Most riders don't think about board maintenance until they're on the mountain and something feels wrong. Their board is slow, it's catching edges in unexpected places, it's not running cleanly. The fix takes twenty minutes in a workshop. Getting to that workshop from Falls Creek is a different problem.
Frosty runs our in-house workshop at 435A Bridge Road, Richmond. It's open year-round — not just during snow season. Drop your board in, get it back fast, and arrive at the mountain with a setup that actually performs.
Hot Wax — What It Does and When You Need It
Wax reduces friction between your base and the snow. A well-waxed board runs faster, turns more easily and gives you noticeably more control — especially in the variable conditions that characterise Victorian resorts. Wet, heavy Australian snow creates more friction than cold dry powder. A board that's been sitting since last season without wax will feel slow and sticky from the first run.
How often: at minimum, once before the season. If you're riding more than a week over the season, wax mid-season as well. A base that's run dry — visible as whitish patches or a dry, chalky appearance — needs wax immediately regardless of when you last waxed.
Hot wax vs rub-on: hot wax (iron-applied) penetrates the base material and lasts significantly longer than rub-on wax applied by hand. Rub-on is fine for a quick touch-up mid-trip when you don't have access to a workshop. For a pre-season service, hot wax is the right call every time.
We match wax type to conditions — all-temp wax for general Australian use, temperature-specific wax for cold days at altitude when conditions are drier than usual. If you're not sure what you need, bring the board in and we'll sort it.
Edge Tuning — The Difference Between Gripping and Sliding
Snowboard edges are bevelled metal rails that run the length of the board. They bite into snow when you put pressure on them and create the grip that lets you control your speed and turn. Edges that are dull, rusted or damaged can't bite properly — the board skids rather than carves, especially on firm morning snow.
Victorian resorts often have icy conditions in the morning before the sun softens the snow. Dull edges on icy groomers at Falls Creek or Hotham is a genuinely difficult combination — the board slides when you need it to hold.
An edge tune involves detuning the contact points slightly (so the board doesn't catch unexpectedly), sharpening the running edge to a consistent bevel, and removing any burrs or rust. It takes about fifteen minutes. The difference on snow is immediately noticeable.
When to tune: before the season, after any significant impact on rock or exposed base, and any time your edges feel inconsistent or grabby.
Base Repair — When Your Board Needs More Than Wax
Base damage — gouges, core shots, delamination — affects how wax absorbs into the base and how the board runs across snow. A core shot (a gouge deep enough to expose the board's core material) left untreated can allow moisture to enter the board and cause delamination over time.
We repair base damage with P-Tex fills for smaller gouges and epoxy systems for larger damage. After repair, the area is sanded flat, the base is structured and waxed. A repaired board runs cleanly and the repair holds through normal riding.
If your board has taken a hit and you're not sure how deep it is — bring it in. A two-minute look tells us whether it needs repair or just wax and a clean.
Boot Heat Moulding
We heat mould boots at our workshop — included free with every boot purchase. Walk in with your snowboard socks, twenty minutes later you have a boot that's moulded to the exact shape of your foot. It eliminates most pressure points before you get to the mountain and significantly reduces the break-in period.
If you bought boots elsewhere and are experiencing pressure points or blisters, bring them in. Heat moulding can resolve most fit issues that standard break-in riding won't fix.
Pre-Season Service Package
The most common thing we do in May and June: full pre-season service. Hot wax, edge tune, base inspection, binding check, boot heat mould if needed. Board comes back ready for the first day of the season rather than the third.
Drop it in or call ahead. We'll give you a realistic turnaround and let you know if anything needs attention before we start.
Address: 435A Bridge Road, Richmond VIC 3121
Phone: 03 9421 2293
Email: info@twelveboardstore.com.au
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