Waxing a surfboard is key to having a great day on the water. Not only does it aid your grip, assist with stability and balance, and provide traction as you maneuver waves, it also helps care for your board.
Read on to learn how to prep your board, select and apply the right surf wax, and recognize when it’s time to reapply.
Board Prep
Before you get started, make sure your board is clean and free of debris. Proper preparation is an essential first step for a fresh wax application.
- For new boards: If you have a new board, use a washcloth or towel to thoroughly wipe down the surface, clearing it of all dust or dirt.
- For used boards: Prep a used board by removing any existing wax. Old wax can be removed with a wax comb, wax remover solution, or items you likely have at home (for tips on at-home options, jump to the “Surfboard Wax Removal” section below).
Tips:
- Move indoors: When you’re ready to apply the wax, bring your board inside or to a shaded area to prevent the fresh wax from melting.
- Find a soft or steady surface: To avoid dings or scratches, set your surfboard on a flat, cushioned surface like carpet, padding, or a board bag.
Choosing the Right Surf Wax
Before you start, determine the right type of wax for your surfing conditions. Surf wax is formulated for different water temperatures and conditions, and choosing the correct type will aid in its effectiveness. Here’s a guide to help you find the right type for you:
| Type of Surf Wax | Water Temperatures | Property |
| Base | All water temperatures | Use it as a primer, and make sure it’s completely dry before applying the next layer. |
| Topical | 67-80°F (19.4-26.6°C) | The hardest type of wax. It stands up to the hot sun and warm water. |
| Warm | 63-78°F (17.2-25.5°C) | Firm wax maintains its tack in warm water without being too sticky. |
| Cool | 54-69°F (12.2-20.5°C) | This wax stays soft and durable in lower temps. |
| Cold | 52-62°F (11.1-16.6°C) | Cold wax is the softest and easiest to apply. |
If you travel or move between climates often, make sure to strip and reapply the right wax for your conditions.
Understanding What Parts of Your Board To Wax
- Longboard: Longboards require wax over the entire surface. Cover the board from nose to tail and include the rails for extra grip in maneuvers and when carrying your board.
- Gun: Wax the areas where your feet are situated most frequently, usually from mid-board to the tail. Wax on the rails and tail allows for more control.
- Funboard: Similar to a gun, apply wax to a funboard in the areas where you spend most of your time – from the middle toward the tail.
- Hybrid: Focus on the middle and extend coverage toward the tail of the board. Wax the rails for more control on the waves.
- Shortboard: Adequately cover the stance area, extending to the nose for extra grip for tricks and airs.
- Fish: Cover from the mid-point to the tail, extending to the rails.
Putting On the Wax
- Keep your wax in a cool, dry place so it’s easier to apply.
- Avoid overwaxing. Aim for a bumpy, textured surface rather than a thick layer.
- Use light pressure. After multiple light passes in either direction (front to back and side to side), the wax will build up to the grippy bumps you’re looking for.
Surfboard Wax Patterns
The secret to enhancing grip and stability is to create effective surfboard wax designs or wax patterns. Choosing the right wax design depends on personal preference, surf conditions, and your board. Here are the most common techniques:
- Circular technique: Move the wax in a circular motion up and down the board in overlapping patterns. The wax will gradually build bumps, creating a consistent, full-coverage layer.
- Grid technique: In a grid or straight line technique, straight lines are drawn in one direction and then crossed over in the other direction to build a grid. Take it rail to rail to ensure even traction.
- Cross-hatch technique: Create a diamond-like pattern by drawing vertical lines and overlapping them with diagonal lines. The intersecting lines result in maximum grip.
- Freestyle technique: You know your board best. Use specific techniques for different areas of your board, depending on what you need and where. It’s typically a matter of personal preference; some surfers might find it easier to use a circle pattern, while others prefer the look of a crosshatch.
Most surfers use a combination of patterns to build up layers and achieve coverage from all angles. Play around with different surfboard wax designs to see which gives you exactly what you want.
Too Much Wax on Your Surfboard?
Layering too much wax on your surfboard can be counterproductive. Excess wax creates a slippery, rather than tacky, surface and can also attract more sand, dirt, and dust, which leads to more drag in the water and more frequent upkeep. But it’s no biggie – there are plenty of ways to avoid it. If you’re new to surfing and are learning about wax patterns and techniques, start light and build up your layers. A buildup of wax or uneven layers can be solved with regular maintenance. Read on to learn how to remove wax from your surfboard.
Signs It’s Time To Re-Wax Your Board
- Smooth, glossy appearance: If your bumps have smoothed out, the grip has worn down. You’ll feel less traction as a result.
- Wax discoloration, cracking, or flaking: Dirty, dry wax equals old wax. It likely means your grip is starting to slip, too.
- Change of the seasons: If the seasons are shifting or you’re moving between climates, it’s important to remove old wax and apply new wax suitable for the water temperature.
How To Remove Wax From Surfboard
To remove wax from a surfboard, let it sit in the sun for about 10 minutes. The warmth will begin to loosen the wax, making the next steps a bit easier (if you’re in a chillier climate, a hair dryer will also do the trick – keep it about 6 inches from the board and make sure it’s on the lower heat setting).
Using a Surfboard Wax Comb and Wax Remover Solution
- Use gloves and a towel to protect your hands if the wax is still warm.
- Begin removing the softened wax with a surfboard wax comb. The thin side of the comb is designed to run up and down the board, effectively loosening any residue. The curved side is perfect for removing wax from the rails.
- Once most of the wax has been removed, spray or apply wax remover solution to a cloth and clean the board in circular motions.
Using an Old Credit Card or Gift Card and Soapy Solution
No wax comb, no problem. An old credit card or gift card makes a great alternative and can be used in the same manner. Combine soap and warm water in place of wax remover solution to shine up your board.
Using Flour, Toilet Paper and Heat
Removing surf wax is surprisingly easy and efficient with items you likely already have.
- Let the sun naturally warm your board, or help the process with a hair dryer or heat gun. Warm the wax until it melts into a liquid.
- Sprinkle flour over the warm wax. As they bind together, the wax becomes flaky.
- Use toilet paper or a paper towel to smooth the flour over the wax. Once it has settled, apply pressure to sweep it away and reveal a smooth, clean board.
Surfboard Waxing FAQs
Why do you wax a surfboard?
Surf wax not only provides surfers with grip and balance on a surfboard, it also acts as a protective shield, safeguarding it from the elements and ensuring its longevity.
Do you wax a foam board?
Most foam boards have enough traction to help with balance. It all comes down to preference; if you’d like some added texture, wax on.
Do you wax the top or bottom of a surfboard?
Wax should only be applied to the top of a surfboard and used wherever your hands and feet come in contact with the board. The bottom of the surfboard should remain clean to allow water to flow smoothly around it.
What is surf wax made of?
Most surf wax is made from paraffin, beeswax, or other hard waxes like mineral or soy wax. Petroleum jelly or coconut oil is often used to make softer surf wax.
Is there an alternative to surf wax?
Surf traction pads are an alternative to surf wax. They provide a solid grip, protect the board, and are easy to use.
How to make surfboard wax?
You can make eco-friendly surfboard wax at home using beeswax, coconut oil (for warm-water wax), and tree resin (for cold-water wax).
To make the cold water version, combine three parts beeswax, one part coconut oil, and one part tree resin in a large pot. Heat over a double boiler, stirring until the mixture is liquified. Pour the mixture into containers (even better if they’re disc-shaped). Let cool for three hours.
The same process applies to making warm water wax – just combine beeswax and coconut water and follow the steps.
Now that you’ve got the waxing process down, you’re one step closer to hitting the waves. Remember, surfboard wax and waxing techniques come down to personal preference, so play around and adjust accordingly the more your surf.
