How to wax a surfboard
How to wax a surfboard: The wax on the surfboards is used to help adhere to the board while surfing. The hard lining of a surfboard is slippery, something that is good for slipping through water, but not so good at keeping your feet quiet. A good application of wax creates bumps that give grip to the feet. If you have never waxed a surfboard before or are just looking for tips to get a better wax application, here are some steps to wax the surfboard.
Step 1: What is needed
To apply wax to the surfboard it is necessary to have some products supplied. The main ones are the wax for the base layer, top wax, and a wax comb. At the time of applying the wax to a table already used or re-apply wax, you should also have the wax cleaner and paper towels.
Step 2: Clean the surfboard
If you want to wax a new surfboard, you can skip directly to step number 3. On the other hand, if you want to wax on a used board or re-apply wax, the cover must first be cleaned. Any type of old wax found in the table will impede the integrity of the wax application and will come off earlier. It is important to always make sure that the wax of the base coat is being applied directly to the surface of the surfboard.
To clean it, first, scrape all the wax with the straight side of the wax comb. Be sure to leave all the wax outside the edges with the curved side of the wax comb. Next, a cleaning product can be used to remove the excess wax. Usually, there is usually a thin layer of wax that can still be seen if the board is turned towards a light reflection. There are products that will dissolve the excess wax and allow its cleaning. Once the board looks full bright, it means that all the wax has been removed and a new layer can be started.
Step 3: Apply a base layer
The base layer is the most important step of applying wax to a board. The top layer of the wax wears and rubs while surfing, but the base layer will remain until the next time the surfboard is completely waxed. If a piece of board is left without a base layer, this part will remain constantly wax-free, even though more wax is applied to the top layer. Soon you will be lost.
The purpose of the base layer is to create a protrusion pattern that will last. The surf wax of the base coat is a harder wax that not only allows it to last longer but also makes it a bit harder to apply, so you should make sure to press down on the wax because it could be erased. If you press too lightly, the wax will not come out, it will not stay fixed and it will take a long time to apply the wax. While it is applied, the wax may leap along the surface making a strange noise, but it’s okay, it just means that lumps are forming and the wax is bouncing over them. You should start by making large lines to the table and continue until you see a protruding pattern emerge.
There are many different techniques to apply wax, none is a correct way and everyone should find out what is the way that will work best. As time passes, and wax is applied several times, you will find the shape and method that works best.
Step 4: the top layer
The top layer of the wax is much softer than the base layer, allowing it to be sticky and adhering to the feet. The upper layers of wax are much more affected by the water temperature than the base layer. Because of this, you should make sure to use a kind of wax that is good for the temperature of the water where you surf. The waxes come in temperature ranges indicated on the label.
The waxes become softer when the water is hotter. To ensure that the wax is at an ideal level of smoothness at a specific water temperature, chemicals other than wax are added. An ideal wax for tropical temperature should have more level of tack than in warm water. A wax for cold temperature should be sticky, even in cold water, where most waxes freeze. However, if a cool temperature wax is used to surf in hot water, it will turn out to be too soft. As a general rule, you can always use a hot wax in cold water, but you can not use a cold wax in hot water.
The top layer of the wax can be applied in a similar way to the base layer, but since it is softer, you will not have to press so hard. Some prefer to put a top layer from back to front with long diagonal movements. As indicated by the base layer, it is best to try different ways of applying wax until you finally find the one that works best.
Step 5: comb the wax
When surfing, some wax from the top layer will come off. Some pieces will be lost in the water, but others will stay hooked to the surf suit. For this reason, you will have to add some wax before, every time you surf. Sometimes, the wax may appear flattened or crushed, if this happens, use the side of the wax comb and scratch making diagonal lines on the wax, like a chessboard. This method will ensure that the wax will adhere to the table for a few more sessions.
How to wax a surfboard: In the case, if it is necessary to have to comb the board excessively, it may be time to start again from scratch and put a new base coat. You should probably put a new base coat of wax every 3 months or so, but at least once a year. Waxing the surfboard will undoubtedly become a pleasant ritual to get a good mood towards surfing.