Early season shredding is always risky for snowboards.  The overwhelming desire to ride untracked preseason powder will sometimes lead you into a gnarly rock field with only a light dusting of snow.  This mistake will sometimes result in minor scratches that just need a good base grind or a little p-tex work to repair.  If you’re not as lucky, you’ll gouge the base to the core and that’s when you’ll need a base weld.

Liam Gallagher recently interviewed Tech Tuning pro Ty McRae from Milosport to get some tips on how to repair core shots.  Here is a summary on the best way to fix your base::

• Cleaning out and preparing the base is one of the most important tasks.  Remove all the debris and loose material from the damaged area, and then use a razor blade to trim slightly into the non-damaged area to insure a solid bond when repairing.

• P-Tex can be used if the core isn’t exposed.  If the core is exposed, you risk ruining your board, so it’s best to get it base welded to insure a tight seal so water can’t leak in and break down the core.

• P-Tex is a soft and porous material that absorbs wax well.  While baseweld is a harder, durable plasic that has watertight sealing capabilities.

• P-Tex is applied with either a p-tex gun or a flame source and baseweld is applied through an extruding process that uses hot air to apply it.

• The most common mistake when tryin to repair a core shot is insufficient preparation.  Make sure you cut out all the damaged material before applying the baseweld.

Happy tuning!  Don’t forget to pick up a Dakine Super Tune Kit which includes just about everything you need to keep your board running in tip top condition.

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They do exist.  A recent house guest (who wishes to remain anonymous) let me photograph his Volcom Snowboard, but would not confirm recent rumors that Volcom was going to start producing snowboards.  This particular Volcom Snowboard features art from Mike Aho.  The topsheet is completely black with the little “Volcom featured atist Mike Aho” hit and the base features his “Tropy Wife” graphic.  Word on the street is that they’re getting pressed by Endeavor, but once again, it’s all just speculation.

With the recent additions of Gigi Ruff and Elena Hight, it’s easy to assume that Volcom will soon be introducing hardgoods into their line.  Volcom claims the Volcom Snowboards are just a way to keep their streetwear and outerwear athletes locked into their sponsorships without fear of a hard goods brand luring them away with snowboards.  Volcom keeps denying it, but I think it’s just their way of building the hype.  Maybe not in 2010, but sometime soon I hope to “officially” see Volcom Snowboards.

Burton Snowboards Women’s Guide 2009 – An inside look at Women’s Burton Gear

Burton Snowboards has been pushing the limits in tech, style, and fit with their women’s hardgoods line for 2009. Taking tips from their pro-athletes, experienced tech designers, and consumers has contributed to one of the best collections of women’s snowboard gear in Burton history. I’ve got the inside scoop from the Burton Product Managers to tell you what the 2009 season has in store.

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