Thrust-responsive surface material for skis

A ski equipped to be biased to forward motion, comprising:

• a ski body including a recess, the recess being formed in the bottom of the ski body;
• an array of retractable elements pliably coupled to a matrix, the matrix remaining substantially static relative to the array of retractable elements;
• and
• fastening means to interchangeably attach the matrix to the recess in the ski body.

A method of forming a resilient structure, without preference for order or simultaneity, the method comprising:

• forming an array of monolithically interconnected retractable members having mechanical engagement means formed thereon;
• forming a matrix having mechanical engagement means thereon, the matrix being formed monolithically with the array of monolithically interconnected retractable members;
• and
• subjecting the array to mechanical force sufficient to structurally engage at least a portion of the monolithically interconnected retractable members with the matrix having mechanical engagement means thereon,
• wherein a positional extent of the retractable members is thereafter limited by a mutual obstruction between the mechanical engagement means formed on the monolithically interconnected retractable members and the mechanical engagement means formed on the matrix.