed. So was his teacher. He got an “A.”

First-Hand Info from Others

Since I have no first hand experience with the epoxy, I went online to see what other skiers and riders have found. Here are the best tips.

1. Don’t use regular Gorilla Glue for ski repairs. It is made of polyurethane which bubbles and expands when it cures. Plus, it’s not watertight.

2. Try Gorilla Glue Epoxy when filling core shots. Epoxy comes in many different types, all of which set up and cure to varying hardnesses and flexibilities. I have no first-hand experience, so I can’t tell you if Gorilla Glue epoxy is too hard or too flexible or just right. But, if you look online, there are plenty of forums where these issues are debated (and debated some more).

In addition, the Lake Tahoe Skiing Blog suggests other everyday uses for Gorilla Glue Epoxy, including fixing pole straps, boot liners and ski racks. They suggest keeping a tube in your pack, so it’s always at hand.

But be aware, as with most epoxies, this is two-step process. While the epoxy will set in five minutes, you’ll need to clamp the broken parts together for 30 minutes and then let it cure for 24 hours. Hardly an on-the-go fix.

Good luck!