The winter sports holiday is just around the corner and good preparation of your equipment is crucial! Well-prepared skis and snowboards make a world of difference on the mountain. Here I tell you everything you need to know about waxing, sharpening and preparing your skis and snowboards.
Why is waxing important?
Waxing is an essential part of preparing your skis or snowboard. It ensures that you glide smoothly over the snow and gives you control over your speed. Without wax, the surface of your skis or snowboard becomes dry and rough, which gives you less grip and control. In addition, wax protects the base (the bottom) of your skis or snowboard from damage by dirt, stones and even ice!
When and how often should you wax?
If you are a regular on the slopes, it is recommended to wax your equipment every 4 to 6 days on the snow. However, for most recreational skiers, waxing at the beginning of the season and then again halfway through the holiday is sufficient. This ensures that you can continue to enjoy your time on the mountain to the fullest.
How do you wax your skis or snowboard yourself?
You can easily wax your skis or snowboard yourself with the right materials:
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Cleaning: Start by cleaning the base (bottom). You do this by removing old wax with a special wax cleaner or warm (not too hot) iron. The goal is to remove dirt and old wax layers.
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Applying Wax: Melt a wax block with a wax iron (not your household iron!) and let the wax fall in drops onto the base. Use the iron to spread the wax evenly over the surface.
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Cooling: Allow the wax to cool completely, ideally for several hours.
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Scraping: Use a plastic scraper to scrape off the excess wax. Make sure that only a thin layer of wax remains on the base.
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Polishing: Polish the base with a brush to make the surface smooth and shiny.
Sharpening: for sharp edges and more control
In addition to waxing, sharpening the edges of your skis or snowboard is important for good grip, especially on icy surfaces. Sharp edges allow for more precise steering, which increases your safety and enjoyment on the slopes.
Sharpening yourself or outsource?
Although you can do it yourself with a sharpening stone or a special sharpening tool, it requires a bit more skill than waxing. A mistake can lead to uneven edges, which can negatively affect performance. For most winter sports enthusiasts, it is therefore advisable to have the sharpening done by a professional.
Well begun is half done
Preparing your skis or snowboard by waxing and sharpening them is essential for a great winter sports holiday. Not only does it improve performance, it also increases safety and control. Whether you do it yourself or outsource, good maintenance of your equipment makes your winter sports experience a lot more fun. So get out those wax blocks and sharpening tools and get ready for a great season!
