Best Way to Keep Your Snowboard in Perfect Condition

Best way to keep snowboard in perfect condition

When properly maintained, stored, and repaired, a snowboard can last for years. To keep your snowboard in top shape for as long as possible, make sure you're doing a few simple things, such as cleaning the base on a regular basis.

Here's a best way for keeping your snowboard in good and perfect condition:

• Every few runs, clean the base.
• Between sessions, wax the board.
• Remove any nicks or rust.
• Keep the board in a dry location.
• Make repairs right away.
• Avoid dangerous terrain

Though no snowboard is built to last forever, you can increase the lifespan of your board by keeping it waxed, clean, and as dry as possible. Let's go over some of the most important maintenance tasks for keeping your snowboard in great shape.

1. Every few runs, clean the base

Even if you're skiing on clean white snow, your board will get dirty after a few runs. So, to achieve the best smooth glide across the ice, you should clean your board after every few sessions.

Still, if you're new to snowboarding or aren't in the habit of cleaning your base on a regular basis, you might be wondering how to do it. Let's take a moment to go over some essential snowboard base cleaning techniques and supplies to help you get through this task quickly.

How To Clean Your Snowboard Base

To clean your snowboard base, you must first acquire the necessary cleaning supplies. Fortunately, a spray-on cleaning solution and a few clean cloths or bar towels will suffice.

The Purl ECO Base Cleaner, which is available on Amazon.com, is an excellent choice because it is fluorocarbon-free, biodegradable, and free of toxic chemicals. When you use this base cleaner, you can be certain that you are leaving a trail of snow rather than pollution.

After wiping away any dirt or debris, dry your snowboard with one of your clean towels and place it somewhere (preferably elevated) to dry. It should be ready for a fresh coat of wax after about thirty minutes.

Remember that cleaning your snowboard base includes waxing it completely. A filthy or unwaxed base may catch on the ice or fail to reach satisfactory speeds. Furthermore, a fresh coat of wax is an excellent way to protect the overall health and condition of your board.

2. Between sessions, wax the board

Waxing your board is one of the most effective ways to improve its overall performance and longevity. After all, wax protects the surfaces of your board from moisture, preventing delamination.

However, if you plan on hitting the slopes for a few days at the start of the season, then returning in a few weeks to catch a little more air, you'll want to wax in between sessions.

Even seasoned snowboarders can forget to wax their boards before returning to the ice, resulting in slower speeds and damaged boards. While many snowboard shops and repair technicians will wax your board for you, you may want to learn how to do it yourself.

To apply hot wax to your board, you'll need a waxing iron, and this type of wax is often preferred over thinner rub-on varieties. A razor blade may also be required to scrape away any stubborn bits of old wax.

When applying a fresh coat of wax to your board, make sure you're in a well-ventilated area. A home garage or backyard patio may be ideal locations for this task. When smoothing away small nicks and rust from your snowboard, you may want to set up a workspace.

3. Smooth Away Any Nicks or Rust

Tiny burrs along the sides of your board aren't always a cause for concern. Though they have the potential to grow into deeper cracks over time, you can avoid this by simply smoothing them away. The same is true for any rust that forms on the top or sides of your snowboard.

Of course, if you're not familiar with this type of maintenance, you may be unsure where to begin. Fortunately, removing nicks and rust is often as simple as purchasing a snowboard edger or going to a snowboard shop.

Using a Snowboard Edger

Edgers for snowboards are specialized blades used to keep board edges clean and sharp. They work best along the board's edges and can remove tiny bits of rust or fractured metal.

However, if you notice any small cracks, the nose and tail may benefit from a sharpening stone instead. These are abrasive-finished rectangular blocks that you can drag along the side of your board to keep its edges sharp and burr-free.

On Amazon.com, the DMT Ski and Snowboard Edge Care is an excellent example of a useful snowboard sharpening tool. It has a fine grit that works well on most board surfaces, particularly edges. You can, of course, select a coarse or extra-coarse model for a faster, more powerful sharpening.

However, if you're dealing with rust spots, you'll want to use medium- and fine-grit sandpaper rather than a sharpening stone. Of course, you could buy a diamond stone to rub away the rust, but these can be quite expensive.

Going to a Snowboard Shop

If you're comfortable sharpening the edges of your board with a sharpening stone, you can also visit a snowboard shop for repair services. Professional repair technicians can easily and quickly repair any cracks or broken edges, allowing you to get back on the frost as soon as possible.

Avoid Oversharpening

There's something to be said for not sharpening your board edges as frequently as you should. After all, there's only so much board that can be smoothed before you start changing its shape. Though it's a good idea to sharpen away minor nicks and rust, you should never over sharpen your board.

Visiting a snowboard shop for repairs and sharpening can help you avoid oversharpening. After all, repair technicians can provide valuable advice to ensure you don't shave off too much of your board.

4. Keep the board in a dry location

Storage is one of the most important aspects of snowboard maintenance. Putting your board in the wrong place during the summer and spring can cause it to break. That's why you should take extra precautions to keep your board safe and dry.

Some of the most important things to remember when storing your snowboard are:

1. Clean it first: Before storing your board, give it a thorough cleaning. You should also apply a cleaning fluid and gently scrub away any stubborn dirt. You'll be able to see any damage and prepare your board for a new coat of wax this way.
2. Make repairs if necessary: If your snowboard has any scrapes or scratches, you should repair them before storing the board. Any cracks or holes can allow moisture into the board's inner layers, potentially weakening it over time.
3. Wax your board before storing it for the season: Are you storing your board at the end of the season? If so, you should apply some new wax to it. A thick coat of wax can help protect it from UV damage and humidity as it waits for the snowfall the following year.

Avoid storing your snowboard in humid areas: The last thing you want to do is store your snowboard in a humid area. After all, prolonged moisture exposure is a surefire way to rot a board. If you live in a humid climate, you should consider installing a dehumidifier in the room where you keep your snowboard.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to keep your snowboard in great shape while it's in storage. A board that has been cleaned, waxed, and repaired is more likely to run smoothly the following season than one that has been dirtied and broken in a humid garage.

5. Make repairs right away

Accidents happen, and minor wear and tear on your board is normal throughout the season. However, failing to repair these minor flaws can be fatal to your snowboard. This is due to the fact that each layer of a board is designed to protect the other layers.

If the sides of your board begin to crack or the base develops visible cracks and holes, it's time to take snowboard repair seriously. Of course, these are just a few of the most common types of snowboard damage.

Knowing all of the warning signs of a failing board can help you keep your gear in near-perfect condition. It's also an excellent way to keep your rides smooth and avoid unintentional collisions or falls.

Common Snowboard Damage Types

There are several visible signs of damage that you should look out for. Snowboarders, for example, should always inspect their board before a run and look for:

• Small cracks running along the sides
• The top laminate is peeling.
• Cracks in the nose or tail
• The stomp pad has cracks.
• Significant warping of the board shape
• holes in the foundation
• A core layer that is visible

Any of these types of damage can result in complete board rot. Some are, of course, more problematic than others, such as holes in the base of an exposed core. Even minor issues, such as cracked sides, deserve immediate attention.

Remember that you'll be riding through snow and ice, both of which can affect the layers of your board. Furthermore, many snowboards have wood cores. If exposed to water or extreme cold, this core can rot or crack, significantly weakening your board.

Snowboard Repairs on Your Own

In some cases, you may be able to repair your board without the assistance of a professional. Many of the minor issues are easily resolved.

As a result, caring for your snowboard is similar to caring for your car: If you make a point of repairing minor issues as soon as possible, you should be able to have your board looking as good as new in no time.

If you want to do some DIY snowboard repairs, you'll need a clean and secure workspace, as well as a collection of useful tools and supplies. And if you make a mistake, you may have to take your board to a repair shop anyway.

Professional repair technicians are the better option overall. They're likely to make good, inexpensive repairs that will keep your snowboard in good shape.

Expert Snowboard Repair Services

Professional repair services are a great investment, though prices vary by shop. Nonetheless, a basic or complete repair and wax service will cost between $30 and $50.

Because a high-quality snowboard can easily cost several hundred dollars, most repair fees are comparatively low and reasonable. Besides, while your board is being repaired and waxed, you could plan your run or have a quick lunch.

6. Avoid Dangerous Terrain

Finally, by avoiding dangerous terrain, you can extend the life of your snowboard. Of course, this isn't always possible. After all, deep snow can easily obscure sharp boulders and sudden drop-offs.

Still, you should avoid potentially hazardous paths if possible. The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) reported 42 fatal accidents during the 2019-2020 winter season. Unfortunately, many of these mishaps were caused by collisions.

Snowboarders must take care to maintain their boards so that they do not deviate from their intended path. Furthermore, a bent or splintered board can be difficult to maneuver, potentially leading to a collision with nearby trees, rocks, or people.

Best way to Keep a Snowboard in Good Condition?

To keep a snowboard in good shape, it must be properly maintained and repaired. You should also keep your board in a clean, dry, and secure location during the off-season.

And, while it isn't always possible, you might want to ride on slopes with few natural hazards, such as rocks or steep embankments. You'll be less likely to break or damage your board while carving some snow this way.

Can You Leave a Snowboard Outside?

You should never leave a snowboard outside because it is a sure way to shorten its lifespan. Despite the fact that snowboards are encased in tough plastics and fiberglass, these materials degrade and thin over time.

Because ice and snow can hasten the decomposition of a snowboard, it's critical to keep your board as dry and moisture-free as possible. It's also a good idea not to leave your snowboard outside during the summer.

Whether you're cleaning out your garage or simply looking for more storage space in your home, it's never a good idea to leave a snowboard out in the sun or on the lawn. UV radiation can cause the laminate top sheet of the board to separate.

Furthermore, the slope of your lawn can gradually alter the expertly crafted shape of your snowboard. That's why it's best to store your board between sessions in a clean, dry place.

Conclusion

High-quality snowboards are bound to be more expensive than entry-level options. As a result, snowboarders frequently wonder, "How do I keep my snowboard in good condition?" This question has three answers: maintenance, repair, and storage.

Maintaining a clean and waxed board is one of the most effective ways to repel general wear, but scratches and chips do occur. Furthermore, it is critical to repair damage as soon as it is discovered, as long-term damage can lead to core rot. Finally, keeping your board off the ground and in a clean, dry place will help it last longer.