Cleaning your snowboard before the summer break
Before bidding adieu to the winter wonderland, it's imperative to give your snowboard a thorough cleaning. Over the course of the season, your board has endured various terrains, accumulating dirt, salt, and debris. The cleaning process is a vital step in maintaining the performance and integrity of your snowboard. By the time you're done, your board will be free from grime, ensuring it remains in prime condition during the summer break.
- Remove Bindings: Start by detaching the bindings from your snowboard using the appropriate tools. This step allows for a thorough cleaning and prevents any rusting of the binding components.
- Wipe Down: Use a damp, soft cloth to wipe down the entire snowboard, removing any dirt, salt, or residue accumulated during the season. Pay extra attention to the edges and base.
- Clean Edges: Inspect the edges for any rust or burrs. Use a fine diamond stone or a gummy stone to gently remove rust and burrs. This ensures your edges remain sharp for the next season.
- Base Cleaning: Clean the base of your snowboard with a specialized base cleaner or a mixture of mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals that may damage the base material.
Preparation for storing your snowboard
Preparation is the secret weapon in the battle against wear and tear. As your snowboard takes a hiatus during the warmer months, a little pampering in the form of waxing and edge maintenance goes a long way. Waxing not only preserves the base but also enhances glide and performance when the snow returns. Meanwhile, edge maintenance ensures that your snowboard is ready to conquer the slopes with precision. It's the behind-the-scenes effort that ensures your board stays in top shape, ready to unleash its full potential when the winter chill sets in again.
- Waxing: Applying a generous coat of wax helps protect the base from drying out and getting damaged during storage. Choose a wax appropriate for the temperature conditions you expect to encounter during the next season.
- Edge Maintenance: Once the wax has cooled and hardened, use a plastic scraper to remove excess wax. Run a diamond stone along the edges to create a slight bevel, protecting them from rusting and damage during storage.
- Checking Hardware: Inspect all hardware components, such as screws and bindings, for any signs of wear or damage. Tighten any loose screws and replace any worn-out parts.
If you'd rather leave the prep to the pros, check out Blue Tomato Service Your Ride. Our expert team will take care of waxing, edge maintenance, and a full check-up, so your snowboard is stored in perfect condition and ready to hit the slopes when winter returns.
How to store your snowboard during summer
The final chapter in the snowboard care saga is storage. How and where you store your snowboard significantly impacts its longevity. From finding the perfect cool and dry location to the importance of keeping it away from sunlight, proper storage is the key to preventing warping, rusting, and other potential issues.
- Dry and Cool Location: Find a dry and cool storage space for your snowboard. Avoid areas with extreme temperatures or high humidity, as these conditions can negatively impact the board's materials.
- Store Upright: If possible, store your snowboard upright to prevent warping. Using a snowboard rack or wall mount is an excellent way to keep it off the ground.
- Avoid Sunlight: Keep your snowboard away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause the colors to fade and the materials to deteriorate.
- Regular Check-ups: Periodically check on your snowboard throughout the summer to ensure it remains in good condition. Address any issues promptly to prevent them from escalating.
Don't hang up your board just yet – spring shred is still on!
Just because the peak season is over doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Spring shred is the perfect time to enjoy softer snow, sunny skies, and laid-back park laps. Before you dive into summer storage, make the most of the last patches of snow. And if you're hitting the spring sessions, don’t forget to gear up with a lightweight shred hoodie — ideal for those bluebird days when it’s warm enough to ride in just a t-shirt, but you still want some extra protection.
