1. The first thing to do is find out which temperature wax to buy for your surfboard. You will need to check with your local surf shop for the average water temperature in your area. Below is a quick reference chart to help you select the right surf wax for your area:
- Cold water wax (water temp 58 degrees F and below)
- Cold water wax (water temp 65 degrees F and below)
- Warm water wax (water temperature 66-74 degrees F)
- Tropical water wax (water temperature above 75 degrees F)
Please use this wax chart for estimates only, as different brands of wax may vary. You will also want to purchase a base wax along with your top coat. If base wax is not available, a tropical surf wax stick will work for your base coat.
2. The next step is to apply a good base coat to your surfboard. The base coat, made of harder wax, helps prevent subsequent layers of wax from tangling (flattening out on the deck of the board). A good wax job should have bumps of wax on the deck of the board to help remove water and provide good traction. I like to warm up my base wax by putting it in the sun for a few minutes, or putting it in the microwave for a short period of time before applying it to my board. Please note: if you use the microwave to soften the wax, do so at your own risk. Check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to make sure nothing will be damaged and that it is safe to do so. Remove the label and put the wax on a small plate in the microwave. The small plate will help collect the melted wax, as you don’t want the melted wax to spread all over the microwave. After 30 seconds in the microwave, check to see if the base wax softens to make it easier to apply. Once you have softened the base wax, follow this sequence for application:
- First, apply the base wax to the deck of the surfboard in longitudinal vertical strokes only.
- Second, you apply the base wax only with horizontal strokes.
- Third, you want to apply the base wax only with diagonal strokes.
- Fourth, you will apply the base wax with diagonal strokes opposite the diagonal strokes you already applied.
- Finally, apply circular strokes with the base wax and you will see that some good bumps start to form if you have applied the base coat correctly.
3. You are now ready for your top coat. Apply the top coat wax the same way you applied the base coat, and you will have big bumps of wax on your board!
4. Some additional tips to keep your wax work looking good: If the outside air temperature becomes extremely high, feel free to switch to a warmer wax, even if the ocean temperature remains the same. This can prevent the wax from melting while on the go. Storing the board in a reflective or light-colored bag can also help prevent the wax from melting. Don’t leave your board in the sun or in a hot car as it will melt and ruin your wax job and heat is harsh on fiberglass too. When hanging out on the beach, try to keep the deck of the board down to prevent the sun from melting the wax. Placing the board in its bag or on a towel will prevent the sand from sticking to the wax.
5. Some quick tips for removing old surf wax: Expose the board to the sun for a few minutes to help soften the wax (avoid long-term exposure. You don’t want to damage the fiberglass). Get a plastic wax scraper and scrape off as much of the old wax as you can. If you want to remove all the wax from the deck of your surfboard. Buy a citrus-based wax remover (read the warning label and keep it out of your eyes) and apply it on the remaining wax and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rub with a clean soft towel and a little elbow grease. Waxing your surfboard is pretty easy when done correctly. Now you should be able to wax your surfboard like a pro. Have fun and surf!