Trying to figure out how to wax a surfboard for those perfect, sticky bumps?

Well here’s everything you need to know about waxing your surfboard – from which wax to choose to the perfect technique…

How To Wax A Surfboard Perfectly EVERYTIME!

Preparing Your Board

Before you get started you’ll need to make sure your surfboard is prepared – this will give you the best base for waxing your surfboard!

If it’s a new board, fresh out the shop then this is pretty simple – just give it a quick wipe down to remove and dust or dirt. If you can get some, using methylated spirits are the best to use as these quickly evaporate and leave the best finish.

And if you are setting up a new surfboard check out this full guide on everything from how to put on a tailpad to picking the right fins!

If it’s a second hand board, or you’re just rewaxing your favourite surfboard then make sure you de-wax it properly before starting. Pop it out in the sun for a minute or so to soften the wax, then use a wax comb to remove the old, dirty wax.

Finish it off in the same wax as a new board and you’re good to go! 

Which Surfboard Wax Should You Use?

So what surfboard wax should you use?

Well if you want to wax a surfboard from scratch (rather than topping up the wax) it’s best to start with a base coat or hard wax. In most cases this is a tropical wax (or dedicated base coat wax depending on the brand).

Some of the most popular surf wax brands include;

• Sexwax
• Mrs Palmers
• FU Wax
• Sticky Bumps

Personally out of the above I’ve always used Sexwax and it’s always worked really well, plus it’s readily available pretty much everywhere in the world, which is pretty handy! 

However, I’ve recently switched over to an eco-friendly wax called Sticky Honey Surf Wax – which is made in Byron Bay, Australia. It’s made with local, organic beeswax, is petrochemical free and biodegradeable.

If you can get hold of some environmentally friendly wax I deinfitely encourage the switch!

As well as the basecoat, you’ll also need a top layer – which you tailor to the water temperature you’re surfing in. If you’re in tropical waters then you want need anything on top of the basecoat, but if you’re surfing in colder waters you’ll need a softer wax (such as cool or cold) to finish everything off.

How Much Wax Will You Need?

Alongside which wax to choose, the amount of wax you’ll need is also something to keep in mind.

For a shortboard under 7 foot about half a bar will be enough, anything in the min mal range (between 7 and 9 foot) you’ll be using about 3/4 of a bar and a longboard over 9 foot you’ll use at least a whole bar.

You can never have enough wax, so it’s best to stock up than not have enough!

The Cross Hatch Technique

So lets get down to the technique you’ll be using to wax a surfboard.

After years of trying out different techniques and approaches the cross hatch technique has deinfitely shown itself as the most consistent and easiest way to get perfect bumps every-time!

Here’s the breakdown of each step:

1. Using the edge of the wax block, draw lines at a 45 degree angle from the rail to the stringer
2. Go all the way from the tail pad to 3/4 of the way up the board
3. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a cross hatch effect
4. Repeat on the other side of the board
5. Slowly start building up the bumps using a circular motion
6. Don’t press to hard, otherwise you’ll smear the wax around
7. Build it up gradually and you’ll start seeing little bumps appear
8. Keep going until it’s all nicely waxed up!
9. Finish off using a layer of top coat, tailored to the water temp you’ll be surfing in

How Often Should You Re-Wax?

So you’ve figured out how to wax a surfboard and you’ve got perfect bumps – congrats!

Now comes the next question – how often do you need to re-wax your surfboard?

Well this really depends on the type of wax you’ve used and also if you’re bouncing around different climates.

When you’re surfing in the same place/country, I’d say apply a light re-coat before each session – focusing on the areas that have smoothed out or need a top up, which usually means where your front foot in placed.

If you’re heading out on a surf trip where the water temp is different to your usual spot (especially if you’re going from cold to tropical waters) it’s worth stripping off everything and making sure you wax a surfboard to suit those water temperatures.

On the whole I’d also advise a complete re-wax a couple of times a year for optimal grip, or if your wax becomes really dirty or filled with heaps of sand.

How To Wax A Surfboard – Video Walk Through

Not quite sure about the technique I’ve described above, simply can’t be bothered to read it all, or just want to see it all put into practice?! No worries, check out the full video guide below!

 

What’s the best technique you’ve found for how to wax a surfboard?

Any hints or tips you’d share?