How To Wax Surfboard in a Perfect Way? (2023 Guide)
Those who are familiar with the waves and are fond of riding are quite familiar with the importance of waxing a surfboard. Ignoring to wax the surfboard can make you sink in the waves. Waxing is a protection of surfers from slipping into the deep waters.
The procedure of waxing a surfboard looks to be quite simple. It looks as simple as taking a good smelling wax from the shop and applying it on your surfboard.
Is now the surfboard ready to face the waves? No! The procedure is not that simple. It is not ready to take a ride on. A complete technique and a proper suitable wax is required to do the job.
Contents
Finding The Correct Wax
Finding the correct wax is one of the most important and first steps of riding a surfboard.
Before finding the correct wax, it is very important to know about the temperature of water you are going to ride in.
Basically, the surfboard wax is composed of paraffin, beeswax, and other few hard waxes. Components are the same but composition is changed in the manufacturing of soft and hard wax. Beautiful and attractive fragrances are added to make the wax more appealing.
If you want to ride in hot waters, it is very important to choose a hard wax. Hard wax will not melt in hot water. It holds you up for a longer time on your board. Hard wax is preferably recommended for top coat.
You can also use soft wax in certain conditions. If the climate is cold and you have to surf in cold waters choose soft wax. The soft wax will not harden enough that you lose the grip.
Tip:It is very important to read the temperature instructions written on the wax. They would help you to choose the correct wax for your board.
Tools
A few tools given below are required to carry on the procedure of waxing.
- One bar of basecoat.
- One bar of temperature appropriate wax suiting your climate.
- Plastic comb.
- Scraper (For old surfboard)
- Wax dissolver.
Procedure To Wax A Surfboard
Waxing requires a proper technique. Here are a few tips and tricks to get a correctly and precisely waxed surfboard.
Board Cleaning
Step No. 1
If you have a new board the step is not for you.
Waxing a surfboard which is already used is a little bit technical. Put the waxed board in the sun. After it attains heat, scrap the old wax off by doing up and down movements with the help of a plastic scraper or wax comb. Continue the process until you have taken off all the surf wax from the board.
If you live in a cold area and don’t have enough sun don’t get paniced. There is another method for you. Use a bit of liquid wax. Scraping liquid wax on the board will take off the old excess wax.
Dust off
Step No. 2
Even you have a old or a new board it is very important to clean the surface. Dust off the excess wax if you finished scraping your old board.
In case you have a new board it is still important to dust it as it might have some dusty material stuck to it.
Base Coat
Step No. 3
Waxing procedure starts with a good base coat. It is very important to apply base coat precisely as it holds the top coat. The more strong is the base the top will have enough strength.
There are two methods to apply wax in base coatings.
Coverage Point
It is not important to cover the whole board with wax.
If you are using a longboard, it may mean to wax the whole board. It is also necessary to cover the tail and holding the area of board.
It you are using a mini board, cover the 2 feet area of the board.
Circle Method
This method can be a little difficult to start. But once it us started you can go with a flow.
Put the thin part of the wax on the board. Start by making small circles. Continue the procedure until you cover the whole board.
If you still notice small areas left unwaxed and have bumps pour some wax by holding it like a pencil on the area.
You don’t need to put a very thick layer. Its only the base coat. Just focus to fill the pressure dings.
The circle method leaves good and effective bumps at a certain distance.
Criss-Cross Method
This method is referred to be more fast than that of the circle method. It is choosed by most of the experienced people specially tourists. They know how to save time and have more adventurous wavey rides.
Take the wax bar and put the thin side on the deck. Keep the prssure very light. Make parallel lines on the board. Once you have done with making parallel lines start making circles on the board.
If you have small pressure points fill from the corner of the bar like a pencil nib.
Your board is now ready to surf on.
Top Coat
Step No. 4
Whatever method you have used for the base coat, the top coat will remain same.
Take the thinner side of the wax and put it on the deck. Start drawing circles with the bar. Cover the whole deck.
Use twice wax than that you used in doing the base coat.
The aim here is to create many small bumps on the board allowing the surfer to grip the board.
After covering the whole board you are ready to ride it.
When To Wax The Board
For first give your board a very fresh wax treatment. It will give you a good grip. Once you have tried surfing with a freshly waxed board i swear you are going to get addicted to it. You will do that at most usual times.
On times you can also just take the waxing comb and move it on the board. This would refresh the wax and renew the griping ability.
If on a bad day you have forgotten your waxing comb home don’t worry. Just go a little deep in water to your knees and take a handful of sand. Rub it on the board for sometime. This method would refresh your wax.
If you are more used to surf, you might need to wax your board more often.But if you do it once a week you can go on only by refreshing the wax for months.
Tip:You have to wax the board even if the surface of deck is soft or covered with foam. It is important to increase the grip. Being careless about the wax can put you in trouble. Lossing the grip on board may result sliping into the waves.
When To Renew The Wax
It is very important to renew the wax. Even if you are not into surfing for months you have to renew the wax every two months.In a time period of two months wax starts to loose its thickness. Its grip on the board also reduces. Patching also occurs on the deck.
If you are a regular surfer the wax is most probable to become useless in a month. Whenever you need to increase the grip wax the board.
A few people like to ride on a neat board. They do wax it before every use. Some don’t care about the look and keep on using it.
A few are very concious about waxing and do it everytime before steping into waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now you have learnt the whole method to wax the board. Taking the whole procedure in mind and doing as instructed will give a pro feel. Keep reading for more tips and tricks.
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