SAVING
YOUR SEASON
We fix the heavy hits and explain the finer details. From massive core shots to custom edge angles, dive into our repair methods and learn how different tuning setups change the way you ride.
OUR REPAIR METHODS
P-TEX EXTRUSION
The go-to fix for rock strikes and everyday wear and tear. If you've chewed up your base but haven't hit the core, we use a high-temp extrusion gun to inject premium P-Tex directly into the gouges. Scraped flush and structured, it gets your base running perfectly smooth again.
THERMAL HOT AIR WELDING
The fix for tricky edge damage. Standard P-Tex only bonds to plastic, meaning edge repairs easily pop out. For core shots that don't need a full base patch, we use industrial hot-air extrusion. By combining high heat, extreme pressure, and copolymer bonding agents, we lock the new material mechanically to the core and steel for a permanent hold.
BASE PATCHING
For damage that penetrates the core. We cut out the wrecked area entirely and inlay fresh, factory-grade base material. Locked in with high-tensile structural epoxies and ground perfectly flat, the repair is permanent, seamless, and built to take a beating.
STRUCTURAL DELAMINATIONS
For peeling top-sheets, split sidewalls, and separated bases. When the internal layers separate, moisture rot destroys the core. We inject low-viscosity structural adhesives deep into the void and fuse the layers back together, resealing the core and preventing catastrophic failure.
THE SCIENCE OF TUNING
THERMAL ABSORPTION
SINTERED PORE SATURATION
The gold standard for new or "thirsty" bases. We use controlled contact heat to deep-clean and prep the HDPE structure for maximum wax retention and base longevity.
INFRARED INFUSION
Non-contact light waves vibrate wax molecules for deep, uniform penetration. By ensuring a consistent thermal soak without surface spikes, we achieve a longer-lasting, faster glide.
EDGE GEOMETRY
SIDE BEVEL (86° - 89°)
This angle defines your "bite." An 89° bevel is smooth and forgiving; 87° or 86° provides aggressive lateral grip for firm, early-morning Wānaka hardpack.
PIVOT-POINT CALIBRATION
Base bevel (0.5° - 1.5°) controls engagement. A 0.5° angle is reactive and instant; 1.0°+ lifts the edge for a catch-free feel in the park.
BASE CONDITIONING
MANUAL DEBURRING
We do not run full base stone grinds. Instead, we manually address surface-level imperfections, meticulously removing micro-burrs, edge rust, and oxidation by hand to preserve the existing base structure and core integrity.
PORE CLEANING & PREP
A fast tune requires a clean slate. Before any wax touches the board, we use specialized brass and nylon brushes to aggressively clear out old wax, dirt, and contaminants from the base pores, ensuring the new wax can properly anchor.
BASELINE PERFORMANCE PROFILES
| Riding Style | Side Edge | Base Bevel | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Daily Driver | 88° | 1.0° | Versatile and forgiving. Ideal for 90% of Wānaka all-mountain conditions. |
| Aggressive Carver | 87° | 0.7° | High lateral grip for deep arcs and powerful transitions on firm pack. |
| Ice Technical | 86° | 0.5° | Maximum mechanical bite for "bulletproof" morning ice and racing. |
| Freestyle | 89° | 1.0° - 1.5° | Catch-free feel for rails and landings. Prioritizes pivoting and surfiness. |
LET’S GET YOU
BACK ON THE SNOW
Some hits look worse than they are. If you’re not sure if your gear is saveable, bring it by the Lab. I’ll give you an honest assessment and get to work on the restoration.
CHAT WITH THE LAB
Got a specific core shot or a general what do I need question? Give me a call, send an email, or swing by the workshop. I'm happy to take a look and give you a straight answer.
- 020 437 2725
- tunelabwanaka@gmail.com
- 4 Pearce Place, Wānaka 9305
- EVERYDAY: 6:30 AM - 10:00 AM | 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM