Waxing a surfboard

Discussion in 'All Discussions' started by KookieMonster, Jun 15, 2013.

  1. KookieMonster

    KookieMonster Well-Known Member

    488
    Jan 13, 2012
    I have a method of putting wax on a surfboard and before I make a youtube video I'd like to run it by you guys to see if you can add some tips.



    1.) KNOW THE WATER TEMPERATURE - surfing is all about knowing things. you couldn't ride a surfboard if you didnt know what one was right?

    I'll usually carry a pocket thermometer and wade at least waist deep (this is trouble in the wintertime so definitely buy a pair of rubber fishing waders). Hold the thermometer in for at least 20 seconds to make sure that you capture the thermal energy correctly.

    2.) ASK A LOCAL - got to the most local shop around and tell them about your temperature readings and the depth you measured them at. Ask them if there are any known currents in the area that you chose that might cause any temperature fluctuations. If everythings checks out...

    3.) BUY SOME WAX - smell every bar and choose the one in your price and temperature range. If one smells really nice then it is probably the one for you. But some waxes might smell nice and be out of your price range. Buy a wax that is both affordable and one that has an oder that is pretty good.

    4.) TIME TO WAX - the most highly debated things in the surfboard industry are related to wax. I'm going to make it simple

    The horizontal method - for this tecnique your going to want to apply the wax across the woodden thing in the middle of the board. This is good for turns.

    The vetical method -this tecnique is more for surfers with long arms. You apply the wax up and down the board. This is also a good tecnique if you like going straight.

    The cross pattern - this is a hybrid tecnique of the two previous. More for performance than grip really.

    Swirl Tecnique - great for anything from knee high barrels to 23 foot barrels. Also good for people who like circles and other round things.

    Remember whatever tecnique you choose is going to determine how other people see you applying the wax.


    5.) POST SURF DE-STRIPPING - Once your done its time to strip the wax off. I use a combination of nail polish remover and varnish and let it soak over night. Use a blowdryer the next morning to get any remaining clumps or residue.



    Anyways this is my first tutorial, what do you guys think?
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2013
  2. skulldog

    skulldog Active Member

    37
    Jan 28, 2011
    I would go one step further and wax your stick in the local surf shop parking lot so you achieve maximum visibility.
     

  3. bassplayer

    bassplayer Well-Known Member

    309
    Oct 2, 2012
    I put the wax in a vice and rub my surfboard over it. I find the weight of the board allows for maximum contact and friction.
     
  4. Zippy

    Zippy Well-Known Member

    Nov 16, 2007
    I like to lay my board on the pavement in front of the front tire of my truck, strategicaly place several whole chunks of wax, then drive over it a few times. It really smooshes in the wax and leaves tire patterns for better grip while doing air reverses.
     
  5. ocsurf32

    ocsurf32 Well-Known Member

    390
    Jul 22, 2012
    All wrong. . . Step 1: find a big candle and let it burn for between 4 and 19 hours ,then take a straw and a small amount to make sure the hops have fermented. Once the fermentation is complete collect six stones from kirra point. Smash.them.through a conk shell while singing your favorite drinking song. when complete walk to your local market get one raw onion. Smear the blood of a fresh pig on the onion then sacrifice the onion to the ocean. On the ninth day of the new moon walk through a ondian reservation wearing.traditional "surfer" attire. Apply wax and.then shred! Cheers .cocai*e and shrimp fo life
     
  6. GoodVibes

    GoodVibes Well-Known Member

    Jun 29, 2008
    You might want to call the wooden thing in the middle of the board a stringer.Just saying:)
     
  7. yankee

    yankee Well-Known Member

    Sep 26, 2008
    You gotta do it. And maybe have the njshredmachine as the featured 'waxer.'
     
  8. sailquik

    sailquik Well-Known Member

    213
    Nov 23, 2012
    Wait, what? You're supposed to use that sex wax stuff on your surfboard? no wonder I'm so chapped, I thought it was the best for your "stick".

    Can I sue?
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2013
  9. sailquik

    sailquik Well-Known Member

    213
    Nov 23, 2012
    That's what she said.
     
  10. dlrouen

    dlrouen Well-Known Member

    814
    Jun 6, 2012
    I don't wax my board. I wax my chest.
     
  11. antoine

    antoine Well-Known Member

    Mar 10, 2013
    That's why I love this forum ! so much to learn, so much to learn.
     
  12. Zippy

    Zippy Well-Known Member

    Nov 16, 2007
    Ha Ha Great Idea
     
  13. Anthonyz

    Anthonyz Well-Known Member

    63
    May 15, 2012
    I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I put wax under my board so my brakes have that extra "umph" when I slow down. I use the horizontal method when applying this.
     
  14. Mr.Belmar

    Mr.Belmar Well-Known Member

    Aug 19, 2010
    Wow this is the nuttiest post ever... Seriously???

    I didn't read the rest of the post- but NAIL POLISH remover is a BIG NO NO it's basically acetone and will destroy your resin and fiberglass ... Try hot water and a scrapper and then goo gone...
     
  15. Mr.Belmar

    Mr.Belmar Well-Known Member

    Aug 19, 2010
    Do you wax the bottom of the board too??? And the rails??

    Obviously I didn't read the whole post earlier lol
     
  16. KookieMonster

    KookieMonster Well-Known Member

    488
    Jan 13, 2012
    Maybe this is how one gets more 'hold' when carrying the board to the beach. Will test and let you know next time...
     
  17. bilthy

    bilthy Well-Known Member

    53
    Oct 26, 2012
    should i also wax the fins and leash just to get maximum waxiness? if we had sticky feet and sticky chests would we need wax at all?
     
  18. DosXX

    DosXX Well-Known Member

    Mar 2, 2013
    Try Elmer's glue sticks.
     
  19. Valhallalla

    Valhallalla Well-Known Member

    Jan 24, 2013
    I figure if it's good enough for the turtles

    turtle-wax-posters.jpg

    I find it also works pretty good on my car (the fastest on the block).

    If I'm in a pinch and the surf shop is closed

    PledgeFurniturePolish.jpg

    Easy to apply and the Hindus in bikinis love that lemon fresh scent. Needless, I say more.

    And, yes, I wax the bottom of my board and the fins too but to it's their own.
     
  20. RobG

    RobG Well-Known Member

    868
    Jun 17, 2010
    Yep. To its their own for sure.