Proper tuning of your snowboard will keep you gliding along smoothly and having fun on the slopes.
Tuning your snowboard involves three primary steps:
- Base repair
- Edge work
- Waxing
How do you know if you need to tune your snowboard? First, look at the base for scrapes. Big holes that expose the core usually need to be repaired by a shop equipped to weld in new base material, but smaller scrapes and gouges can easily be fixed at home.
Next, examine the edges for rust and small burrs. Minor edge work is easy to do at home, but extensive repairs and sharpening are best done at a ski and snowboard shop.
Always finish up your tuning by waxing your snowboard. It's also recommended that you wax your snowboard throughout the winter season even if you're not doing base or edge repairs. You can't wax your snowboard too frequently; the more you do it, the faster your board will glide.
Shop REI's selection of snowboard tuning equipment.
Base Repair
Everyone gets some base damage at some point, usually from riding over a rock that's not adequately covered by snow. A gash in your base affects how well your snowboard glides, so it's important to repair the damage.
The tools you'll need include:
- Clean towels
- Base cleaner
- Rubbing alcohol
- Metal scraper
- P-Tex candle
- Lighter
- Wire brush
- Razor blade
Video: How to Tune a Snowboard: Base Repair
In this short video, we'll show you in a few easy steps how to prep your bases, fill the scrapes with P-Tex and smooth out the bases when you're done.
For more information on repairing snowboard bases, see our Ski and Snowboard Base Repair article.
Shop REI's selection of snowboard tuning equipment.
Edge Work
Rust and burrs on your snowboard edges cause drag and slow you down on firm snow; so, getting rid of these abrasions can help your snowboard perform its best.
The tools you'll need include:
- Clean towels
- Diamond stone
- Gummy stone
- Rubbing alcohol
Video: How to Tune a Snowboard: Edge Work
In this video, we'll show you in a few brief steps how to inspect the edges, remove burrs, polish rust and wipe the bases clean.
Shop REI's selection of snowboard tuning equipment.
Waxing
Waxing your snowboard is the best way to protect it and keep it performing at its peak. It's important to wax your board after completing base repair and edge work, as well as throughout the winter season to ensure your board glides smoothly. Waxing every three or four outings is a good practice.
Tools you'll need include:
- Clean towels
- Rubbing alcohol
- Wax
- Plastic scraper
- Set of brushes
- Waxing iron
Video: How to Tune a Snowboard: Waxing
In this video, we give you a quick, step-by-step guide to waxing your snowboard at home including how to heat and spread the wax, scrape off the excess and finish up with your brushes.
For more information on waxing a snowboard, including choosing the correct wax, see our Glide Waxing Your Skis or Snowboard article.
Shop REI's selection of snowboard tuning equipment and wax.