How to wax your surfboard

Let’s start from the beginning: get rid of that dodgy wax job and run through the do’s and don'ts of waxing a surfboard.

Do: Apply a basecoat

Hold the wax on an angle and using the edge of the block apply the wax diagonally one way, then diagonally the opposite way, creating a criss-cross affect. If you’re waxing a longboard, wax from the nose to the tail. For a shortboard, start approximately two thirds of the way down the board and wax to the tail. Think about where you stand and where your feet need grip. Remember to keep the wax away from the rails. This basecoat will improve the longevity of your wax job and help the topcoat stick.

Don’t: Apply wax to a dirty board

Whether you’re applying wax to a brand-new surfboard or re-waxing an old board, be sure to get rid of any old wax, dust or dirt. If you don’t, your basecoat will not stick. A tip for removing old wax… put your surfboard out in the sun for a couple of minutes or use hot water to soften the wax prior to scraping it off with a wax comb.

Do: Use good technique when applying your wax

Apply a topcoat to your wax. Once you've finished your criss-cross pattern, hold the wax lightly in your fingertips and move it across your board in all directions. Do this until small bumps appear.

Don’t: Be too heavy handed

When applying the topcoat don’t press too hard. Rub it softly across the deck until you have a good coverage of small bumps. Your choice of wax will depend on whether you're surfing in cold or warm water, don’t be afraid to ask the local surf shops for their recommendations. We recommended roughing up your wax with a wax comb or adding more wax prior to each surf and removing and reapplying your wax when it starts to get dirty or lose its stickiness.

Photo: learntosurfkona.com