How to wax your snowboard?

No snowboard descents without a real waxing. But this art, which is difficult to master, requires special attention. Discover the right gestures to know how to wax your snowboard and guarantee optimal gliding pleasure on each of your outings.

What material do you need to wax your snowboard?

Before you start waxing a snowboard, you will need to equip yourself. It is certainly a small investment, but if you hit the slopes regularly, it will pay off quickly. To wax your snowboard as soon as your gliding sensations are altered, here is the equipment you will need:

A sole cleaner ("base cleaner" or paraffin)
Wax
A wax iron
A waxing scraper
A bronze brush
A nylon brush
An optional horsehair brush

Cleaning: a key step for successful snowboard waxing

Before starting to wax your snowboard, it is important to thoroughly clean the sole. For a wax that holds and does not damage your board, take the time to get rid of impurities and wax residues. Once the bindings of your board have been removed and your snowboard installed between vices, you have two options to perform this operation:

With a "base cleaner": The cleaning spray is to be vaporized on the sole. Then just use a scouring sponge and gently rub your board before finishing the job with a polishing cloth. These cleaners can dry out the board, so you will need to quickly switch to the wax step to maintain your equipment.
With paraffin: Just melt the paraffin against the waxing iron and let it drop all along the sole in an S-shape on the entire length. You must then run the iron over the paraffin in rapid circular movements to spread it over the entire surface of the board and immediately scrape in the direction of the glide. The freshly laid paraffin will indeed help you capture all the dirt.

Then wipe and use your bronze brush, always rubbing in the same direction, without pressing too hard, to prepare the clean base to receive the wax.

The waxing step

Now that your sole is immaculate, you can wax your snowboard. Follow these steps:

Apply the wax: Once you have chosen your wax according to the temperature you are going to ride in, proceed as for paraffin to melt your soap bar all along the sole and spread it by passing your iron along the whole length. Check that your wax reaches the edges without covering them. Once the maneuver is complete, let it dry for at least two hours.

Good to know: waxes have a color code

To know which wax to use to wax your snowboard, rely on its color. Yellow waxes are suitable for the hottest days (up to 20°C), while reds are recommended for temperatures ranging from -14°C to -4°C. If in doubt, opt for a universal wax (green soap bar) suitable for almost all types of snow. Blue and black waxes are reserved for extreme cold conditions and competition.

Scraping: To succeed in this step, tilt your scraper at 45°. Scrape in the direction of the glide, bringing it back towards you. For the edge area, use the notch provided on your accessory for this purpose. To properly wax your snowboard, you must obtain a uniform level of wax over the entire sole.
Brushing: To give your wax maximum glide, run a nylon brush. Once again, the gesture must be done in the direction of the glide, by large, ample movements, without pressing too much. You can complete the operation with a horsehair brush if you have one; it will help you obtain a very shiny wax.

Good to know: take care of the edges

Essential to your balance, especially in turns, the edges are also put to the test on the slopes. If you wax your snowboard, also get into the habit of sharpening them regularly. For clean and efficient edges, it is advisable to sharpen them at 90° if they show any roughness or when they are dull.

Waxing your snowboard takes a while, but it's the guarantee of an unhindered glide. With a little practice, you are sure to see the difference!

The three key points to know how to wax your snowboard:

To wax your snowboard well, you must first clean it thoroughly.
To avoid damaging your board, invest in equipment suitable for snowboard waxing.
Waxing your snowboard is essential for perfect gliding sensations, but don't forget to sharpen your edges as well.

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