Hopefully if you are a ski or snowboard enthusiast you have learned the value of caring for your board or skiis. Proper care includes more than just wiping them down it means keeping them in tip top shape for a safe experience. Most care things can be done on your own. As you begin to learn you may want a professional to train you in proper technique. This article discusses the top three tuning and waxing tips for any skier or snowboarder.
Don’t start waxing your snowboards or skis when they are still cold, so let them warm up indoors for a couple of hours. For best results, your equipment should be as close to room temperature as possible. The base of your skis will end up with bubbles if you start waxing them while they’re still cold, for example. This will mean extra work for you, so you’re better off waiting until they’ve warmed up. You have to consider the kind of wax you’re using so you set your wax iron to the right temperature before you begin the application. The iron has to be hot enough to properly melt the wax, but if it’s too hot, the wax can start smoking, which should be avoided.
Hot waxing is always preferable, and once you learn how to do it, it’s not very hard. 248 degrees is the right setting, if you have a digital iron. If you don’t have a digital iron, then don’t despair over it. Set your iron at a low temperature and raise it until your wax melts.
You can gradually turn up the iron’s temperature until it causes the wax to smoke when it touches. Avoid making fast adjustments in the temperature, but turn it up gradually. Start to lower the setting on the iron when the wax starts to smoke, and just below this point is the right temperature. This is how you set your non-digital waxing iron at the right temperature, and then you can do your waxing.
Skiers and board riders should always be ready when their equipment simply doesn’t function as it should. It’s no fun when this happens, but you can remedy the situation.
You never know when you’ll need to do a fast wax job, which is why you should carry a bar of base wax at all times. Certain kinds of ice will cause the wax to fall right off the base of your skis or board. A fast application of wax to your base is usually all you need when this happens. Hey, it’ll get you through the day, trust us. The best type of wax to use is a general purpose type that contains fluorine. Why fluorine? This makes the wax slippery, like you want your base to be. Wax with fluorine will keep your equipment mobile, and prevent it from getting stuck. We like the idea, actually. There are various other tips and tricks for waxing and tuning skis and snowboards. Of course, a local ski shop will also take care of the maintenance for you.