Snowboarding is becoming a popular pastime as it can be a solo activity as well as a good time with friends and family. The snowboarding setup consists of the board itself, the boots, and the boards binding.
Since these gears are meant to be sturdy, you can rest assured that your rather rough and tough handling of it will not heavily damage it,
That being said, it does not mean you can free reign to just chuck the board and use it however you want to. If you want your board to be long-lasting and smoothly operational.
Can snowboards snap or break?
Snowboards can snap, break or warp if improperly mishandled. They can snap if the impact is made poorly, break if the landing is made too strong and awkward, and warp if stored improperly. You can risk breaking or snapping your board if you flex it very hard or use excessive force.
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As with any gear, mishandling them will almost always result in damage in one form or the other. To prolong their life and shelf life, you must take care of them before and after riding, as well as storing them in a dry, clean place properly.
Why do snowboards break or snap?
There are a few reasons why a precious snowboard can break or snap. While most of them fall under mishandling or too much pressure or force on them, there are still uncommon, previously unthought-of ways they can come apart.
Landing Heavily
This is one of the main and most common happenstances of boards breaking or snapping in places. The size of the jump, the rider’s weight, the angle the board was in when landing, and even previous damages can contribute to landing heavily on the ground.
Try to land parallel to the ground to minimize the chances of this happening.
Landing Awkwardly
Similar to the previous reason, if you land awkwardly on the ground, it can understandably damage the snowboard and cause it to break or snap.
It should be noted that awkward landings and fumbling about is part of the learning process and it is unquestionably understandable when it happens.
Board Quality
This does not need much explaining, as boards of low quality and subpar materials are going to break and come apart in pieces. For snowboards, they are most definitely a case of you get what you pay for.
Existing damage
Days and weeks of wear and tear are most certainly going to affect the board, weakening it as it goes. Understandably, the stress and impact put on the board are directly proportional to its chances of snapping and breaking.
This is why you should check for the board’s state after a session and properly look after it to ensure longevity.
Hitting Rocks or Trees
This does not need much explaining, since it makes sense why a piece of equipment going high speed would break when making an impact on a tree or rock. Hitting rocks is one of the main reasons for riders breaking their boards and gears.
There are times where despite being precautious a board can and will break, for ultimately, you can’t beat out luck (or the lack thereof). But rest assured, quality boards from well-made manufacturers tend to last seasons after seasons.
Can you repair a snapped snowboard?
You can repair a snapped snowboard, but it depends on where the snap happened. You could use epoxy to cut and trim the repair patch, you could also try a basic drip P-tex repair.
It should be mentioned that a P-tex repair could still cause it to crack and fall off.
Another option you could try out is base welding. This is more intricate, so it needs a determined and well-prepared hand to make it work, but this is more long-lasting as it works as a solid fix.
These are fixes that can be done if the snowboard is snapped in a minimal sense. If it is completely snapped, it is better to replace it. This will also be the safest solution.
How to fix a broken snowboard?
There are a few ways you can fix your broken snowboard but it depends on the extent of the damage. If it is doable and you would like to attempt it yourself, here are a few pointers.
The tools you might need are- blades, a scraper, clamps, a screwdriver, and an optional brass brush.
Start with cleaning the board
A clean board will let you determine the extent of the damage and make it overall easier to do the steps that are coming afterward. So before doing anything else, clean the board.
Prep, mix, and apply adhesive
Whichever form of adhesive you wish to go, (most go for epoxy) this is where you prep and mix it. Follow the directions given in the box or label, if confused you can always look up some tutorials, they would come in very handy if you had further questions.
You might need to provide heat to properly mix it so it is soft and ready to use. Once it is, spread it where you need to, on the damaged area. If you want it to soak in properly, apply heat again so it is absorbed.
Seal the board with clamps
You need to now clamp it so the board seals off right and tight. You can use a c-clamp to grip the board correctly so it can dry for one to two days. If you don’t have access to clamps, you can use duct tape as a substitute.
Finish it off with waxing
Last but certainly not the least step, wax the board once it is dried off completely. Waxing your board will let it maintain its smoothness, appeal, and aesthetic while eliminating anything extra that is unwanted and could cause problems later on.
A board is repairable as long as the damage done to it is not too serious. If it is not superficial and rather cavernous, chances are it cannot be fixed and need to be replaced finally.
Can snowboards warp?
Snowboards can warp if they are left in storage without proper maintenance and care. Warping happens when the gear is not stored in a temperature-controlled space since the heat and humidity of summer can damage and so misshapen, bend, and even cause rust in your snowboard.
What causes snowboards to warp?
As mentioned earlier, improperly storing your board causes warping. To get to the science of it, here are the exact reasons why your board’s warping.
Summer heat
If the place you stored your board isn’t temperature controlled, it might warp and bend your board. This is why it is always advised to store them in a cool, dry place.
Board’s width
Some boards naturally warp upon their front toe edge and rear heel edge after a few rides. This happens because of the board’s width and you can easily fix it by flattening the base carefully.
In due course, if you do not safely store your snowboarding gear, rust and warping can be the price you pay for it. In worst cases, they can delaminate, and that is something you do not want.
Warping means your board can’t support its weight, so a hundred percent cannot support yours so it is best to avoid it at all costs.
How to repair bent snowboard edges?
Repairing the bending of your snowboard is easier than fixing its snapped or broken self, in a way. The tools you might need for them are- diamond file, stone grinder, hammer, flathead screwdriver, and adhesive that is strong and safe enough.
- Use adhesive: To fix scratches and gouges, use the adhesive (epoxy or p-tex) and fill them out and scrape away the extra remains.
- Use diamond stones or files: To have an effective removal of burrs, diamond stones, or files is preferred. While expensive, they come in handy quite a few times.
- Push edge to get back to shape: To work with the main problem, the bent edges, in this case, try to see if pushing the edge back into shape helps. If you can’t, you will need to replace it.
- Patches: A base material patch is needed, which if done right is a great and solid repair.
- Inject adhesive: You could also try injecting adhesive into the void and cracks, and then clamp them till dried after hammering it with careful pressure.
Repairing bent snowboard edges can be doable by self, but if you feel ill-prepared, you can always send it to the shop and let a professional deal with it. This way you have peace of mind as well.
How long will snowboard last?
A snowboard can last between 100 to 200 days of active riding, depending on the rider and their riding style. If you handle the board well and do not grind it down on every rock base, it can be expected to have 100 days of top-tier riding, and the following to be enjoyable but not as smooth.
What is the best way to store a snowboard?
The best way to store a snowboard is to let it stay in a non-humid, cool space. It should also be well supported, upright, and waxed so it can live its best, prolonged life.
Can a snowboard lose its camber?
If a snowboard is not properly supported and stored, it can undeniably and unfortunately lose its camber. Don’t keep them on a hard surface for a long period of time.
Looking after your snowboard will ensure both you and your setup have a good and memorable time together, so diligent maintenance is highly recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why are snowboards so expensive?
Why are snowboard bindings so expensive?
Are snowboard bindings universal?