The most common misconception about Snowboards is that, with today’s high-tech Snowboard Bases, waxing is no longer necessary. On the contrary, those who wax their Snowboard regularly and properly, glides better.
The Benefits of Waxing a Snowboard
First of all, Waxing a Snowboard is one of the easiest things that you can do to increase the performance of your Snowboard. Waxing makes the board easier to control, thus, it glides much better, increasing both your speed and the ease of turning.
With this, you won’t tire easily. Second, waxing prolongs the Snowboard’s “useful life” since waxed bases are more resistant. Consequently, you get the most from your Snowboard.
Lastly, Waxing can reduce the risk of minor damage to the base that disturbs the riding performance. With this in mind, both the pleasure and enjoyment of Snowboarding increases.
What you Need to Wax a Snowboard:
- A dry room that is well ventilated
- An old sheet for the wax to drip on to
- Two blocks of wood to prop the board up on
- A Plexiglas or plastic scraper for excess wax
- A quantity of Snowboard Wax
- An old, non-rusty iron (for best results, use a non-Teflon) if not a special waxing iron
- An abrasive pad for polishing
How to Wax a Snowboard
Surf Clothing & Gear – Free Shipping – USOUTDOOR There are several different ways of Waxing Snowboards. The easiest way is to let someone else (like your local board shop) do it. But, if you prefer to wax your board yourself the following are steps to guide you on How to Wax your Snowboard.
Although there are different kinds of wax for different purposes, a general Snowboarding Wax will do the job in most cases.
Snowboard Waxing: Applying the Wax Applying the Wax
Hold the wax bar against the hot iron and let the wax drip on the Snowboard. Set the iron on a heat that will cause the wax to melt, not to start smoking.
Snowboard Waxing: Spreading the Wax Spread out the Wax
Once you have dripped some wax on the board smooth it out with your iron. Apply a thin layer to the entire base of your Snowboard. Allow the wax to cool off and get into the base.
Snowboard Waxing: Removing excess Wax Remove excess Wax and Smoothen
Use a Plexiglas or plastic scraper to remove the excess wax. Now polish your base with an abrasive pad to smoothen out the surface.
To get the most from your Snowboard, wax it about every third time you use it. Also, have it edged regularly during the peak season. Still, wax and edge your Snowboard more frequently if you are an aggressive boarder or if you ride a lot on ice and hard-packed snow surfaces.
Keep in mind that even boards that are not used are subject to oxidation through UV radiation and other environmental influences. Thus, it is important to wax it also during transport and the summer break.
