Surfers spend hours every week cleaning their boards, polishing them, and applying wax. Waxing is a ritual that has become part of surfing culture. Surf waxes come in various grades, from light to heavy.
The type of wax you choose depends on the kind of riding you plan to do. If you ride longboards, then you should go for a heavier grade wax. If you prefer shortboards, then you should opt for lighter wax.
The best way to clean your surfboard is by using a soft cloth and warm water. Once you have cleaned your board, apply some wax with a brush. After you are done applying the wax, let it dry completely before you start surfing.
In this article, we are going to uncover why you need to wax your surfboard. So, keep on reading!
Waxing Your Surfboard
If you want to get rid of scratches or other imperfections on your surfboard, you can use a wax remover. It will remove all traces of wax from your surfboard.
However, if you don’t know how to properly wax your surfboard, then you might end up ruining its surface.
Surf Wax Benefits
There are many benefits of waxing your surfboard. Some of these include:
Warming Up Your Surfboard
When you wax your surfboard, it gets warmer than when it was not waxed. This helps prevent the formation of condensation on the top layer of the surfboard.
Preventing Rust
Rust forms due to moisture. By keeping the top layer of your surfboard free of moisture, you can avoid rust.
Protecting Your Surfboard
Wax protects your surfboard against damage caused by sand, saltwater, and sun exposure.
Improving Grip
When your surfboard is waxed, it becomes easier to hold onto. This makes it easier to control your surfboard while you are surfing.
Making Your Surfboard Last Longer
The more wax you put on your surfboard, the longer it will last.
How To Apply Wax On Surfing Boards
To make sure that you apply the right amount of wax on your surfboard, follow these steps:
Step 1
Start by removing any excess wax from your surfboard using a rag.
Step 2
Use a soft bristle brush to rub the wax into the wood.
Step 3
Let the wax dry completely.
Step 4
Apply another coat of wax as needed.
Step 5
Let the wax dry again.
Step 6
Repeat step four until you achieve the desired thickness.
Step 7
Finish off by buffing the wax smooth using a microfiber towel.
Step 8
Let the wax dry thoroughly before you start surfing.
What Kind Of Wax Do You Need For Your Surfboard?
There are different types of surf wax available. All of them have different benefits, so when choosing your wax you need to make sure you are choosing the right one for your board.
You need to think about how long you will be surfing for and where you will be surfing as well.
Here is a list of the most common types of surf wax:
Polyurethane Wax
This type of wax has been around since the 1950s. It is one of the most popular types of waxes today. It is very strong and durable.
Paraffin Wax
This is the oldest type of wax. It is still widely used by professional surfers. It is relatively inexpensive compared to polyurethane wax.
Shellac Wax
This is a natural wax that comes from the exoskeleton of insects such as beetles. It is often mixed with paraffin wax.
Mineral Wax
This is a mixture of various minerals. It is usually applied with a brush. It is great for protecting the bottom of your surfboard.
Beeswax
This is the original type of wax. It comes from the honeycomb of bees. It is a very versatile type of wax. Not only that, but it can be used for many things including making candles, lip balm, and even toothpaste.
Stearic Acid
This is a chemical compound found in animal fats. It is commonly used in cosmetics.
Carnauba Wax
This is a synthetic wax that is derived from palm oil. It is regularly used to protect the surface of wooden furniture.
Naphthalene
This is an organic solvent that is used to dissolve other chemicals. It is sometimes used to clean up spills.
Importance of Wax Temperature
Certain waxes will work more effectively when they are at certain temperatures. It is all to do with the temperature that you will be surfing at. This then depends on the season and location of where you are surfing.
If you are going to be surfing in a tropical climate then you will need a higher temperature withstanding wax, compared to us ring in a cooler climate, where a different wax would be required.
If you are melting in a tropical climate, you require a wax that can handle that temperature, otherwise the wax will literally just melt away. Thus, if you use a cold weather wax in a hot climate, the wax will just melt and serve no purpose that you require.
The Best Time To Wax Your Surfboard
When you decide to wax your surfboard, there are two main times to do this. One time is during the winter months when the water temperature is low.
The second time is during the summer months, when the water temperature reaches its peak. If you wait too long between applying wax to your surfboard, then the wax may not stick properly.
You should always wait at least 24 hours after applying wax to your board before riding it. Otherwise, the wax may not have time to properly set. It takes anywhere between 10 minutes to several days depending on how much wax you use.
Conclusion
Waxing your surfboard is easy if you follow these simple steps. You don’t need any fancy tools or equipment. Just grab some wax, a brush, and a few towels and get started!
You may think waxing your surfboard is a long task, but it will help you make your surfboard last much longer and also perform better when in the water.
Now you should know why and how you should be waxing your surfboard!
