Surfing is not only a thrilling water sport but also a lifestyle for many enthusiasts worldwide. Soft surfboards have gained immense popularity among surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders. They offer safety, buoyancy, and are more forgiving when compared to traditional hard surfboards. As a leading supplier of soft surfboards, including High Quality IXPE Boogie Board, IXPE Soft Top Surfboards, and Vaccum Bagged Soft Surfboards, we understand the importance of proper maintenance to ensure the longevity and performance of these boards. One crucial aspect of maintaining a soft surfboard is waxing. In this post, we'll delve into the best way to wax a soft surfboard.
Understanding the Need for Waxing
Before we jump into the waxing process, it's essential to understand why waxing is necessary for a soft surfboard. Wax provides traction on the board's surface, allowing you to maintain your grip while riding the waves. Without wax, your feet would slide around, making it extremely difficult to stand up and control the board. Additionally, wax forms a protective layer on the soft board, shielding it from the harsh elements of the ocean, such as saltwater, sunlight, and abrasions.
Choosing the Right Wax
Selecting the appropriate wax for your soft surfboard is the first step in the waxing process. There are different types of wax available on the market, each designed for specific water temperatures.
Cold Water Wax
For water temperatures below 60°F (15°C), cold water wax is the ideal choice. It has a harder consistency, which helps it adhere better to the board's surface in colder conditions. Cold water wax provides excellent grip in frigid waters, allowing you to focus on catching waves rather than worrying about slipping off your board.
Tropical Water Wax
In contrast, tropical water wax is formulated for water temperatures above 80°F (27°C). It has a softer texture, making it easier to apply and ensuring optimal grip in warm waters. Tropical wax warms up quickly in the sun and provides a sticky surface for your feet.
All - Temperature Wax
If you surf in a variety of water temperatures, all - temperature wax might be the best option for you. It offers a balance between the hardness of cold water wax and the softness of tropical wax, providing reliable grip in a wide range of conditions.
Preparing Your Soft Surfboard
Before applying wax to your soft surfboard, it's crucial to prepare the board's surface properly.
Clean the Board
Start by rinsing your board with fresh water to remove any salt, sand, or debris. Use a mild soap and a soft sponge to clean the surface gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as they can damage the soft board's material. Rinse the board thoroughly to ensure all soap residue is removed.
Dry the Board
After cleaning, dry the board completely with a clean towel. Make sure there is no moisture left on the surface, as this can prevent the wax from adhering properly. You can also let the board air - dry in a shaded area for a few hours.
Remove Old Wax
If there is old wax on the board, you'll need to remove it before applying new wax. You can use a wax comb or a plastic scraper to gently scrape off the old wax. Start from the nose of the board and work your way towards the tail. Be careful not to scratch the board's surface while scraping. Once you've removed as much old wax as possible, use a clean cloth and some rubbing alcohol to wipe away any remaining residue.
Applying the Wax
Now that your board is clean and dry, it's time to apply the wax.
Base Coat
Begin by applying a base coat of wax to the board. Hold the wax firmly in your hand and rub it lengthwise along the board's surface, starting from the nose and working your way towards the tail. Apply even pressure, covering the entire deck of the board. For the first coat, use a circular or back - and - forth motion to ensure the wax spreads evenly. Make sure to cover the central area where your feet will be placed, as well as the areas around the edges of the board.
Build Layers
After applying the base coat, start building up additional layers of wax. For each subsequent layer, change the direction of your strokes. For example, if you applied the base coat in a horizontal motion, the next layer can be applied vertically. This cross - hatching technique helps to create a better grip on the board's surface. Apply 3 - 4 layers of wax, depending on how much traction you need.
Texturize the Wax
Once you've applied all the layers of wax, use a wax comb to texturize the surface. Run the comb across the board in a series of parallel lines, creating small ridges and grooves on the wax. This texturization increases the surface area of the wax, providing better grip for your feet. Make sure to comb the wax in the same direction as the waves break, as this will help you maintain your balance while riding.
Maintaining the Waxed Surfboard
After waxing your soft surfboard, it's important to maintain the wax to ensure it continues to provide optimal grip.
Rinse After Each Use
After each surf session, rinse your board with fresh water to remove any sand or salt. This helps to prevent the sand from grinding into the wax and reducing its grip. You can also use a soft brush to gently scrub the board's surface to remove any stubborn debris.
Re - wax as Needed
Over time, the wax on your board will wear off, especially in high - traffic areas where your feet are constantly in contact. Keep an eye on the wax's condition and re - wax the board when you notice a decrease in grip. You may need to re - wax your board every few surf sessions, depending on how often you use it and the conditions you surf in.
As a Soft Surfboard Supplier
We take pride in providing high - quality soft surfboards to surfers around the world. Our High Quality IXPE Boogie Board, IXPE Soft Top Surfboards, and Vaccum Bagged Soft Surfboards are designed to offer the best performance and durability. Proper waxing is an integral part of maintaining these boards, and we hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights on the best way to wax a soft surfboard.
If you're interested in purchasing our soft surfboards or have any questions about waxing or board maintenance, we're here to help. Contact us today to start a purchase negotiation and take your surfing experience to the next level.
References
- Surfline. "Surfboard Wax Guide".
- Surfer Magazine. "Proper Surfboard Waxing Techniques".
- The Surfers' Journal. "Maintaining Your Soft Surfboard".
