A snowboard isn’t like a winter jacket or other seasonal items in that it shouldn’t simply be stashed away until it’s needed again. In fact, it’s important to take some time to care for your snowboard between sessions to ensure it’s ready for hours of safe, enjoyable fun. The mountain sports experts from ASO Mammoth, your one-stop shop for Mammoth snowboard rental, high-quality snowboarding gear, and tips for hitting the slopes safely, explain what you need to know about caring for and maintaining your snowboard between sessions.
Wipe Down Your Snowboard
An easy way to care for your board between sessions is to wipe it down with a soft cloth. This removes any dirt or debris that may still be on your snowboard from the last session. You’ll also be reducing the risk of surface scratches by taking this step.
Look for Signs of Wear or Damage
Another simple way to care for your snowboard between sessions is to take time to check it for any signs of wear or damage, especially if you normally do more advanced moves or tricks. If you have an older board that’s still in good shape, checking it for signs of wear reduces the risk of smaller flaws turning into problems that could affect your safety or performance level. Do a routine board check by looking for:
• Fading or chipping on the surface
• Damage around the tips or along the sides
• Any loose parts or damage around where your boots are secured
Wax Your Board on a Fairly Regular Basis
The purpose of waxing your snowboard is to protect it from moisture. Regular waxing also prolongs the life of your board. You don’t necessarily have to wax your board after every session. However, it’s a good idea to check it after each session to make sure the wax coating is still holding up. The general rule of thumb with waxing is to reapply it after every three sessions. Complete the waxing process by:
• Using a scraper made for use on snowboards
• Removing the previous wax coating—or what’s left of it, if it’s been a while since the last waxing
• Using an iron to heat the wax, but just enough to warm the wax so it melts
• Letting the wax spread evenly over your board
• Using the scraper to remove any excess wax or bumps
• Smoothing out the surface with an abrasive pad—again, use one that’s made for use on snowboards
Sharpen the Edges of Your Snowboard (as Necessary)
A DIY way to sharpen the edges of your snowboard is with a whetstone and a file. The whetstone is used to smooth out any snags or scratches and remove patches of rust, and the file is run along the edges of the board at a 30-degree angle. Pay particular attention to the side and base edges. Check for dullness after each session to determine if you may need to do any sharpening. Another option is to go to a shop with an on-site machine designed for snowboard sharpening if you have concerns about doing it yourself.
If you’re new to snowboarding and don’t have a board of your own yet, you can easily rent what you need when you get to Mammoth Mountain. The first step is to make sure you start with high-quality equipment that’s fitted properly. ASO Mammoth is your go-to shop for snowboard rental in Mammoth as well as ski gear and safety tips from the snow sports experts. We have everything you need to have a blast on the slopes. Drop in or give us a call at 760-965-3444.