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19.07.2007 |
EDGING A BOARD First what is an “edge”? Edge refers to the metal covering on either side of the snowboard. It is usually made of stainless steel. The edge is what allows us to turn or to stop. The edge is supposed to be at right angles or 90 degrees, take or give a few degrees. The edges are supposed to be sharp. So watch out for the sharpness of the edges and have them sharpened whenever possible. There are sharpening kits available, which can also prove to be useful.
Rounded edges are what are used while rail sliding. The rounded edges make the snowboard useless difficult to ride on the mountain. This compromise is because sharp edges are painful when it catches while doing rail sliding.
For maintenance of the edges there are three important aspects to look into - Deburring
- Base edge
- Side edge
Deburring
This is simply smoothening of the rough edges and rough spots until smooth again.
Base Edge
The base edge is beveled at an angle of our choice by placing a beveling sleeve on the file. At the nose and the tail, it should be perpendicular while in the middle of the board, it is usual to bevel it slowly to 45 degrees using firm even pressure.
Side Edge
A flawless 90 degree is mandatory between the base and the side edge. This can be done by hand-eye co ordination or by using some new tools available for the purpose.
MOUNT BINDINGS
Determine Your Stance - We should check the “binding insert pattern” in our snowboard. We should then determine which inserts closest to our desired stance. It is common to choose the inserts in the centre of the row.
- We then shift both bindings back by one row of holes to give the board a little more nose for floatation
- We then put a center disc within each base plate and place it at the angle we want to use each foot.
- The centre disc has a number of holes. Wonder why? They are useful to align the foot in the centre of the snowboard whether the boot aligns with the top, middle or the bottom row of holes.
- Now one by one we tighten the screws into the insert holes using screw driver.
- Then we adjust the forward/backward lean and allow at least 10-15 degrees each.
- Then we adjust the straps such that the boot is snugly fit within the straps.
- Then we proceed to leash the board which is essential to ride a chair lifts
Stomp Pads
Stomp pads are usually placed just in front of the rear foot and they provide traction when jumping off chair lifts. They also serve to scrape off snow from the boots. Stomp pads are called because they are “stomped” with the rear foot and this action provides some momentum to glide away from riders coming behind us riding on the chair lift.
Placing the foot on the stomp pad should be done blinding since we would be looking in the direction where we are moving.
This should be practiced until it becomes accustomed, failing which we might have to look down to locate the stomp pad and that means an impending disaster.
Stomp pads, if not already installed, can be purchased and installed. Most come with adhesive to stick onto the board and they are relatively cheap.
Leashes
Ever wondered why some dogs have “leashes” around their necks? It is to prevent their “running away”. The snowboard leashes serve the same purpose. They prevent runaway skis which are very harmful and risky for all in its way.
Almost every leash has a loop that you can just insert into the extra holes on the side of the front binding. We then take the other end of the leash and run it back through the loop so it is tightly embracing the binding. Then we can attach the leash to the leg either at the knee for the types with a long strap and buckle. The smaller strapped versions have a clasp which can be hooked around the laces or through a ring through the boot lace.
Waxing a board
- Waxing the board regularly helps increase the life of the snowboard and also helps it run smooth. After securing the board base-up in a well ventilated area, we just remove the old wax using scraper. The scraper should be used from tip to tail or tail to tip in a single stroke. Plastic and metal scrapers are available for use.
- We use iron box set at lowest temperature to melt the snowboard wax. The heat should be enough to just melt and not smoke the wax! We can test the heat by holding the wax at the base of the iron for a second. If it smokes, it is too hot.
- By holding the iron above the base of the board, we just press the wax on the iron. As the wax melts, we move the iron around with the wax to get an even distribution of the wax from tip to tail of the board. Then we apply the iron directly to the snowboard’s base and use it to spread the wax in a thin layer, taking care NOT to stop the iron at any one place. After cooling for 30 minutes, the excess wax is removed with scraper using full length strokes until thin layer of wax is all that remains on the base. Then we need to “clean” the base with a stiff cleaning brush or using heavy duty scouring pad.
Tips for waxing
- An old iron would serve the purpose but we should NOT use the iron again on clothes. Special iron is available for waxing snowboards and can be purchased.
- Specific type of wax can be used for specific type of snow for best results.
- Waxing should be done carefully avoiding injury to self or to clothes, carpet etc;
- Waxing should NOT done with children or inflammables around.
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