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In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make your own surfboard wax using just a few ingredients. This DIY surfboard wax is great for both beginners and experienced surfers alike.
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The Benefits of Surf Board Wax
Surfboard wax is a type of wax that is used to make surfboards more slippery, which helps reduce drag and makes it easier to surf. There are many benefits to using surfboard wax, including:
-Reducing drag: Surfboard wax helps reduce the amount of drag on your board, making it easier to paddle and surf.
-Protecting your board: Surfboard wax can help protect your board from UV damage, salt water damage, and oxidation.
-Making your board easier to clean: When you Surfboard wax your board, it will be much easier to clean off any dirt or grime that gets on it.
If you are new to surfing, or if you are considering getting a surfboard, you should definitely consider getting some surfboard wax. Surfboard wax can help you enjoy your time surfing much more by making it easier to paddle and surf, and by protecting your board from damage.
The Different Types of Surf Board Wax
There are three different types of surf board wax, each with their own purpose and ideal conditions.
Temperature specific wax is just what it sounds like- it is designed to perform best within a certain temperature range. Most often, this type of wax is color coded so you can easily tell if it’s too cold or too hot for the conditions. For example, red wax is meant for warm water, while blue wax is meant for cooler water.
All-temp wax can be used in a variety of conditions, making it a good choice for those who are just starting out or don’t want to bother with different types of wax. As the name implies, this type of wax can be used in both warm and cold water without affecting performance.
Basecoat wax is usually applied before your main layer of temperature specific or all-temp wax. It provides a smooth foundation and helps the rest of the wax adhere to the board. Basecoat wax is colorless and odorless, so it won’t affect the smell or look of your board.
How to Apply Surf Board Wax
Surf board wax is essential for grip and traction when surfing. Without wax, you would slip right off your board! Applying wax is simple and only takes a few minutes. In this article, we’ll show you how to apply surf board wax so you can get the most out of your surfing experience.
Step One: Choose the Right Wax
The first step to apply surfboard wax is to choose the right wax. There are two types of surfboard wax: basecoat and topcoat. Basecoat wax is applied to the bottom of the surfboard and provides a smooth, slick surface for the board to glide on. Topcoat wax is applied to the top of the board and provides grip for the surfer’s feet. Surfboard wax comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose a color that matches your surfboard or your personal style.
Step Two: Prep the Board
Once you have chosen the right wax, it’s time to prep the surfboard. Start by wiping down the board with a clean cloth to remove any dirt or debris. If there is any old wax on the board, use a putty knife or an old credit card to scrape it off. Once the board is clean, place it on a flat surface in an area where you have plenty of ventilation.
Step Three: Apply Wax to Board
Now it’s time to apply the wax to your surfboard. Start by peeling off a small piece of wax from the block. Rub the piece of wax between your hands to warm it up and make it pliable. Then, press the wax onto the surface of the board and use your fingers to spread it out in a thin layer. Continue applying wax to your surfboard until you have covered the entire surface.
Step Four: Let Wax Dry
Once you have applied all of the wax, let it dry for about 20 minutes. The heat from your body will help melt the wax into the pores of the surfboard, making it less likely to come off when you’re surfing. After 20 minutes, take a clean cloth and lightly buff your surfboard until it has a shiny finish.
Step Two: Melt the Wax
Surfboard wax comes in a variety of formulations, each designed for specific water temperatures. Cold-water wax is stiff and difficult to work with when warm, so it’s best to melt it down before using it. You can do this by either using a double boiler or by placing the wax in a heat-safe container and setting it in a pan of simmering water.
Step Three: Apply the Wax
After you have decided on a wax and have gathered the necessary supplies, it is time to apply the wax to your surfboard. You will want to start by rubbing the wax in a circular motion onto the top of the board. It is important to avoid applying too much pressure, as this can cause the wax to break and leave behind a streaks. Once you have applied a thin, even layer of wax to the entire top of the board, you can move on to the bottom.
When applying wax to the bottom of the board, you will want to focus on two things: traction and speed. For traction, you will want to apply more pressure and use a back-and-forth motion when waxing. This will help ensure that your feet do not slip when you are surfing. For speed, you will want to apply less pressure and use a circular motion when waxing. This will help reduce drag and make it easier for you to glide through the water.
Once you have applied wax to both the top and bottom of your board, you can use a clean cloth or your fingers to buff out any excess wax. Be sure to pay special attention to the edges of your board, as this is where most people tend to forget about waxing. If there are any spots that seem dry or dull, you can always apply more wax until they are shining!
Step Four: Let the Wax Cool and Hard
After you’ve applied the wax to your board and buffed it out, you’ll need to let the wax cool and hard. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the temperature and humidity. Once the wax is hard, it will be much less likely to rub off on your clothes or skin.
