Using a snowboard stomp pad and leash

The Your Responsibility Code used at many North American ski areas includes the rule: “You must prevent runaway equipment.” A snowboard left on a slope without anything holding it can slide away, and a runaway board is a real danger to people below.

How resorts apply this varies. Some ask riders to use a leash, some accept bindings that stay attached to the board, and some have their own rules for lifts. Rules can also differ between countries. Check the resort’s website or ask at the ticket office before your trip, and follow any signs or lift staff instructions.

Whatever the rules, the habits are the same:

• When you take the board off, lay it upside down (bindings in the snow) or lay it flat across the slope, so it cannot slide.
• Never stand a board up on its tail where it could fall and slide.
• When carrying the board, hold it firmly. See how to carry a snowboard.

A leash is a short strap or cord that connects your board to your body. Designs vary, so follow the directions that came with yours. Burton, for example, describes its Cord Leash simply: “loop it to your binding when you need it,” and stash it in a pack or pocket when you don’t. The usual approach to putting a leash on a snowboard is:

1. Attach the leash to the front binding at a strong fixing point the product directions describe, such as the baseplate or a dedicated leash point. Avoid anything that could loosen, like a strap buckle.
2. Put the other end on your front leg, or clip it to your front boot, as the directions describe.
3. Clip in before you unstrap and before you get on a lift, and keep it on until the board is safely lying flat.
4. Keep the leash short and tidy so it cannot catch on the lift, other riders’ equipment or your own bindings.

A leash does not replace good habits. Unclip it only when the board is lying safely, and never rely on it alone to hold a board on a steep slope. See how to use a ski lift on a snowboard for riding lifts with one foot strapped in.

A stomp pad, also called a traction pad, gives your back foot something to grip when it is out of the binding, for example when you skate along a flat or ride off a chairlift. Our guide to skating and gliding on a snowboard explains when you need it.

ONE MFG’s traction pad installation guide suggests placing it just in front of the rear binding. Before you stick anything down:

• Stand on the board in your boots with your front foot strapped in, and put your back foot where it feels natural. That is your target.
• ONE MFG also warns not to place it where it might stop you moving the rear binding if you like to adjust your stance. See changing your stance width and angles.
• Mark the position with small pieces of painter’s tape.

• Stomp pad: put your back foot on the pad when skating or getting off a lift, with your weight centered over the board. Check the edges of the pad regularly. If a corner lifts, it can catch on things and may come off.
• Leash: check the strap, cord, clip and fixing point for fraying, cracks or wear before each day. Replace a damaged leash rather than tying knots in it.
• After each day: dry the board and accessories. See snowboard maintenance.

1. Work indoors. Adhesive is usually easier to peel when the board is at room temperature.
2. Lift one corner with a fingernail or a plastic scraper. Avoid metal blades, which can gouge the topsheet.
3. Peel slowly and low, pulling back along the board rather than straight up. Some people use gentle warmth, such as a hairdryer on a low setting kept moving, to soften the adhesive. Do not overheat the board.
4. Clean off residue with a product that is safe for your topsheet. Test it on a small, hidden area first and check the board maker’s advice if you are unsure.
5. Clean and dry the area before fitting a new pad.

ONE MFG notes that a pad can’t be reused once removed, so plan on a new one. If the topsheet is already cracked under the pad, look at topsheet and edge repair before you fit a new one. Choosing a new board and want to plan accessories from the start? Our board-buying guide covers the whole setup.