How to Store Your Snowboarding Gear
When winter is over, and you say goodbye to your snowboarding days, it is easy to forget that you need all your gear for the next winter season. Instead of stashing your gear in a box without care, this article will help you focus on proper storage. After spending money on your equipment, it is only fair that you also invest in proper care and save money. Here are a few tips every snowboarding enthusiast should keep in mind.
Carry out an Inspection
Once you are done using your gear, some of the things may require repair or replacement. You understand your equipment better than anyone, and you can tell if some of it is too worn out to service you during the next season. Make appropriate plans to purchase new items in readiness for the nest winter season.
Find out if you can do the repairs yourself, or if you have to visit the ski shop to have an expert help you out. In addition to providing repair services, the ski expert could also keep you informed about newer models in the market that you can consider purchasing.
Remove Your Snowboard Bindings
Your snowboard will require more attention than other objects like clothes that are easy to replace. Begin by removing the bindings from your snowboard to get a working surface. Keep the position of the bindings in place, and keep all the screws safe to avoid losing any of them, preferably in a ziplock bag.
Tune Your Snowboard
First, purchase a tuning kit if you do not have one. The tuning kit comes with several items search as the waxing iron, an edge tuning tool, a file, a file cleaning brush, a metal scraper, a plastic scraper, gummy stone, p-tex candles, wax, and a scuff pad. There are several tuning kits on the market. Carry out your research to find the most suitable one.
Check your snowboard for gouges that can slow you down in the course. Significant holes that expose the core are best left to an expert, but minor scrapes are easy to fix. Before you begin the process, assemble all the necessary equipment. You will need some rubbing alcohol, clean towel, base cleaner, metal scrapper, brush, a razor blade and a p-tex candle.
Balance your board between two stacks of books for a flat surface.
Use your metal scraper to remove wax around the gouge, and use the razor around the scrapes. It is because p-tex won’t stick to a waxed surface.
Brush off the debris using the brush.
Run your base cleaner along the scrape to remove excess wax
Using your clean towel, run rubbing alcohol on the surface to remove the excess base cleaner.
Light the p-tex and let it drip into your gouge. Remember that the o-tex is very hot and be careful to avoid any burns.
Let the p-tex cool off and use the metal scraper to remove the excess. Observe the surface for any bumps and repeat the process if necessary.
Fix the Edges of your Snowboard
Inspect the edges of your snowboard using a towel. If the side is bumpy, it will knick off some fibers from your towel. To fix the edges, you will require a diamond stone, gummy stone, rubbing alcohol and a clean towel.
Wet the diamond stone and run it along the edges. Keep the pressure light to avoid further damage.
Polish the edges with a gummy stone to remove rust
Wipe clean with rubbing alcohol to remove any debris.
Wax Your Snowboard
Apply a thick layer of wax using the waxing iron for storage during summer. However, regular waxing is also essential during winter.
Storage
Keep the snowboard in a cool and soft surface to maintain the shape and avoid rusting. You can keep the snowboard in a snowboard bag, or create a rack. You can also purchase a complete snowboarding gear storage rack that will comfortably accommodate your jackets, boots, and the board too.
Wash and Dry your Gear Before Storage
Apart from the snowboard, your clothes, goggles, and boots also require attention. Clean the inner soles of your shoes and air them to dry. The presence of moisture could quickly lead to the growth which can be avoided. Once the boots are dry, keep them tied to retain their shape.
Clean your goggles with special no-fog cloth and store them in their case. Wash all other clothes, dry them and fold them for safe keeping. Also, re-proof your jackets by washing them with a waterproofing liquid. If you are not sure on how to do it, seek help either online or ask an expert to help you out.
Do not wait until the last minute
The best way to avoid last minute struggles is going to the workshops during summer. Waiting until the last hour to repair, replace and prepare for snowboarding means that you will probably pay more, and have to put up with massive crowds in workshops.
Conclusion
Storing your snowboard gear will save you costs and ensure that you are ready for the next winter season. By following the steps above, your equipment will always be in good shape in readiness for the next snowboarding escapade.