Detuning Your Beginner Board's Edges — Why and How

It sounds backwards, but slightly dulling part of your edges can make learning easier. This is called detuning, and almost every beginner board benefits from it. Here is why it helps and how to do it safely.

Why Detune at All

Factory edges are sharp all the way around, including the contact points near the tip and tail. For a learning rider, those sharp ends tend to "catch" on the snow during slow turns, causing sudden edge catches and falls. Softening just the very tip and tail makes the board more forgiving without losing the grip you need in the middle.

What to Detune and What to Leave

• Detune the contact points. These are the spots near the nose and tail where the edge first touches flat snow.
• Leave the underfoot edges alone. The middle third of each edge gives you grip and control. Keep it sharp.
• Never detune the whole edge. A fully dull board slips out on firm snow and feels worse, not better.

How to Do It

1. Lay the board flat and find the contact points by setting it on a hard floor and seeing where the edge meets the ground.
2. Take a gummy stone or fine diamond stone.
3. Run it along just the tip and tail edges at a slight angle, a few light passes per side.
4. Feel the edge. It should go from grabby-sharp to smooth, not blunt.

When in Doubt

Any rental or used board has likely been detuned already, so check before you start. If you are nervous, a shop will detune for a small fee.

Once your edges feel right, plan where to test them. Bonvo helps you find the gentlest beginner pistes so your first turns on a freshly detuned board go smoothly.