Snowboarding is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating winter sports, but it can also be quite expensive if you don’t take care of your gear. Your snowboard is the most important piece of equipment and should be taken care of properly if you want it to last for years to come. There are many ways to keep your snowboarding gear in tip-top condition, and in this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to store your snowboard and keep it safe for long use.
When it comes to storing your snowboard, there are a few ways you can do it. You can hang it up, lay it down, or store it in a bag. The best way to store your snowboard depends on your preferences, the amount of space you have, and the type of snowboard you own.
How to Store Your Snowboard Safely
When storing your snowboard, it’s important to make sure it’s dry and clean. Before storing your snowboard, make sure you wipe down the base and edges with a towel to remove any dirt or grime. If your base is dirty when you store it, it can dry out and become brittle, which can lead to cracks and damage over time.
Once you’ve cleaned your snowboard, you can decide how to store it. If you have limited space, storing your board vertically against a wall can be a great option. Vertical storage is also a good idea if you have multiple snowboards because it allows you to keep them organized and easy to access.
If you decide to store your snowboard vertically, make sure you use a wall-mount system specifically designed for snowboards. Hanging your snowboard on a regular hook or hanger can damage the board’s edges and base. A proper wall-mount system will keep your snowboard secure and prevent any unnecessary damage.
If you have more space, you can store your snowboard horizontally. When storing your snowboard horizontally, make sure you lay it on a flat surface such as a rack or a shelf. Never store your snowboard on its edges because it can cause damage to the edges or the base. Placing your snowboard flat on a soft surface will prevent any damage to the board.
If you’re storing your snowboard in a bag, make sure it’s a bag specifically designed for snowboarding gear. Snowboard bags are padded to protect your board from any bumps or scratches while in transit. When storing your snowboard in a bag, make sure it’s clean and dry before putting it in the bag. You don’t want any moisture in the bag because it can lead to rust and damage to the board.
Is It Safe to Hang Your Snowboard Upside Down?
One of the most common questions people ask is whether it’s safe to hang their snowboard upside down. While it’s possible to hang your snowboard upside down, it’s not recommended for long periods of time.
When you hang your snowboard upside down, the weight of the board is placed on the center of the board. This can cause the board to warp or bend over time. Additionally, hanging your snowboard upside down can cause the snowboard bindings to become misaligned, which can lead to discomfort or even injury when you’re snowboarding.
If you really want to hang your snowboard upside down, make sure you don’t do it for long periods of time. Hanging it upside down for a few hours won’t hurt the board, but hanging it upside down for days or even weeks can cause damage to the board.
How to Wax Your Snowboard
Waxing your snowboard is important if you want your board to perform at its best. A properly waxed snowboard will glide smoothly over the snow and be more responsive when turning or stopping.
To wax your snowboard, you’ll need the following tools:
– Wax
– Iron
– Scraper
– Brush
Begin by placing your snowboard on a flat surface. Next, turn your iron to a low heat and hold it over your wax until it starts to melt. Once the wax is melted, drip it onto your snowboard in a zig-zag pattern.
Once you’ve covered the snowboard in wax, use your iron to spread the wax evenly over the entire board. Make sure you keep the iron moving so you don’t damage the board.
Once the wax is evenly distributed, let it cool for at least 30 minutes. Once the wax has cooled, use your scraper to remove any excess wax from the board.
Finally, use your brush to remove any remaining wax from the board. Brush the board from the nose to the tail to remove any wax that’s left.
How to Sharpen Your Snowboard’s Edges
Sharpening your snowboard’s edges is important if you want to maintain control and precision while riding. There are a few ways to sharpen your snowboard’s edges, but the most common method is to use a file.
To sharpen your snowboard’s edges using a file, you’ll need the following tools:
– File
– Edge tool
– Gummy stone
Begin by placing your snowboard on a flat surface. Next, use your file to gently shave off any nicks or burrs on the edge of the snowboard. Make sure you file in one direction, starting at the nose and moving towards the tail.
Once you’ve filed the edge of the snowboard, use your edge tool to create a bevel. A bevel is the angle between the bottom of the snowboard and the edge. Most snowboards have a bevel of between 1 and 3 degrees.
Once you’ve sharpened the edge of your snowboard, use a gummy stone to remove any remaining burrs or nicks. A gummy stone is a soft, rubbery stone that can be used to smooth out the edge of the snowboard.
How to Store Your Snowboarding Boots and Bindings
When it comes to storing your snowboarding boots and bindings, it’s important to keep them dry and clean. Before storing your boots and bindings, make sure they’re clean and dry. You can wipe them down with a towel to remove any dirt or grime.
Once your boots and bindings are clean and dry, store them in a dry, cool place. Do not store them in a damp or wet area because it can lead to mold and mildew growth.
When storing your snowboarding boots, make sure you don’t leave them buckled or laced up. This can cause the materials to stretch or deform over time. Instead, leave your boots unlaced and unbuckled when you’re not using them.
When it comes to storing your snowboarding bindings, make sure they’re not overly tightened. This can cause the materials to deform or warp over time. Loosen the bindings before storing them to prevent any damage.
Conclusion
Taking care of your snowboarding gear is important if you want it to last for years to come. Proper storage, waxing, and sharpening can help keep your snowboard in tip-top condition. Make sure you store your snowboard in a cool, dry place and wax and sharpen it regularly. With proper care and maintenance, your snowboarding gear can provide years of thrilling adventures on the slopes.
Image Credit: Pexels