How do you care for your snowboard?

Inspect Your Snowboard for Damage

Taking care of your snowboard is key to keeping it in top shape. Regular inspections help catch small issues before they become big problems. Let's dive into how we can inspect our boards for damage.

Waxing Your Snowboard

Why Waxing is Important

Waxing your snowboard is crucial for a smooth ride. It helps prevent the base from drying out and keeps you moving quickly. Regular waxing also protects your board from damage and extends its life. Whether you have a brand-new board or an older one, waxing is a must.

How to Wax Your Board

Waxing your snowboard is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple guide:

  1. Clean the base: Use a base cleaner like isopropyl alcohol or a citrus-based cleaner. You can also use hot wax to clean it. Warm it up with a wax iron and scrape it off immediately.
  2. Heat the wax: Hold the wax up to your heated iron and let it drip over your snowboard. Move it around to get an even coating.
  3. Iron it out: Using a circular motion, run your iron over the base to smooth out the wax. Keep the iron moving to avoid burning your board.
  4. Cool it down and scrape it off: Let the wax cool for 20 to 30 minutes, then use a scraper to remove the excess wax. Hold it at a 45-degree angle and scrape across the base in long, continuous motions.
  5. Brush the base: Run a structuring brush from nose to tail to smooth everything out one last time.

When to Reapply Wax

You should wax your snowboard every three rides. If the base starts to look white or you feel like you’re going slower, it’s time for a wax. You can also do a quick rub with a block of wax if you’re in a hurry, but a hot wax is always better.

Waxing your snowboard regularly ensures a smooth ride and protects your investment. Don’t skip this essential step!

Sharpening the Edges

Tools You Need

To sharpen your snowboard edges, you'll need a few key tools:

These tools will help you get the job done right and keep your board in top shape.

Steps to Sharpen Edges

  1. Secure your board: Use the snowboard tuning vices to hold your board in place.
  2. Remove burrs: Run the gummy stone along the edges to get rid of any burrs or residue.
  3. File the edges: Place the file in the guide with the teeth perpendicular to the edges. Run the file along the edges in long, sweeping strokes.
  4. Check your work: A properly sharpened edge should be able to take off a bit of your fingernail when scraped against it.
Pro Tip: Different styles of snowboarders have different tuning needs. Freestyle riders might want to detune their edges for a more predictable ride.

When to Sharpen

You should sharpen your snowboard edges when you notice nicks, burrs, rust, or if the edges feel dull. Regular sharpening helps maintain your board's performance and gives you a smoother ride. If you're unsure, a good rule of thumb is to check your board for dullness between trips.

Cleaning and Storing Your Snowboard

Cleaning After Each Session

After a day on the slopes, your snowboard picks up dirt and grime. To keep it in top shape, we need to clean it after each session. Here's how:

  • Mix a mild solution of water and gentle dish soap.
  • Spray the base of your board and let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Gently wipe off the soap using a damp rag, rinsing and repeating as needed to remove any soapy residue.

It's super important to dry off any moisture before putting your board away. Look closely at any nooks and crannies, especially around your bindings, and wipe your board down until it's completely dry. This helps prevent rust and keeps your board in good condition.

Proper Storage Techniques

Storing your snowboard correctly is just as important as cleaning it. Here are some tips:

  • Never put your snowboard away wet because the metal edges will rust.
  • Before storing your snowboard at the end of a season, give it a full hot wax treatment and leave the wax on the board and the board's metal edges to help protect them.
  • Never store your snowboard in an attic or any other place where it is likely to get hot in the summer. Your board is made up of multiple layers of different materials, all of which expand and contract at different rates when temperatures change. Exposure to extreme heat can cause the delamination of your snowboard.

If you like the graphics on your snowboard, why not hang it on your bedroom wall? Or, if you are a single bloke living alone, it will look good in the living room too. Use a set of snowboard wall hangers for a neat and professional look.

Repairing Minor Damages

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our boards get a little banged up. Here's how to handle minor repairs:

  • If you find that your board has been gouged, scrape off the wax and clean the area before melting repair wax into the hold to fill it.
  • Never store your snowboard on cement and instead, hang it on a wall using strong supports.

For more serious repairs, it's best to take your board to a Snowboard Shop. They have the tools and expertise to get your board back in shape.

Taking care of your snowboard ensures it lasts longer and performs better. Let's keep our gear in top shape so we can enjoy the slopes every season!

Transporting Your Snowboard Safely

Transporting your snowboard safely is super important to keep it in good shape. Let's dive into some tips to make sure your board gets to the slopes without a scratch.

Choosing the Right Bag

First things first, you need a good snowboard bag. Look for one that's padded and has tie-down straps. This will keep your board from sliding around and getting damaged. If you're carrying more than one board, use a towel to separate them so they don't grind against each other. And remember, don't overload your bag. A heavy bag can get tossed around by airport handlers, increasing the risk of damage.

Securing Your Board

Once you've got the right bag, make sure your board is secure. Use the tie-down straps inside the bag to keep it from moving. If your bag doesn't have these, you can use regular parcel tape to tape the boards together. This will help prevent any sliding and grinding that could damage your board.

Protecting During Travel

When you're traveling, especially by plane, your board can take a beating. Make sure to pad any extra space in your bag with clothes or towels. This will add an extra layer of protection. Also, if you're driving to a local spot, bag your board to protect your car seats from the sharp edges.

Remember, a little extra effort in packing can save you from a lot of hassle and repair costs later on.

By following these tips, you can ensure your snowboard stays in top condition, ready for your next adventure on the slopes.

Riding Tips to Prevent Damage

Avoiding Dry Slopes

Dry slopes can really mess up the base of your snowboard. Instead of risking it, consider getting a cheap second-hand board just for those dry days. Keep your main board for the real snow.

Being Cautious on Rocky Terrain

Rocks are your snowboard's worst enemy. Here are some tips to avoid them:

  • Stick to marked trails, especially early and late in the season.
  • Pay attention to signs that warn about questionable snow conditions.
  • Avoid off-piste areas unless you're sure there's enough snow coverage.

Handling Lift Queues

Lift queues can be chaotic, and it's easy to damage your board. Here's how to keep it safe:

  • Watch out for skiers' poles; they can scratch your board.
  • Be mindful of other riders and avoid collisions.
  • Keep your board close to you to prevent it from getting stepped on.
Prevention is key. Ride smart and keep an eye out for potential hazards to keep your snowboard in top shape.

Want to keep your snowboard in top shape? Check out our riding tips to avoid damage. From simple tricks to expert advice, we've got you covered. For more tips and tricks, visit our website and keep your gear in perfect condition.

Back to blog