8 Ways To Completely Damage Your Snowboard
8 Ways To Completely Damage Your Snowboard
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| 8 Ways To Damage Your Snowboard |
If you regularly snowboard, you most likely have your own snowboard. It's critical that you take proper care of your snowboard, as there are numerous ways to damage it.
Here are eight ways to completely Damage your snowboard:
- Landing too hard on your snowboard
- Hitting rocks with your snowboard
- Using your snowboard when its core is exposed
- Failing to clean your snowboard thoroughly
- Not waxing your snowboard on a regular basis
- Not regularly tuning your snowboard
- Not storing your snowboard on a regular basis
- Transporting your snowboard without proper protection
Snowboards are costly, and you should learn how to care for yours. It's also important to learn more about snowboard maintenance so that you can reduce your chances of an accident. This article discusses how to ruin your snowboards and how to prevent and repair extreme damage.
Can a Snowboard Warp/Break/Snap?
Before delving into specific actions that can cause you to ruin your snowboard, it's important to understand how a snowboard can be damaged. A snowboard can break or snap, warp, and show general wear and tear.
These various types of damage are discussed in greater detail below.
Can a Snowboard Warp?
Snowboards, particularly those that have been used for a long time, can warp or change shape. Snowboard warping can occur due to a variety of factors, including general wear and tear and improper storage.
Consider the following factors to determine whether a snowboard has warped:
- Whether or not its shape has shifted: If the snowboard has been warped, the curve may change.
- If it has dents: Warping can result in deep dents in your snowboard.
- Whether your performance has suffered as a result of impacted: A warped snowboard cannot support the weight of the snowboarder. You might notice that your balance has changed or that your snowboard isn't turning as smoothly as it used to.
A warped snowboard will not only perform poorly, but it will also be dangerous to use.
Is it possible for a snowboard to break or snap?
Snowboards can break or snap when they are handled or used roughly. A snowboard can also break or snap while being ridden, carried, or transported, depending on how badly it is damaged.
If your snowboard has snapped or broken, you should replace it. The pieces can be glued together, but they will most likely break again. This is especially dangerous if it occurs while snowboarding.
What Else Can Happen to a Snowboard?
Scratching, small dents, and chipping are other ways a snowboard can be damaged. While these may appear minor at first, they can add up to something more serious over time. Extreme snowboard damage includes warping, breaking, and snapping.
With a better understanding of the various types of damage that a snowboard can sustain, let's look at some specific actions that can completely destroy your snowboard:
1. Landing Too Hardly on Your Snowboard
When you jump from a great height and land on your snowboard, you can put a lot of pressure on it. If your snowboard is made of poor quality materials, it may begin to deteriorate. If you land it repeatedly in the same way, it may snap or break.
A few factors may make your snowboard more prone to breaking from a hard landing:
- Weight of the snowboarder: The heavier the snowboarder, the more pressure on the board and the greater the risk of cracking.
- The height of the jump: As the height of the jump increases, so does the pressure on the board when landing.
- The landing style: If you land the board at the tail or front rather than the middle, it is more likely to break.
- Existing board damage: Before you take your snowboard out, especially if you intend to try high jumps, inspect it for any cracks that could be aggravated by heavy landings.
To avoid landing your snowboard too hard, plan your route ahead of time and avoid attempting too-high jumps. It also helps if you ride a high-quality snowboard, which is less prone to breaking and snapping.
2. Riding a Snowboard on Rocks
Depending on the terrain and season, you may find that some of the rocks on your route aren't covered in snow. Hitting these rocks is not only dangerous for you, but also for your snowboard.
If you collide with a rock, your snowboard may dent or warp. Your board may even snap in half on rare occasions.
Plan your route ahead of time and talk to other snowboarders who have taken the same route to avoid encountering large or dangerous rocks.
3. Using Your Snowboard When the Core Is Visible
Every snowboard has a core in the middle that should not be exposed to the elements. Riding your snowboard with the core exposed all the time can cause it to break.
Inspect your snowboard before each trip to ensure the core is not visible.
If you notice that the core of your board is exposed (usually due to continuous wear and tear), you can seal it with a sealant. You can use the following Amazon.com sealants:
- Diamond Clear Satin Finish Aerosol by Eastwood: This is a sealant and protector that is great value for money because it can be used on a variety of surfaces, including your snowboard.
- Clear Silicone Waterproof Sealant Loctite: This sealant is simple to apply and waterproof, making it ideal for protecting snowboards that are constantly exposed to damp conditions.
It is critical to understand that a sealant is only a temporary solution. It will be beneficial if you take your snowboard to a professional repairer or consider purchasing a new board.
4. Failure to Clean Your Snowboard Well
You should clean your snowboard on a regular basis, especially if you haven't used it in a long time. Wiping down the base of your snowboard with a clean cloth and a cleaning solution is the first step in cleaning it.
If you do not clean your snowboard, rocks may accumulate in the cracks, causing wear and tear. Dirt may also degrade the sealant on the board, increasing the likelihood of it breaking or snapping.
Here are two of the most effective snowboard cleaning methods:
- Eco Base Cleaner by Purl: This is a biodegradable, non-toxic pre-prepared solution created specifically for snowboards. As a result, it does not degrade the sealant on your board and instead simply removes the grime.
- Citrus Magic Multi-Use Cleaner: This cleaner isn't specifically designed for snowboards, but it does an excellent job of breaking down and removing dirt from them. It can also be used for a variety of other household cleaning tasks, such as wiping down surfaces. It has an adjustable nozzle that allows you to change the spray's power and intensity.
How To Clean the Base of Your Board
Follow these steps and guide to clean the base of your board:
- Wipe down the board's base with a clean cloth.
- Directly spray the cleaning solution on the board.
- Rub the cleaner into the board with another clean cloth, agitating the cloth until the dirt is removed.
- Allow time for the board to set and dry.
5. Failure to wax your snowboard on a regular basis
Waxing your snowboard on a regular basis is just as important as cleaning it. The manufacturer will usually pre-wax new snowboards. This means that a thin layer of wax has been applied to the snowboard, but it has eroded over time.
If you use your snowboard frequently, you must wax it frequently to rebuild the wax layer. This is significant for the following reasons:
- It keeps the snowboard hydrated, which improves the snowboard's performance in terms of turns and speed.
- It prevents abrasions and scratches on the snowboard.
- It extends the life of the snowboard by making it more wear-resistant.
- It protects the snowboard from moisture, which can erode the board's interior.
- When you don't wax your snowboard, it's more prone to damage, particularly warping.
Here are some of the best waxing agents available on Amazon.com for your snowboard:
- Demon Hyper Wax: This is a scented block of wax that is popular among snowboarders across the United States due to its ease of use and ability to withstand cold temperatures. It is reusable and provides excellent value for money.
- Purl wax: This is a multi-purpose wax that can be used on both snowboards and skis. It is biodegradable and made with a non-toxic formula. It has a pleasant after scent and can be used several times.
- SwiftGlide Ski Wax Spray: Unlike most snowboard waxes, SwiftGlide Ski Wax Spray is sold in spray form and must be melted before use. Because it can be sprayed onto your snowboard, the SwiftGuide Spray is relatively simple to apply. However, this should only be used as a quick top-off; you should wax your snowboard completely every few times you use it.
In addition to a wax block, you'll need the following items to properly wax your snowboard:
- A waxing iron for snowboards: Because it's portable and lightweight, I recommend the Wintersteiger Ski/Snowboard Waxing Iron from Amazon.com.
- A plastic or acrylic wax scraper: Try the Mt Sun Gear Heavy Duty Acrylic Wax Scraper, which is available on Amazon.com. It's simple to sharpen and maneuver and control.
- A buffing brush: Use a stiff-haired brush, such as the Swix T158D Medium Coarse Bronze Rectangular Brush, which is available on Amazon.com. The Swix brush is specifically designed for snowboard maintenance and is firm but gentle on the board.
Best way To Wax Your Snowboard
Follow these steps to ensure you're waxing your snowboard correctly:
- Clean the base of your snowboard using the steps outlined above.
- Warm up the snowboard waxing iron.
- Allow a layer of wax to drip onto the board by pressing the wax block to the snowboarding iron.
- Allow 10-15 minutes for the wax to cool after it has been completely covered with wax.
- Hold your wax scraper at a 45-degree angle and gently scrape the wax off the board until only a very thin layer remains.
- Buff the remaining wax into the board gently with the brush. This ensures that the wax adheres to the board and protects it.
Following these steps on a regular basis will keep your board from becoming completely damage
6. Failure to tune your snowboard Regularly
Tuning your snowboard entails using sealant to repair the area around the core and waxing your board. It also includes repairing the edges of the snowboard. This should be done every 20 times you go for a run with it.
Tuning your snowboard on a regular basis will ensure that it does not warp or that any warps are addressed before they become unmanageable.
We recommend the following items for tuning your snowboard:
- A gummy stone: I recommend purchasing Tools4Boards Gummy Trio Rubber Abrasive Stone Set from Amazon.com. This set offers excellent value for money.
- A diamond stone: The Diaface Moonflex Ski & Snowboard Diamond Stone is available from Amazon.com. It's a popular option among snowboarders.
- Towels that are clean
- Using rubbing alcohol
How to Repair Your Snowboard's Edges
When tuning your snowboard's edges, follow these steps:
- Examine the edges of your snowboard for any scratches or rust.
- Rub the gummy stone over the scratches or rust.
- Dip a clean towel into the rubbing alcohol and agitate any remaining rust or dust.
- Use the diamond stone to file the edges, making sure to shape the curve in the desired direction.
- Using a clean towel, wipe down the snowboard.
7. Failure to properly store your snowboard
If you only snowboard in the winter, it's critical to store it properly during the summer. If not properly stored, it will absorb moisture and warp. Make sure to clean and tune your snowboard before packing it away for storage.
Here's how to properly store your snowboard:
- Wipe down your snowboard to make sure it's completely dry.
- If necessary, apply sealant to any cracks.
- Tune the board's edge to your liking.
- Wax your board until it has a thin layer of wax on it.
- Place your snowboard in a cool, dry location that is cushioned.
8. Transporting Your Snowboard Without Protecting It:
You'll almost certainly need to travel with your snowboard in order to find the best routes and trails. You should put it in a travel bag to protect it from scratches while transporting it.
Snowboard travel bags, such as the OutdoorMaster ORCA Snowboard Bag from Amazon.com, are typically waterproof, well-cushioned, and have easy-to-carry handles. However, make sure to choose one that is appropriate for the size of your snowboard.
Best Snowboard Maintenance Kits
There are several snowboard maintenance kits available to help you keep your snowboard in good condition. Here are two of the best Amazon.com options:
Ski and Snowboard Tuning Kit Demon Mechanic
This kit includes a variety of tools for cleaning, tuning, and repairing your snowboard. All of the tools can be neatly packed into a portable bag.
The following equipment are included in the kit:
- Cleaner with a citrus base
- Wax iron with dual voltage
- Snowboard sharpener
- Gummy stone
XCMAN Ski and Snowboard Waxing and Tuning Kit
This tuning kit is portable and comes with a waterproof bag and box. The kit contains:- Snowboarding wax blocks
- A scraper for wax
- A nylon bristle brush
- A brush made of brass
- A rough file
It's worth noting that this kit does not include a wax iron.
Carrying a maintenance kit with you on your next trip to the slopes will ensure that you can protect and preserve your board.
