Snowboard Tuning, How to wax and take care of your board from Home

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It’s that time of year where the lifts are spinning at your local ski resort, new gear is hitting the stores, and you might be looking to tune that snowboard that has been sitting in the garage all summer long. There’s actually a lot you can do from home to keep your board riding smoothly on snow. It’s nice to have these skills so that you know how to take care of your gear! Also, if you ever want to work in a tune shop, knowing how to wax and do minor upkeep on a snowboard is a good start.

Like a car, a snowboard needs routine maintenance to give you the best experience possible on the mountain or hill and can make all the difference when riding two feet of powder or spring slush. In this post I’ll be covering the different steps of Waxing and Tuning your snowboard, what you need, tune tips/terms, and the importance of taking care of your gear! Alright lets gooooo.

Why do I need to Wax my board

The main reason is snow temps change through out the season and in order for your board to glide across the snow properly you need to maintain the base with the proper wax. Also, your base has pores and over time, snow will dry the base out. Therefore in order to maintain speed it’s important to wax your board. Just like a car, home, or bike, upkeep is important to keep your equipment in great shape and give you the best experience possible!

Although this blog post is about waxing your board from home, I would highly recommend still taking it to a great tune shop in your local area from time to time. The best tune shops have really good equipment and knowledgeable staff with years of experience. They’ll also be able to fix any repairs that you can’t do on your own.

How Often Should I tune my board

It all depends on how often you ride and how much abuse your snowboard takes! You can also look at the base and see if it looks dry or has scrapes and scratches throughout the base. I would say on average if you are riding 2-3 days per week once every couple weeks should be just fine. If you are looking to ride the terrain park it would be a good idea to wax your board once a week to make sure you have the right amount of speed for jumps as well as rails.

Where should I wax my board from home

Ideally a garage or tool shed are the best places to wax a board, especially if there is a work bench of some kind. This will make it a lot easier when working on your board, mainly when your scraping wax off the base. Put on some music, hang out with your friends, or grab a drink and have fun. Also if you can find someone whose worked in a tune shop or has extensive experience with waxing snowboards, it will be very helpful so you don’t get into bad habits.

What are some terms to know

Base- The bottom of a snowboard or skis

Wax Iron- This is the tool you use to melt wax into your base

Scraper- What you use to scrape the wax off your board

Brush- After your done scraping, you’ll use a brush to smooth out the base

Wax- The material used to melt into your base

Temperature ratings- Wax has a snow temp range to follow, the most common being an all temp wax. You’ll also use a spring wax for warm temperatures and a cold wax for those ice cold days.

Core Shot- When you hit a rock or something sharp that digs through your base to the wood core.

Tuning Vises- What you put the board on to wax it

Edge- The metal part attached to your base. Allows you to be stable and turn on snow.

Edge Tuner- A tool used to hand sharpen your edges

Gummy stone- What smooths the rough parts of your metal edges. Somewhat soft.

Burrs- Rough areas on your edges caused from use

Diamond Stone- Used to also smooth out yours edges and contact points so that the edge doesn’t catch on the snow when riding.

Base Grind- Running your board through a machine to smooth it out

P-Tex-Used to repair your base if you have a core shot or ding in the base. Never use this material on the top sheet.

Epoxy- A glue like material used to fix top sheet damage

Contact Points- The metal part of the edge that touches the snow

Detune- Smoothing out sharp parts on the edges of your snowboard or skis

Sintered Base- faster, more durable, more porous, holds more wax

Extruded Base- holds less wax, requires less maintenance, and are slower

What supplies do I need

The tuning supplies you’ll need can be found at your local snowboard or ski shop and online at places like Burton.com

1. Wax

2. Waxing Iron

3. P-tex

4. Wax Brush

5. Lighter

6. Scraper

7. Edge Sharpener

8. Gummy Stone

9. Ceramic Stone

10. Apron

11. Tuning Vises

Step 1

The very first thing I like to do is to take the bindings off. You don’t want to wax your board with the bindings on because the heat from the iron could damage them. Put them off to the side and then make sure to wipe the base down with water. or base cleaner. It’s important not to wax the base when there’s dirt, debris, or hair because that can melt into the base and effect speed and maneuverability on the mountain.

Another thing to keep in mind is if you have black marks on the bottom from riding rails, the BEST way to get ride of this is to either scrape it off with a wax scrapper or melt warm temp wax over the marks and then scrape off right away.

Step 2

Next you’ll want fix and minor dings, gashes, or core shots in the base of the board. To do this you’ll need a lighter and a stick of PTEX. Ptex is essentially a type of plastic. It is available in clear and black. Personally I like the black color because if the clear gets too hot it will burn and leave a brownish color. AVOID having Ptex drip on your hand. It will be very painful.

You’ll light the end of the stick with a lighter, rolling the stick with your fingers as you get the stick to stay lit. Once lit, keep the flame low with the flame color blue. This means the ptex will be very hot when going into the damaged base, which means it will hold into the base better. Evenly drip the heated Ptex over the damaged area. AVOID getting the flame too large, causing the Ptex to get smoky. Once filled in, wait for the repair to dry. It will be ready to scrape after about ten minutes.

Use your wax scraper to scrap off the Ptex until smooth. If the repair isn’t completely filled in with Ptex, repeat the above steps until the base is nice and smooth.

Step 3

Choose the wax based on what the temperature will be for the next week. Most of the time you’ll use an all temp wax that has a range of 10-40 degrees fahrenheight (-12 to 4 degrees celsius). Since the edges of your base take the most abuse when riding on snow a good trick is to use a harder wax (colder wax) on the edge part of your base.

Check the packaging of your wax to see what temp the iron needs to be at and start to drip the wax evenly over the base by sticking the wax bar on the iron. Make sure that iron doesn’t start smoking! as this indicates that the temperature on the iron is too high.

You won’t need to drip wax on the nose or tail, as they don’t touch the snow very often. If you like to do presses and butters then wax these parts of the board, otherwise save time and wax. Try to cover most of the base with wax so you don’t leave any dry spots on the base.

Step 4

Next you’ll want to press the wax into the board. A lot of people think you should go over the base in a circular motion with the wax, but this is actually what you should avoid doing. The reason being is when you wax your board like this, it goes from hot to cold all over the board and can also leave scratches in the base. You want to wax the board how you ride it, which is tip to tail.

What you want to do is press the wax into the board from tip to tail, pulling the iron down in a straight line and then pushing it back up the same line. When you pull the iron towards you put pressure on the nose of the iron. When you push the iron away from you, put pressure on the heal of the iron.

This will really allow the base to absorb as much wax as possible. Pro tip-if you feel the top sheet is luke warm, then you know the wax has been absorbed into the base. Create even lines across the base until it’s covered. Wait until the board is cool to touch for scraping.

Step 5

Now that the board is cool, it’s time to scrape the wax off your board. One thing to note is that your scraper will dull over time. Another pro-tip is to use a fine or ultra fine grade piece of sandpaper to sharpen the scraper.

When first scraping, you’ll want to push the wax away from you (see photo below), while keeping the scraper even with the base. It also helps to flex the scraper as you push wax off the board.

You’ll want to scrape the board how you ride it, tip to tail. Another pro tip is to scrape the top area of the board before scraping tip to tail. This way when you scrape tip to tail, you can do it more evenly without the scraper leaving the board too much. Overall, it helps prevent damage to the base. Make sure to scrape as much wax off as you can before using a brush.

Step 6

Now that you’ve scraped as much wax as you can off, you’ll want to take a brush and smooth the base out, getting rid off any uneven spots that you missed with the scraper. Again brush tip to tail, just how the board is meant to be ridden. Try to make sure there’s no access wax left on the board as this will slow you down on the mountain.

Step 7

The last thing I like to do, is sharpen the edges. Machines will do a much better job with this at your local tune shop, however you can use a hand tool that allows you to make your edges nice and sharp. Swix makes a good one.

Follow the arrows on the tool and use the 1 degree option. Snowboards typically come out of the factory at 1 and 1. Which means 1 degree off from 90 degrees for the base and side edge, so 89 and 89. Make sure to start with the Base edge FIRST and then sharpen the side edge. You should feel the tool catch the edge while smoothing it out. Do this a number of times until the edge is nice and sharp. If you are using the tool incorrectly on the edge, you will be able to hear a weird noise.

Step 8

Next you will want to smooth out the edges and detune your contact points. The contact points will be near the tip and tail and are the part of the edge always in contact with the snow. You want these to be smooth and not sharp, so that they don’t catch on the snow.

A diamond stone will work best for smoothing out contact points. But if you only have a gummy stone, that will work too. Use a gummy stone for the rest of the board, to smooth out your entire edge.

Step 9

Now that the board is waxed and tuned up, put your bindings back on and set up a stance that is comfortable to you. You’re bindings will have different angles on them. I would mess around with those until you find something that works. For stance width, ideally you want something a little bit wider then shoulder width. Each snowboard will have reference points and how much the width is from those reference points.

It’s also a good idea to periodically check binding screws, buckles, straps, and highbacks to make sure everything is dialed. The last thing you want is to have your binding’s malfunction while on a snowboard trip.

Step 10

Lastly, go out and ride your board! Whether your riding solo or with friends remember to keep it fun

A hot wax will typically last you 4-7 days on snow. Warmer temps will take the wax out of your base a lot quicker. Other then that, tuning your own equipment can save you money over the long run and is a great way to understand how to maintain it.

Thanks for reading the blog! If you liked this post, subscribe to our email list for information on the latest outdoor content. Looking for snowboard trip ideas? Check out our post on Jackson Hole Ski Resort. See you on the next post!

Lisbon Portugal, top 7 things to do in 48 Hours

Disclosure: When you buy something through the Affiliate product links I have created below, I earn a small commission. I only promote products and companies I support as well as believe in

So you’ve decided to travel to Portugal, in particular Lisbon, the capitol! This coastal city is known for it’s cool architecture, art, music, and colonial history. If you have 48 hours or even 24 there’s a number of cool things that are easy to check out, all within close proximity. What was nice about Lisbon is the city isn’t too big or crowded which makes it easy to get around and maximize your time while you your there.

Although it would’ve been nice to have just an extra day or two to hang out in the city, I felt like two days was enough time to get feel of Lisbon and see a lot that the city has to offer. In this blog post I’ll be going over where the city is, ways of transportation, what to pack, where to stay, and seven activities I recommend when spending time here. Alright lets do this!

Where is Lisbon

Lisbon will be towards the southern end of Portugal in Europe, right on the Atlantic Coast and is the largest city in the country. With a population close to 3 million people (New York City is almost 9 million), Lisbon is 39 square miles. The Tagus river runs along the capitol which is part of the Iberian peninsula. If you fly, the airport isn’t too far from the downtown area, depending on traffic.

What is the history behind the City

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in western Europe and has been the capital since 1252! From the 15th to the 18th Century the city was a main port for overseas trade and Portuguese expeditions. Discovering places like South America and Africa, Lisbon was given the nick name, “the enchanted port.” The city has a colonialist history, as different groups of people have taken control over different centuries. In 1640 the country regained independence as the largest colony at the time, Brazil, transformed the country into a wealthy city.

The city has gone through some tough times such as a serious earthquake in 1755 and in the 19th Century, buildings were destroyed again after being captured by Napoleon Bonaparte. However, each time the city rebuilt itself and what you see today is modern architecture and buildings.

Pretty interesting, During World War II Lisbon remained a neutral country and became a refuge for many people fleeing axis power countries. From Lisbon they would sail to Great Britain or the United States.

Where to Stay

There’s a lot of nice apartments that are rented out all over the city that are not too expensive! You can find nice 1 or 2 bedroom flats for under $100 USD a night. I personally liked staying close to the city center, because I liked to walk around this part of the city.

Popular neighborhoods to stay in are Alfama, Bairro Alto, and Baixa de Lisboa. I booked my reservation through VRBO, as there were many options and the booking process was easy and smooth.

What are the best modes of Transportation

Lisbon is a very walkable city, which was one of my favorite parts about it. Just make sure to wear some good comfortable footwear. If you need to get somewhere farther away, such as LX Factory, you can take an Uber. I found taking an Uber was one of the cheapest modes of transportation other then taking the Metro Bus after spending too much money on a taxi.

The Metro Bus is also a great way to get around, especially from the airport. You can purchase a bus ticket in the airport or at the Campo Grande bus station. From the station use the Moovit app, and it will tell you exactly what bus you need to take, the time it leaves, and the cost based on the destination you enter. You can get a full day pass for six and a half Euros.

The two other common modes of transportation are a Tuk Tuk and the Tram. A Tuk Tuk will be more expensive because most give a tour of the city. However, if you have a group or a family it looked like a cool way to get around. Lastly there is the tram, which covers most areas of the city. There’s the historic yellow Trams and also your modern day tram. Again, use the Moovit app for schedules, tram stops, and fares.

What is the Currency in Portugal

One of the first countries to transfer over to the European Euro, Portugal has been using this currency since 1999. They’ve also been part of the European Union since 1986.

What to Pack

• Rain Jacket- The occasional rain shower does pop up in Portugal. So make sure to pack one of these for your trip! I think Burton makes some of the best rain jackets to keep you dry while walking around the city.

• Great Footwear- I would wear a good pair of comfortable athletic shoes, especially if you plan on walking all day. The VANS ultra range series has been my go to shoe. Lightweight with amazing cushion.

• Sunglasses- Often overlooked, throw these in the suitcase or carry on for your trip. I personally like Dragon Shades because the designs have a classic look and the lens technology (Luma Lens) reduces glare and increases depth perception.

• Small bag or backpack- If your trekking around in the city all day, you’ll want something to carry all your stuff. Burton Has some great daypacks worth checking out to store your camera, water bottle, room key, and anything else you might need.

What are seven top things to do in Lisbon

1. Praça de Luís de Camões

In the middle of the square in between Chiado and Bairro Alto you’ll see a statue of the 16th century poet, Luis de Camoes with other well known Portuguese authors below. It’s a historical landmark and one of the oldest monuments in the city. It’s a quick thing to check out and take a couple photos of while walking around the city. Also not a bad place to sit down and rest your feet if you’ve been walking all day!

2. LX Factory

If you like food, art, and unique shops all in one place, this is something you should really check out while in Lisbon, especially on Sundays!. It was probably my favorite thing to do while I was in the city. It’s a 15 minute drive from the city center on the east side of Lisbon. The quickest and cheapest way to get there would be by Uber or if your up for a stroll through the city, it takes a little under an hour to walk there.

There are no entrance fees for LX factory and on Sundays there is the LX market that has vendors for food, clothing, art, and vintage items. This area has been around since 1846 as the warehouses were used for weaving and textiles at one point. If you’re looking for a healthy place for lunch check out The Therapist. It’s vegan spot that has some cool options for breakfast or lunch.

3. Tram 28

Usually a pretty popular attraction for most tourists, therefore it’s best to go late in the evening or early in the morning. The cost is 3 euros as you get on or you can buy an all day transportation pass at the metro station for around 6 and a half euros. The ride will be somewhat shaky as you head through the narrow streets in historic parts of Lisbon, with stops along the way.

The tram runs from 6am-10:30pm and 11pm on weekdays taking just under an hour for the entire route. The starting point is Martim Moniz, which will usually have a line mid day. Try to grab a seat if you can and watch out for pick pick-pocketers.

4. Stop at a Pastel de Nata Shop

The name Pastel De Nata means cream pastries in Portuguese and you will find these sweet deserts at just about any bakery or desert shop in Portugal. These deserts were first made over 300 years ago in Portugal and are a baked custard filling, surrounded by a light outside crust. They are somewhat addicting and my favorite shop for these in Lisbon was Manteigaria.

5. Eat at Time Out Market

If you’re looking for a place to grab lunch or dinner, Time Out Market is great. Lot’s of different food options with a food court style seating area. It’s open from 10am to as late as 1am on certain days of the week! They have options across the board for food including seafood, sushi, pizza, and traditional Portuguese food. There’s also vendors for beer and wine and even desert. It’s a fun place to walk around, just make sure to have a credit or debit card on you as most places don’t take cash.

6. Walk through the Alfama District

Alfama is the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon with most of the district being on a steep hill.. It even survived the Earthquake in 1755 that destroyed a lot of the cities buildings. As you stroll through the streets and alleys you’ll notice the white wash buildings with tile roofs and even a few restaurants and cafes. It’s a step back in time as you walk down the cobble streets with tight alleys, weather worn buildings, and laundry hanging from windows. On Saturdays and Tuesdays, there is a large Flea Market called, Feira da Ladra.

7. Catch a Sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Although it was cloudy when I visited this overlook, I can imagine a sunset here would be pretty amazing. Not far from the Lisbon center, this spot gives you a panoramic view of the city including Saint Georgia’s castle off in the distance and Miradouro da Igreja da Graça, one of the oldest churches in Lisbon.

If you go down the stairs there will be a landscaped area with benches and an area to walk around. I liked the upper viewing area tho because you could really see the city from above. If you want to grab a beer while you catch the sunset, there’s also a beer stand up top too.

What else would you recommend doing in Lisbon

Other things that I wanted to check out, but ran out of time and were recommended are..

• Jerónimos Monastery- Built in 1502 this monastery has incredible Portuguese architecture and is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday through Saturday.

• Castelo de São Jorge- A historic Castle located on the highest hill in Lisbon and found around the 10th and 11th centuries, this castle is open everyday from 9am-7pm.

• Museu Coleção Berardo - A contemporary art museum located in Belém, a district of Portugal. For more info on exhibits and visitor pricing visit the musuems website.

• Belem Tower- Used as a gateway to the city and fortress against possible attacks, the Tower was built between 1515-1521. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5:30 pm tickets can be purchased online with the first Sunday of each month being free.

That’s it for a two day trip in Lisbon Portugal and if your interested in more outdoor/travel content, subscribe to our email list below! Thanks for reading and I’ll see you on the next blog post.