How to maintain your snowboard?
Founder of Stone Snowboards
Have you just bought a brand-new board, or perhaps your trusty board is starting to show signs of wear? In either case, proper maintenance of your snowboard is key to ensuring it remains high-performing and a joy to ride.
Waxing, edge sharpening, storage… It might sound a bit technical, but we promise, it’s not rocket science. Let’s look at why and when you need to do it, before moving on to the practical steps. So, settle in and let’s get started!
Why is snowboard maintenance important?
Looking after your snowboard goes far beyond just how it looks (although a nice-looking board is always a bonus). It stops your board from becoming a real pain to ride, especially when the snow conditions go downhill. And if you store your board haphazardly at the end of the season, you risk finding it with rusty edges and a completely dried-out base come the following winter.
A question of safety and performance
If the edges are damaged or the base is too worn, you risk a less smooth, or even dangerous, ride. Maintenance is therefore a guarantee of safety, but also of riding enjoyment. And let’s be honest, nothing beats the feeling of a snowboard that rides perfectly, especially after you’ve taken care of it.
When you maintain your snowboard regularly, you improve its performance. A well-waxed board glides better, you get better grip on the snow and you feel the surface beneath your feet more clearly.
A question of longevity
By looking after your snowboard properly, you’ll also save money in the long run. A snowboard that’s properly maintained will last you much longer, helping you avoid costly repairs. In short, a well-maintained snowboard is one that will last and let you ride with peace of mind.
When should you service your snowboard?
Snowboard maintenance isn’t an exact science, but there are still a few key times when it’s worth giving it some attention.
Do you need to wax your snowboard when you buy it?
Generally, you can head out and ride straight away, as new boards are already waxed at the factory. But if you really want to optimise your glide, a quick wax before your first ride can be a good idea.
Maintaining your snowboard during the season
It all depends on how often you ride and the conditions. If you ride often and on cold, abrasive snow, waxing every 5 to 10 sessions is a good average. As for the edges, a quick check after each session helps spot any nicks and take action if necessary. In any case, the bare minimum is one wax per season.
And at the end of the season?
Before putting your board away, remember to clean it thoroughly, apply a good wax (which you won’t scrape off straight away, just to protect the base), and store it in a dry, temperature-controlled place – not in your damp garage or the boot of your car – to avoid any nasty surprises. And ideally, put it in a protective cover, provided your board and bindings are completely dry.
Steps for maintaining a snowboard
Waxing your snowboard: the essential step
Waxing is a bit like feeding your board. Without it, it eventually dries out and loses performance. You’ll often be advised to leave this task to a professional, but if you fancy doing it yourself, here are a few tips.
What you’ll need for a good wax job
To do it properly, start by getting your equipment ready. You’ll need:
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a wax remover
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a snowboard clamp,
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a block of wax (choose according to the type of snow),
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a waxing iron,
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a scraper,
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a nylon brush.
Steps for waxing a snowboard
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First step, and by no means the least: secure your board firmly in the clamp. Your snowboard must be completely flat.
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Start by cleaning the base with a wax remover or a damp cloth.
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Next, heat up your waxing iron and apply the wax by dripping a few drops over the entire surface before spreading it with the iron. Don’t forget: you should always apply the wax in the direction of travel, so make sure you can tell the front from the back of your board. Also, be careful not to get wax on your edges.
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Once it’s evenly distributed, leave it to set for a few hours.
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Next, scrape off the excess with a plastic scraper. Always remember to scrape in the direction of travel.
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Finally, finish off with a nylon brush for perfect glide (this helps water drain away from under the snowboard). Don’t press too hard and, once again: brush in the direction of travel.
A quick tip: avoid waxing like a madman. Too much wax is just a waste. Simply put, if your base is white in places, it’s a sign that it’s really thirsty, so focus a bit more on those areas.
Choosing the right wax for snowboard maintenance
Just like with your cross-country skis, there are several types of wax: cold, hot, or even all-purpose. You need to choose your wax based on the snow conditions and your riding style. Basically, if you’re planning to ride in cold temperatures, choose a cold-weather wax. If it’s wetter, a hot-weather wax will be your best bet. A universal wax can also do the job if you ride in varied conditions. The key is not to overlook this aspect of your snowboard maintenance, as a well-chosen wax will make all the difference, especially if you want to prevent your board from sticking to the snow.
Edge sharpening: grip better, ride better
The edges are what allow you to grip the snow properly, especially in icy conditions. If you feel your board sliding sideways without gripping, it’s time to sharpen them. Use a file and an angle guide for a clean, precise sharpening.
Be careful not to sharpen the edges under the bindings if you ride in the park often. A slight rounding off in these areas prevents your board from biting too hard into rails and boxes.
Maintaining bindings and screws
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Checking and adjusting bindings
Bindings are where you put your feet, so they’re clearly an area not to be overlooked. Before each session, take the time to check that they’re securely fastened and properly adjusted. A quick turn of the screwdriver to tighten the screws, and you’re good to go. If your bindings are dirty, don’t hesitate to clean them to prevent them from seizing up. It’s simple, but when you’re in the middle of a run and realise your bindings are moving, you can kiss your session goodbye.
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Check the screws and metal parts
Another small detail: the screws. They can come loose over time. Remember to check each screw from time to time, and don’t forget to apply a little lubricant to the metal parts to prevent rust. Nothing too complicated, but these little checks can really save the day.
In short: look after your board, and it’ll repay you tenfold
The idea isn’t to spend your evenings polishing your board like a trophy, but to take a few minutes here and there to check that everything’s in order. If you look after it regularly, you’ll avoid any nasty surprises.
A well-waxed base glides better, sharp edges grip when you need them to, and a properly stored board will be waiting patiently for you next season. So yes, it takes a bit of time, but it’s well worth it.
Right then, now that you’re an expert on snowboard maintenance, all that’s left to do is go for a ride!
See you soon, Stoners!