Contents
Waxing a surfboard is an important part of the board preparation process. It provides a layer of protection against the sun, salt water and wax combing.
Checkout this video:
The Purpose of Wax
Surfboard wax is essential for gripping the board and preventing sliding across the waves. It also helps to keep the board clean and free of debris. Wax can also provide a bit of extra padding to prevent minor scrapes and scratches.
To provide grip
Wax is applied to the top of a surfboard in order to provide extra grip for the surfer. Surfers need grip in order to stay on their board while riding waves. The wax also provides traction for turns and other maneuvers. Wax comes in different colors and formulated for different water temperatures.
To repel water
Wax is applied to the top of a surfboard in order to create a barrier between the board and the water. When water hits wax, it bead up and runs off the surface of the board. This helps to keep the board dry and prevent it from absorb water, which can cause it to become heavy and slow.
Wax also provides traction for your feet when you are standing on the board. The rougher the surface of the wax, the more traction it will provide. You can choose from a variety of waxes with different levels of roughness, depending on your preferences.
The Different Types of Wax
Waxing a surfboard can make it last longer and perform better. The type of wax you use will depend on the conditions you are surfing in. For example, if you are surfing in warm water, you will want to use a different type of wax than if you are surfing in cold water.
Cold water wax
Although there are many types of wax available for surfboards, cold water wax is generally the best choice for surfers in colder climates. Cold water wax stays softer in cooler temperatures, making it easier to apply and work into the surfboard’s pores. Cold water wax also tends to have a better grip on the board in cooler water temperatures, giving the surfer more control and stability.
Warm water wax
Warm water surf wax is generally used in water temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The main ingredients in warm water surf wax are paraffin, petroleum jelly and beeswax. This type of surf wax is softer than cold water wax and does not provide as much traction. However, it will not harden in warm water and will provide some grip and warmth to your feet.
-Tropical
-Summer
-Activated by warmth
How to Apply Wax
There are several reasons why surfers wax their boards. Wax provides grip so that surfers can stand on their boards without slipping. Wax also protects the board from the sun and salt water. In this section, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply wax to a surfboard.
The base
Waxing your board is key to maintaining proper speed and movement while you’re surfing. The wax acts as a protective layer between you and the board, and also provides traction so you don’t slip. Generally, you’ll want to wax your board before each surf session. Depending on the kind of wax you use, it can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days.
There are two types of wax: cold water and warm water. Cold water wax is for surfers who live in colder climates and surf in waters that are below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm water wax is for those who surf in waters that are above 68 degrees Fahrenheit. You can find both types of wax at most sporting goods stores or online retailers.
To apply the wax, start by peeling off a small amount and rubbing it between your hands to warm it up. Then, apply the wax to the board in small circular motions, working from the nose of the board towards the tail. Be sure to cover the entire surface area, including the rails (the sides of the board). Once the entire surface is covered, use your palm to smooth out any bumps or divots in the wax.
The deck
After you wax the bottom of your surfboard, it’s time to move on to the deck, or top. You’ll want to start in the middle of the board and work your way out toward the nose and tail. Once again, you’ll want to use even, circular motions and apply a thin layer of wax. Be sure to pay special attention to the rails, or sides of the board, as this is where you’re most likely to come into contact with other surfers (and their boards).
When to Re-Wax
Waxing a surfboard is essential to maintaining the board’s hydrophobic nature, which in turn protects the board from the sun and salt water. Surfboard wax also provides traction so you don’t slip off your board. Depending on how often you surf, you will need to re-wax your board every few weeks to every few months.
Every few sessions
Most surfers will need to re-wax their boards every few sessions, depending on the conditions they are riding in and how often they are surfing. If you are surfing in salt water, you will need to wax more often than if you are surfing in freshwater. If you are surfing in warm water, you will need to wax more often than if you are surfing in cold water. If you are surfing a lot, you will need to wax more often than if you are only surfing a few times a week.
After a board repair
If you have made a major repair to your surfboard, such as fixing a large ding, it is important to re-wax the entire board. This will ensure that your repair is properly sealed and protected. You should also re-wax your board if it has been more than a few months since you last did so. Waxing your board regularly will help to keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.
