Abstract: A polymer coating applied to a load bearing or contact surface of objects such as skis and snowboards is provided. The polymer coating is a drag reducing, water soluble long chain polymer such as polyethylene oxide. The polymer coating is applied to the contact surface of the object and dissolves into the thin layer of water that forms between the contact surface and a water-containing surface over which the object is passed. The polymer readily dissolves in the thin water layer, decreasing the friction between the contact surface of the ski or snowboard and the surface of the snow or ice.

Abstract: A fluid conduit for flowing electrically conductive fluids includes an elrically conductive pipe, an electrically conductive rod extending axially through the pipe and centrally thereof, a first power source in electrical communication with the pipe and rod, a solenoidal electromagnet disposed around the pipe and a second power source in electrical communication with the electromagnet. Activation of the first and second power sources creates an electric and a magnetic field, respectively, within the pipe which interact and result in a circumferential force in the flow with consequent reduction in wall friction in the pipe.