Surf wax is a simple, but essential accessory for surfing. Without it, you're going to be sliding off your surfboard every time you get to your feet. This guide will help you learn more about surf wax and help you choose the right one you need.
Types of Surf Wax
You need two different types of surf wax on your surfboard:
· The first layer of wax you apply to your surfboard.
· Typically a harder wax.
· Its purpose is to provide a solid base for the top coat to stick to.
· Applied on top of the basecoat.
· Provides the traction needed for your feet to grip the board better.
The hardness or softness of the wax depends on the water temperature you'll be surfing in.
· Golden Rule: The warmer the water, the harder the wax. This is because the wax needs to stay on your board and not melt off in warmer conditions.
· Cold
· Cool
· Warm
· Tropical
Here’s the translation with proper formatting:
Depending on the country and season, the temperature of the sea water can vary, so different types of surf wax are needed for different water temperatures.
Water temperature range Wax type
|
Water Temperature Range |
Wax Type |
|
0-13°C |
Cold |
|
15-18°C |
Cool |
|
18-24°C |
Warm |
|
24°C + |
Tropical |
Some surfers have their own preferences when it comes to applying surf wax. However, one common method is:
Start with a Clean Surfboard
Ideally, start with a clean surfboard that has no wax on it. You can use a wax comb to help remove any old wax.
Apply Basecoat Wax
Take your basecoat wax and make diagonal lines across the deck of the surfboard (across the stringer).
1. Remember, you need to wax any area where your feet will be placed.
2. On a shortboard, you are likely to leave the front section, including the nose, wax-free.
3. On a longer board, you may want to wax the entire deck if you're planning on noseriding or cross-stepping.
Apply Top Coat Wax
Now take your top coat wax and rub it over the basecoat in a circular motion. This will create small wax "bubbles" on the board.
Repeat as Needed
Each time you go surfing, you can simply repeat step 3 and apply more top coat wax to replace what gets removed by your feet.
If you notice that the wax on your board has become especially dirty and sandy or is worn down, it's worth taking the time to do some maintenance.
Strip Off Old Wax
Use a wax comb and a heat gun (on low heat) to strip off all of the old wax, especially if it’s particularly stubborn.
Reapply Wax
After removing the old wax, repeat the basecoat and top coat wax applications to leave you with a fresh new wax job.
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