AMBITION SNOWSKATES: A GUIDE TO SNOW SKATEBOARDS

TEAM SERIES VS PREMIUM SERIES. WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

Premium snowskates have the same 7-ply Canadian maple construction as the Team models, but they also have tpo-concave for better board control and feel. They also add graphics to the bottom of the deck and have unique shapes and sizes to suit all riding styles. Less expensive, Team models also have all the key features that make Ambition famous for snowskates.

SNOWSKATE SIZE. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?

While height and foot size can be taken into consideration when choosing a snowskate, it is basically a personal preference. Usually a smaller deck is easier to flip and has a skate feel, while larger models offer more riding stability and more balance on rails. That said, all Ambition snowskates are designed to be used equally.

FORME AS2 / AS3 / AS4. WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

All noses have the same lean angle, so different snowskate shapes differ in the cutting radius of the tail and nose.
AS2: The wider cutting radius helps your foot sit comfortably on the tip of the tail or nose while providing more power.
AS3: More rounded profile gives the feel of a skate and helps release flip tricks more easily.
AS4: Combines the squared tail of the AS2 with the rounded nose of the AS3 to create a balance between both shapes, with a slightly old school look.

HOW LONG DOES A SNOWSKATE LAST?

The life cycle of a snowskate depends on how it is used. Jumping down stairs will result in more wear and beating on your board than a funbox in your backyard. Some riders use the same deck for years, while more aggressive riders change it every season. Usually, a snowskate will be replaced because it has become too slow and scratched. Quick maintenance at the base and easy repairs to the top sheet will greatly contribute to extending the life of a deck. However don’t worry too much and have fun!

WHERE CAN I USE A SNOWSKATE?

Snow falls everywhere and covers the entire landscape, which is why snowskate is so much fun. Grab a shovel and make your way through your yard building ramps, boxes and rails or just go up some hills in the woods or to your favorite spot like your skatepark … the world is yours! You can search for videos to inspire you and remember that everything is fine to have fun!

HOW CAN I GENERATE SPEED?

In the first few attempts, it may help to gain speed from a downhill ramp or bump. It’s a great way to get used to the basics of riding and to effortlessly attack kickers and rails in the backyard. That said, pro riders often run on flat surfaces, whether they are in the skatepark or on the street. With practice, you will learn to throw yourself down hill and jump, just like you would skateboarding.

CAN I PUSH WITH THE SNOWSKATE?

On some days, conditions will be just right and roads will be covered in snow, allowing you to get around just like you would on a regular skateboard. That said, those days are the exception and you can’t rely on the snowskate for transportation. Pro riders only push with their foot when making lines or tracks in fresh snow, but not to initially generate speed.

ARE SNOWSKATES ALLOWED ON THE SKI SLOPES?

The general rule is that single deck snowskates are not allowed on the slopes. By design, they do not meet the resort requirements because they are without bindings.

DO I NEED XTREME GRIP?

Xtreme Grip is highly recommended for riders who have skateboarding experience. The extra grip is really a game changer in terms of performing tricks. Beginners will appreciate the standard foam grip right away, i.e. when they learn to go down the hill and in the first tricks. While switching to skateboard-influenced tricks, the Xtreme Grip becomes the key to the snowskate experience. It also protects the Eva Foam top sheet, thus extending the life of your deck.

HOW LONG DOES XTREME GRIP LAST?

Xtreme Grip is very durable, often lasting more than the snowskate itself. Depending on how you place them, pieces can be subject to shocks, but reattaching them is a quick and easy solution. Most riders transfer their Xtreme Grip with a heat gun when changing deck from old to new.

DOES XTREME GRIP RUIN MY SHOES?

While it looks like it might puncture your shoes after a few kickflips, Xtreme Grip actually barely wears out your footwear, especially compared to the traditional skate griptape. You can use the same shoes for years when snowskating with Xtreme Grip.

WHICH SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?

We recommend using a good pair of warm winter skateboarding shoes when snowskating. These give you the right feel and are definitely the best combination with Xtreme Grip. Shoes with a shaped sole are a good option when riding without Xtreme Grip, due to their grippy soles, but beware that they wear foam grip much faster than traditional skate shoes. The boots are similar, and their dimensions and thickness reduce the feel of the board. That said, remember that shoes are a matter of preference and are not that crucial if you’re just starting out.

HOW DO YOU REPAIR THE FOAM GRIP?

When the deck hits the ground hard in a certain way, snow can be pushed between the board and the grip, causing damage to the foam. Often these problems are caused by riders using their board as a shovel, which while tempting, is a very bad idea. We recommend fixing the foam grip before the situation gets worse, using most types of wood glues. Beware of very tight shoes or boots that often damage the Eva foam and cause scratches.

HOW DO YOU REPAIR A SLOW SCRATCHED SNOWSKATE?

The inevitable scratches from rocks, sidewalks, or sharp edges of obstacles will eventually slow down your deck. Thankfully, a quick scrape from nose to tail with a utility knife or razor blade, and the base of your board will pick up speed. Done regularly, this maintenance tip and attention to where you are going to snowskate will greatly extend the life of your deck. Watch this video for instructions.

CAN I PUT WAX TO REPAIR?

Ambition Snowskates features a non-porous extruded base material, which does not hold wax. While using it will help you temporarily, it is not recommended as they have chosen this base material to keep maintenance to a minimum and let the riders focus on the fun. Scraping your base as described above will prove to be more efficient and less time consuming.

[Source: ambitionsnowskates.com]

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