Seasoned snowboarders know how important it is to wax their boards, but those who are new to the sport might be wondering what the point of it is. After all, surely the board doesn’t need to be slippery with wax because snow is already slippery. However, waxing is not just for speed; it also prevents the board from drying out.
Does Your Board Need to be Waxed?
You could always forego waxing your snowboard, but we can tell you now that if you do neglect regular snowboard tunes that include waxing of the board, it is likely to have a much shorter lifespan. The experts at Canyon Sports say that waxing helps to keep the base of the board smooth and level, which will improve the experience on the slopes.
If you haven’t been snowboarding for very long, you probably haven’t noticed any real damage to the base of your board. However, the more times you head out, the more knocks the board will take and the more scratches and gouges there are likely to be on the bottom of it. This damage affects how your board handles the slopes, and it can slow you down. A board that is regularly waxed will run smoother and will make the turns easier.
As mentioned above, waxing does more than improve your experience. It provides a barrier for the snowboard to prevent it from becoming dry and brittle when exposed to the elements. When a snowboard gets very dry, it can begin to delaminate, which will then require a costly repair. It is much cheaper and easier to wax the snowboard than it is to have it repaired.
How to Wax a Snowboard
Waxing is typically included in a professional snowboard tune, but you can do it yourself more regularly at home. The more you wax the board, the longer it will last. While some people wax their board after every use, others do it after every three or four days of riding.
To wax your board, you will need a few items including a wax candle, a scraper, brush, and a waxing iron. You can either take the bindings off or cover them with masking tape to prevent dust or scrapings from getting inside. You should then remove old wax and dirt with the brush and scraper.
When the base of your board is clean and smooth, you can heat the wax candle with a lighter and as it starts to melt allow it to drip over the board, focusing on the areas with scrapes or gouges. You should then use the wax iron to spread the melted wax over the board. The temperature of the iron should not exceed 140 degrees. When spreading the wax with the iron, avoid holding it on the same spot for long and avoid going over the same place numerous times. Doing this could overheat the base of the board, or even result in a burn.
When the wax has hardened and cooled, you can use the scraper to remove the excess. Work in one direction from tip to tail. You can then use the wax brush to get rid of the scrapings. Your board will then be as good as new, and you can get out on the slopes for a fast, smooth ride.
Conclusion
Waxing is especially important when it comes to snowboard maintenance. It helps to keep the base of the board smooth and level, which will improve your ride. Waxing is also a terrific way to prolong the life of your board and keep it in good condition.