How to Wax a Snowboard With a Urethane Stick

Waxing your snowboard will provide you with a smoother ride by reducing friction, preventing snow from sticking to your board, and increasing the longevity of your board. Although the usual mode of applying heated wax is still prevalent, it isn't entirely practical when you are on the slopes. Urethane sticks provide boarders with a way to wax their snowboards without forcing them to give up valuable riding time. That said, urethane sticks are designed for touch-ups only. You should still hot-wax your board every week or so to maximize your board's performance.

Things You'll Need

  • Snowboard
  • Urethane wax stick
  • Wax cork
  • Microfiber towel
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Instructions

    • 1
      Powder snow provides the best ride, so buy a wax designed to enhance that ride.

      Check the weather forecast for the slopes you'll be hitting. Companies design dry waxes with specific conditions in mind. Wax for below-freezing temperatures assumes powdery snow while wax for above-freezing temperatures works best with slushy snow. Buy a few different types of wax if the weather will be variable.

    • 2

      Dry your board with a microfiber towel. Wax is hydrophobic, so any water on your board will interfere with the wax application.

    • 3

      Rub the wax stick over the underside of your board, making an S-shape from one end to the other. Be gentle, as excess pressure can lead to clumping. Aim for a thin, even layer. Snowboards are made out of polyethylene, or p-tex. When p-tex is left unprotected, snow will gradually erode it, making it more prone to friction and more difficult to control. Any part of your board that isn't covered by wax will be in danger of this type of damage.

    • 4

      Use your wax cork to rub the wax in and to buff out any uneven edges. Rub vigorously from end to end until all the wax has been absorbed and the board is completely smooth. Hit the slopes.