Yes, but not in the way you might think. The snowboard's base material itself doesn't actually dry out like a sponge. Instead, the term "drying out" usually refers to the wax on the base drying up and losing its effectiveness. The base material of a snowboard is porous; prolonged exposure (months) without wax can lead to a drier base, impacting wax absorption.
What Dries Out on a Snowboard?
- Wax: The wax applied to the snowboard's base is the part that is most susceptible to drying out. Over time, especially during storage, the wax can evaporate, leaving the base less lubricated and affecting performance. [This is confirmed by multiple forum posts discussing wax drying up over summer and affecting the board's ability to hold wax.](https://www.snowboardingforum.com/threads/base-dried-out-over-the-summer-did-i-damage-it.101617/, https://www.reddit.com/r/snowboardingnoobs/comments/wnkwpa/snowboard_wont_hold_wax/, https://www.snowboardingforum.com/threads/does-fresh-wax-dry-up-with-no-use.80098/)
- Factory Wax: New snowboards often have factory wax, which can dry out if left unused for a long time. A Reddit post discusses a new snowboard appearing dry due to this factory wax drying out.
What Doesn't Dry Out?
- Base Material: The P-Tex base material of the snowboard itself doesn't dry out in a way that causes damage. The concern is about the wax, not the base material. [This is clarified in several forum discussions.](https://www.snowboardingforum.com/threads/base-drying-out-permanent-damage.137586/, https://www.snowboardingforum.com/threads/dried-out-base.199617/)
Maintaining Your Snowboard
To prevent your snowboard's wax from drying out:
- Apply a fresh coat of wax: Before storing your snowboard for an extended period, apply a fresh coat of wax to protect the base. [One source suggests leaving the wax on until the next season for optimal protection.](The base material of a snowboard is porous and will dry out if left unattended for months at a time. Applying a fresh coat of wax to the base and leaving it on until next season is a great way to protect the pores and maintain wax absorption in the future.)
- Proper Storage: Store your snowboard in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
