Keeping Your Snowboarding Gear Safe and Ready to Ski
Snowboarding is one of the most exciting and enjoyable outdoor sports. It also comes with a variety of gear that needs to be kept safe and in top condition to ensure you get the most enjoyable and longest lasting performance out of it. There are some simple but important steps you should take to ensure your snowboarding equipment remains in excellent condition.
Regularly Check the Bindings
Snowboard bindings are important components of your board and demand regular attention to function properly and keep you safe. You should check your bindings for any loose bolts or screws, as well as for any signs of damage or wear. It’s also important to check and adjust the bindings’ tightness to ensure a secure and comfortable fit around your boots.
Clean and Wax Your Gear
Maintaining a clean and waxed board ensures it slides better over snow, enhancing the quality of your rides. Wax helps keep your board free of snow buildup and provides a smooth surface for the board to move on. Clean your board with a nylon brush and warm soapy water, and then wax it regularly to keep it looking and performing its best.
Storing Your Board
It’s important to store your board correctly to ensure it remains in excellent condition and is properly maintained. Once your board is cleaned and waxed, store it in a dry and clean area free of any exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures. You should also avoid leaving it in a smoky, humid, or damp environment for long periods of time.
Sharpen Your Edges
When you sharpen your edges, you’ll not only maximize the safety and performance of your board but you’ll also make it much easier to carve and navigate turns. To sharpen the edges of your board, you’ll need to use a special edge sharpening tool, which can be purchased online or at any sports store.
Inflate the Tires Regularly
For a snowboard that is mounted with tires, you’ll want to inflate the tires correctly for your board to move smoothly. To ensure the best results, you should check the pressure of your tires weekly and inflate them to their proper PSI levels as recommended by the tire or wheel maker.
Transport Gear Carefully
If you must transport your gear, make sure that you don’t place it where it’s prone to being scratched, soiled, or bent. An appropriately sized wheeled bag or skateboard can help you transport your gear safely and securely to and from the slopes.
Avoid Overloading Your Gear
Overloading your gear can cause premature wear and tear, so make sure that you don’t overload your board with bindings or other gear. In addition, be mindful of the type and weight of bindings, boots, and other accessories that you use so that they don’t add too much weight to your gear.
Stay Supplied with the Necessary Gear Maintenance Tools
You’ll also need to have the necessary gear maintenance tools on hand to keep your gear in top condition. Tools like a tuning stone, wax scraper/iron, base cleaner, and alignment bars are all must-haves for allowing you to perform regular maintenance on your board.
By following these simple tips and guidelines, you can help keep your snowboarding gear in top condition and ensure longer lasting performance. Keep in mind that regular maintenance, proper storage, and careful transport can improve the life of your gear and help you get the best performance out of it.
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