Why does your snowboard need waxing and edge sharpening?

Having a good snowboard isn't enough: to maintain performance, speed, and control , regular maintenance is essential.
The two main cares are: waxing the base and sharpening the edges .

Why wax your snowboard?

The base of the board (usually made of sintered or extruded polyethylene) needs wax to glide properly on the snow.

Benefits of waxing:

• More speed → the wax reduces friction with the snow.

• Moisture absorption → prevents the base from drying out or burning.

• Base protection → less risk of damage from dirt, stones or ice.

• Better control → smoother and safer turns.

A wax-free base feels slow, dry and “sticky” , losing much of the board’s performance.

Why sharpen the edges?

Metal edges are what provide grip on snow and ice . With use, they become worn or chipped.

Benefits of sharpening edges:

• Better grip → essential on hard snow or ice.

• Greater control in carving → more precise and safer turns.

• Greater durability → prevents rust and further damage.

• Extra confidence → prevents unwanted skidding on technical terrain.

A snowboard with blunt edges feels unsafe in turns , especially on icy slopes.

How often should you wax and sharpen?

• Waxing → every 3 to 5 days of riding (more frequent in wet or dirty snow).

• Edge sharpening → every 7 to 10 days of riding, or when you notice the board losing grip.

Pro tip: Before the season, do a full service (base grind + hot wax + edge tuning), and repeat mid-season.

Conclusion

Snowboarding is like a sports car: it needs maintenance to perform at its best.

• The wax keeps the base fast, protected and fluid.

• Sharpening ensures control, grip and confidence in any condition.

If you want your board to last for years and always perform at 100%, don't forget to wax and sharpen it regularly .