Board and ski care
Keeping your snowboard and skis in good condition will mean you get a much better ride for a longer period of time.
Ski Care
Ski Tuning
Skiers who have frequent access to the mountains generally have their skis tuned every five to seven ski days. Intermediates tend to have their skis tuned every eight to twelve ski days. However, the average snow conditions will also influence how often your skis will need to be tuned. Soft powder conditions require less need for tuning, whereas ice or Eastern hard pack might call for more frequent tuning.
What does it involve?
A full ski tune will generally include: base repair, waxing, and sharpening of Ski Edges. The mechanic may also run the Bases of Skis over a dry or wet stone grinder in order for the Skis to function as designed.
Some signs to look out for which indicate that your ski's are in need of a bit of attention are: if your Skis grab, hook, or catch when Skiing, or if they feel unstable when Skiing fast and the edges do not grip on hard pack. Make sure you take your skis to a good Ski shop when these signs occur.
The friction of the Base produces a light covering of water that can affect your ability to glide properly and efficiently. Therefore waxing is important as it makes the Skis waterproof. A film of wax on the Base of the ski breaks down the water into small beads, resulting in much easier turns. Waxing also increases the life of your skis by giving protection to the Bases against abrasion by the snow and from oxidation due to sun's UV rays. Unwaxed Skis will send you forward too much, and will certainly struggle in powder and soft crud snow conditions.
Ski edges are also prone to dullness, scratches, and burrs that can
really affect your performance. To check for burrs, lightly run your
finger on the edges. If you feel some small, metal snag, it is time to
take your Skis to a shop and let the mechanic do the work. An improper
sharpening job can do more harm than good, and even worse than not
sharpening the edges at all.
Ski Storage
Storing your skis in a dry place is essential, especially once the season is over, in order to avoid any surprises when you come to use them next season. Seal the Bases and Edges of your Skis with storage wax to avoid oxidation and rust.
Snowboard Care
How often to wax?
Anyone will tell you that a freshly waxed snowboard will give you a nicer ride than one that has not been waxed for a week, so it is recommended that you have your board waxed after 7 days of use.
Waxing your Snowboard prevents water from penetrating the base and
damaging your board from the inside out. If you can't get a hot wax done
then buy some rub or spray wax to keep it sliding until you can get it
hot waxed.
Getting your board de-burred is also a good idea if you've got burrs
from hitting rocks etc. Run your fingers down the snowboard slowly to
feel for any sharp bits.
Board Storage
