Why now might be a good time to service your board

Have you hit the hill a few times this season? If so, it's time to check the condition of your ski or snowboard as it might be time for a wax.

That comes according to 'Skippy' MacDonald, a snowboard technician at One Boardshop in Kelowna.

While many people opt for servicing at the start of the season, his preferred time to schedule maintenance is about halfway through the year or near the end of the season. At the beginning of the season, less snow can mean more exposed rocks and trees.

“That way you’re not putting all that money into your board and grinding away material just to have it damaged again and have to take more life out of your board,” MacDonald said.

The base of a snowboard or ski is quite similar to skin, as it has pores. Waxing the board opens up the pores, allowing wax to move in. When it cools, the pores close, holding in the wax.

A lack of wax can cause extra friction, impacting how well the board glides across snow.

To tell if it is time for a wax, riders can look for a cloudy texture that forms on the underside, especially along the edges where much of the contact with the ground happens.

That, MacDonald said, is a clear sign you need a wax.

If left for too long, the repair may require sanding off a base layer. That not only costs more, but shortens the lifespan of the equipment.

And while a wax often is enough, it can be good to see if a full tune-up is required.

A tune-up involves grinding the metal edge and smoothing the bottom. This slowly but permanently removes material. Tune-ups are only recommended when necessary.

As a good rule of thumb, MacDonald said it’s important to inspect your gear every time you head out, keeping an eye out for cracks or loose equipment.

If cracks are severe enough, water can get into the wooden core. This risks rotting the inside, weakening the board's integrity, and possibly causing it to snap.