Snowboarding Gear Storage: Learn the Best Practices.
As snowboarders, we depend a great deal on our gear for comfort, performance, and safety. To ensure we always have high-quality snowboarding gear when it’s time to hit the slopes, we need a good storage system for our snowboards and other equipment. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of proper snowboarding gear storage.
To begin, it’s important to think about the environment in which one’s snowboard gear will be kept. Many items in snowboard gear are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity, so having items stored in a cool, dry place is ideal. If possible, it’s best to avoid basement and attic storage, as these areas can often be subject to higher temperatures and more moisture.
The next step is to consider how one’s gear is secured. Many snowboarders like having their gear mounted to a wall or board or stored in a locker, as this helps to protect it and make it easier to access. Larger items such as snowboards can be hung in a ski or snowboard rack, while smaller items such as gloves, helmets, and goggles can be placed in a plastic bin. It’s also a good idea to include a few tie-down straps to better secure the gear if needed.
When it comes to specific items of snowboard gear, there are special steps that can be taken to ensure the gear is kept in the best possible shape. Snowboarding boots, for example, need to be stored in a special place that is kept warm and dry. Keeping boots too close to a heat source or near a humid spot can severely decrease the boots’ effectiveness. Boots should also have a layer of cedar chips or paper stuffing to help maintain their shape and structure.
Gloves and other water-resistant snowboard gear should also be stored in a well-ventilated area. Avoid storing wet items in a bag, as doing so can cause the fabric to become mildewed. Instead, make sure to hang any wet items or gloves on a hook in a dry spot. It’s important to remember that any leather items need to be treated with wax or other conditioners and stored in a dry place to keep them from drying out and cracking.
When storing snowboards, it’s important to make sure that both the top and bottom of the board are protected. Wax the top and bottom of the board regularly to keep them in good condition. Storing boards vertically is also important to prevent them from bending and warping.
When it’s time to store gear at the end of the season, snowboarders should take some specific steps. Once the boards are fully dry, they should be placed in a board bag or a board sleeve to keep them protected and dust-free. Bindings and boots should also be fully dry before being stored, and bindings should be placed in a bag and taped up. The same goes for goggles, helmets, and clothing, which should be cleaned and stored in a bag labeled with the contents.
Storing snowboarding gear can seem daunting at first, but following these best practices can help keep gear safe and in great condition. Properly storing and protecting gear will also ensure that snowboarders are as prepared as possible for the next time they hit the slopes.
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