If you want your board to last a long time and glide like butter over the snow, don't neglect it. A well-maintained snowboard means more fun, more control, and fewer unpleasant surprises. Here's how to take care of your board the way it deserves:
1. Waxing : the crucial step
Waxing (or " waxing " for short) is essential for keeping your board fast and healthy. In addition to improving glide, it protects your base from drying out and wear.
How often should you wax your snowboard?
First of all, it's good to know your basic type:
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Extruded base : low porosity, it offers consistent glide with little maintenance. Present on entry-level models and snowpark boards/skis, a waxing at the end of the season is generally sufficient.
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Curved base : more porous, it requires regular waxing to maintain its speed and glide. A base that whitens near the edges is a sign that it is drying out and needs to be waxed.
Waxing at the end of the season is recommended, as summer dries out the base, reducing its performance for the following season. Additionally, sliding conditions, such as abrasive spring snow, remove wax residue. Proper maintenance extends the life and performance of your equipment.
If you want, come to the store and we'll take care of it for you! That's what we're here for. Otherwise:
How to wax your snowboard yourself?
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Clean your base with a wax remover and a scraper/brush to remove the old wax.
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Heat the wax with a waxing iron (avoid your household iron, it might just smell burnt).
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Apply the wax in droplets to the base, then spread it with the iron.
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Let cool for about fifteen minutes.
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Scrape off the excess with a scraper.
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Brush the base with a nylon brush for finishing.
If you don't have all the equipment, we have what you need in store:
2. Sharpening the edges: for precise turns
If your edges are too rounded, your snowboard will have less grip, especially on hard snow or ice. To avoid ending up on your ass every time you turn, get into the habit of sharpening them.
When to sharpen your edges?
We sharpen less often than we wax. A good maintenance at the beginning of the season (or ideally at the end of the season) is recommended, then we adjust according to feel. If your edges have irregularities to the touch or no longer bite as much, a little tune-up may be necessary, especially after a few days on icy slopes. Tip: rub your fingernail on the edges : if it leaves residue, it's a good sign!
Please note: Edges have a limited lifespan when sharpened. This is not an immediate concern, but in the long run, excessive sharpening will eventually wear them out completely.
How to do it?
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Use a diamond file or a specific turtle-style sharpener
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Gently roll it over your edges, following the original angle.
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Emphasize the grip areas.
Again, we'll take care of it for you if you want!
3. Base repair: patching the damage
Got a hidden rock in the powder and now you have a hole in the base of your board? Don't stress, it's easy to repair.
Materials needed:
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A P-Tex pole (available in all good snow shops).
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A lighter or a p-tex gun
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A metal scraper.
How to repair?
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Clean the area to be repaired.
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Melt the P-Tex and let it flow into the hole.
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Let it dry then scrape off the excess.
4. Storage: how to avoid unpleasant surprises
At the end of the season, don't leave your board lying around anywhere.
The golden rules of storage:
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Wipe your snowboard well after each ride to prevent rust.
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Apply a layer of storage wax (as below) without scraping before storing to protect the base.
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Store it in a dry, temperate place (not in a damp shed or in the trunk of a car in the middle of a heatwave).
Last little tip, never leave without your multitool (like below) in your pockets, it's always practical!
DAKINE STANCE DRIVER MULTITOOL
With these few tips, your snowboard will stay performing for longer and you will avoid unpleasant surprises at the start of the season.
If you need maintenance gear or you're too lazy to do it yourself, come to the Homies store, we'll take care of that!
