The saddest day in a snowboarders season is closing day. The last day to reflect on all the fun you had, all the things you learned, and all the near death experiences you endured. With the turn of the season, you still have one last task before you are done.
If you've been getting out plenty of days, and you've been taking care of your gear, you know how important it is to maintain it and treat it the right way. If you take care of it, it will take care of you. If you treat it poorly, well, don't.
At the end of the season, take some time to get your snowboard in shape for it's summer hibernation. A few easy steps will maintain the life of your board, giving you more seasons and better performance, while keeping money in your pocket.
Step One: Clean your board up. Take off your bindings and any hardware that isn't your snowboard. Inspect your bindings, and put them aside. Store the bindings without any tight screws, as that can create stress over time. Clean off the top of the board with a gentle cleanser so it looks new again. The top sheet isn't just for sweet graphics and stickers. It actually seals your board and keeps the material protected from moisture, dirt, and anything else. If your snowboard has a channel binding system, clean out the channel of any dirt and debris.
Step Two: Prep your board. If your edges are dinged up or rusty, take care of that now. If you have a tuning kit, you probably already know how to do this. If not, check online for excessive amounts of videos of what you want to do. If you see anything significant and out of your comfort zone, bring it to a shop and let them repair it. They are pros when it comes to damage control.
Step Three: Wax that thing. Get a good coat of wax on your board, as you are trying to seal it. Any snowboard wax will do. You are not going to be scraping it, so don't worry if it's not perfect. Make sure it's fully covered though. You are only putting the wax on to preserve it until next season when you will take it off.
Step Four: Store it. Find a safe place that is temperature controlled and dry. If you have a snowboard bag, putting it inside is a good idea, but make sure the bag is clean and dry inside. If you have nowhere else to put it, under your bed works too. You don't want the area being too hot or too cold, so a garage, basement, or attic is not always ideal, unless it's climate controlled. Also, you don't want your snowboard being in direct sunlight, or in a dusty area. The resting position of your board shouldn't stress the camber of the board either. Some suggestions include resting the board on its side, standing it up on its tail, or having it on a padded surface that supports the shape.
Lay your snowboard down for a long summers nap. It will feel rested and rejuvenated when you dig it out next season. Spend the rest of the off season dreaming about your snowboard and thinking up new tricks to try. Your snowboard is having the same dreams about you. #snowbeastperformance