Snowboarding Gear Care: The Ultimate Guide
Whether you’re new to snowboarding or an experienced pro, looking after your gear is essential for getting the most out of it. Taking care of your snowboarding equipment doesn’t need to be complicated or laborious. Just taking a few simple measures to maintain your snowboarding gear can help to extend its lifespan, improve performance, and ultimately make your time snowboarding more enjoyable.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the basics of snowboarding gear care. We’ll explore techniques for maintaining your snowboard and bindings, as well as your other clothing and outerwear. We’ll also discuss some of the things you can do to clean and store your gear in the off-season. Read on to learn how to keep your snowboarding equipment performing its best.
Assembling and Maintenance of Snowboard
Before each ride, it’s important to make sure that your snowboard and bindings are properly assembled and functioning correctly. This will ensure that your board is safe and perform as you expect it to.
When you first assemble your board and bindings, be sure to read through the manufacturer’s instructions and double-check that everything is tightened correctly. You don’t want to risk your bindings popping off while you’re riding. Additionally, be sure to inspect your board and bindings for any signs of damage before each use. If you do find any damage, make sure to have it repaired promptly.
Throughout the course of the season, it’s also a good idea to check in with your board and bindings for any signs of wear and tear. Look for any loose parts and bolts, as well as any chips, scuffs, or dings in the edges or base of your board. If any of these signs of wear and tear are present, you’ll want to have them looked at by a qualified snowboard technician to ensure that they don’t affect your performance.
Cleaning and Waxing your Snowboard
Cleaning and waxing your snowboard on a regular basis is one of the most important tasks you can do to maintain its performance. Keeping your board clean and free of dirt and grime will help protect its base and edges from corrosion, while waxing your board will help it to make better contact with the snow and give you a smoother, more enjoyable ride.
To clean your snowboard, you’ll need a soft brush and some warm, soapy water. Start by brushing off all the dirt and grime on the board with the soft brush, then use the soapy water to wash it down. Make sure to get in all the nooks and crannies, as well as behind the bindings. Once you’re done, rinse off the board with clean water and make sure to let it fully dry before continuing.
Once the board is completely dry, it’s time to apply the wax. You’ll need a soft wax, either a liquid or a rub-on type, for this task. Start by rubbing the wax onto the board in small circular motions, using enough to cover the entire base. Work the wax into the board and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Then, you can use a soft brush or hot iron to buff the board and spread the wax evenly.
Caring for your Bindings
The bindings on your snowboard play a key role in your safety and performance, so it’s important to look after them properly. Start by making sure that all of the screws, bolts, and pieces are correctly tightened before each ride. Additionally, take a few minutes to check that your straps and ladders are in good condition, as worn straps can lead to less control while riding.
Additionally, you’ll want to lubricate the mounting points of your bindings periodically. Doing so will help protect against corrosion and ensure that your bindings are securely attached. Make sure to use an appropriate lubricant for this task, avoiding any petroleum-based products.
Caring for your Clothing and Outerwear
Caring for your clothing and outerwear is just as important as caring for your board and bindings. After each use, you’ll want to wash your clothing in a washing machine on a gentle, cold cycle. This will help to remove any dirt, sweat, and body oils that can cause your clothing to deteriorate over time.
Additionally, depending on the fabric, you may want to use a specific detergent formulated for outdoor apparel. These detergents typically contain special compounds to help repel water and increase the fabric’s lifespan.
When drying your clothing, make sure to do so away from direct heat, as this can cause the fabric to lose its waterproofing. Drying your clothing in a low-temperature clothes dryer is the best option, but you can also hang them out to air dry.
Storing your Gear in the Off-season
When the season is over, it’s important to take a few steps to make sure your gear is properly stored, so it’s ready for when the snow falls again. Start by cleaning and waxing your board to get it ready for storage. You may also want to store it with a coat of protective wax on the bottom, as this will help to protect it from damage through the off-season.
For your other clothing and outerwear, you’ll want to wash them in the same way you would during the season. Once they’re dry, hang them up in the closet and make sure they’re not exposed to direct sunlight. Additionally, if your outerwear is waterproof and has a DWR (durable water repellent) coating, you may want to reapply this coating every now and then.
Conclusion
Snowboarding can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to keep your gear in top condition if you want to get the most out of it. Taking the basic steps outlined in this article to maintain your snowboard and bindings, as well as your clothing and outerwear, will ensure that your gear performs its best and stays in good shape for many seasons to come. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and hit the slopes!
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