Sharpening your snowboard's edges is an essential part of maintenance. The edges generally are reinforced with stainless steel or carbon fiber. When you perform high-speed maneuvers and hairpin turns, the edges should dig into the snow. Riding on a hard-packed terrain gradually will dull the edges over time, which may result in painful slide outs and falls. Perform a few basic tests to determine if your snowboard's edges are in need of sharpening.
Step 1
Carry your snowboard to the top of a finely groomed slope. Place your snowboard on the ground in a horizontal position to prevent it from sliding forward. Fasten the binding straps around your boots to secure your feet in place.
Step 2
Stand in a stationary position with your chest pointed down the mountain slope. Extend your arms and bend your knees to stabilize your snowboarding stance. Lean forward slowly to allow your board to slide across the snow.
Step 3
Apply downward pressure with your heels to gauge the sharpness of the edge. Sharpen the heel edge of your snowboard if it skids across the snow. Rotate the snowboard 180 degrees with your back facing down the slope.
Step 4
Lean back to allow your snowboard to slide across the snow. Apply downward pressure with your toes to test the sharpness of the edge. Sharpen the toe edge of your board if it doesn't penetrate the snow with ease.
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