HOW TO: Wax your skis and snowboard
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SNOWSEEKERS
We've had some pretty amazing snow this season. Right? But if you've been getting lots of turns in this year, it's about the right time to bust out the wax and get your skis and snowboard primed for spring skiing. A little wax job on the skis will do wonders for your planks; it'll make them last longer, you'll get better speed and your turns will be smooth, baby. If you're new to waxing, check out these videos to learn how to wax like a pro.
What you'll need
Wax: if this is your first time waxing, pick up a stick of all-purpose (all-weather) wax at your local ski shop or outdoor store.
Iron: Feel free to use an old iron at home, or buy a ski-tuning iron. Make sure there is no water in the reservoir – you want the iron to be very hot and dry – no steam!
Metal or plastic scraper: Make sure to pick up a scraper from your local ski shops, the ones found at the shops will not damage the base of your skis or board.
Brush and cloth: a soft brush is important for wiping away wax shavings, and a damp cloth will remove dirt and dust from bases.
Getting started
Gently clean off the base of your skis or snowboard. Make sure to remove dirt, extra humidity, and dust before you wax. This will ensure you get the most coverage of fresh wax on your plank(s).
Remove your bindings so you have a stable surface to work with while applying the wax.
Applying the wax
With your iron hot and wax in hand, start dripping wax around the outer edges, this is where your snowboard and skis base will be the driest.
Move across the board or ski in a pattern to get an equal amount of wax over the base. Spread the wax across the base with the iron, until the entire base is covered. Make sure to keep the iron moving so that you prevent your base from getting too hot and potentially burning from the hot iron.
Turn off your iron, and let the wax cool and absorb into the base for a half-hour to an hour.
Scraping the wax
With your metal or plastic scraper begin scraping off any excess wax from your base. Make sure to scrape off any wax that may have been applied to your edges. After that, give your base a good brush to remove any particles, this will bring out the texture of your freshly waxed skis or snowboard and will make you go faster once you hit the slopes on opening day.
Lastly, put your bindings back on, mark your calendars and have some fun out there in the 2020/21 season.
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