How much should I wax my surfboard?
In an effort to try to understand what’s actually an effective amount of surf wax, I’m challenging myself to surf the entire summer using just one bar of surf wax. One bar of surf wax should be more than enough for the entire summer, even with an active summer, surfing every single tropical swell. Factory wax generally lasts 2-4 days before the board starts to feel noticeably slower from my experience.When this happens, it’s time to remove your old wax. For surfers who surf multiple times a week, it is essential to always have a fresh, thin coat of wax or at least replace the basecoat monthly.You can wax your board before each session if you see fit to do so. Now, with that logic, we highly recommend that you do a full cleaning and re-waxing every two to three months. Unless you surf every day and wax every day, then we recommend cleaning your board slightly more often per season/year.Your stickiness factor will last for hours and you literally can apply less wax than you do with the other brands, which in the long run makes it just about as cost effective but with so many added benefits. Grab a bar the next chance you get and you will likely never want to use another brand of wax.Depending on how often you ride your board will affect how often you should re-wax. If you’re riding the same board every day, you might want to change it every 2-3 weeks.
What can I use instead of surf wax?
RSPro HexaTraction and Cork Traction are the best surf grip alternatives to wax. Surfboard wax is generally composed of a mixture of paraffin, beeswax or other hard waxes; petroleum jelly can also be added to create a softer wax. Often scents like coconut or bubblegum are added.How often you wax your surfboard is mostly up to the temperature of the water you’re surfing in. The warmer the water, the more will melt and wear off the board while you’re using it. Expect to clean and re-wax your board quarterly as build-up of old, non-sticky wax can prevent new wax from sticking.Surf wax primarily consists of either beeswax or paraffin, each with its unique characteristics. Beeswax offers a natural, eco-friendly option with a pleasant scent, while paraffin provides a more budget-friendly alternative.Lay out all of your tools along side the surfboard on the grass. Note: Being neat and tidy will help you a lot during this task.Pro surfers rave about Fu Wax’s incredible traction. Unlike other waxes, this one only gets better as you surf. Fu Wax comes in cold, cool, warm, tropical, and Cool Water of Summer options, meaning that you have the perfect wax available—no matter when or where you choose to go surfing!
Can you surf with no wax?
Without waxing the board, there is no real traction, and performance will suffer greatly. On an unwaxed fiberglass board, studies have shown that a surfer’s ability to maintain balance decreases by 50%, especially during specific maneuvers like turning or pumping to generate speed. Without surf wax, even the most skilled surfer would struggle to stay on their board, especially in challenging conditions. The wax creates a sticky surface that prevents slipping, allowing surfers to focus on riding the wave rather than worrying about losing their balance.You will usually see surfers waxing their boards by rubbing the bar of wax in a circular motion across the deck, until there is a good thin layer of wax covering the section they need. You want to avoid sticky bumps, and ensure you have an even coating on the deck of your board.Most surf websites will tell you that waxing a surfboard is about grip and traction. While that’s technically true, it misses the deeper cultural and practical realities of why we wax our boards and how to do it properly. The simple truth is this: you’ll slide right off if you don’t wax your board.Traction pads are the most popular alternative to surf wax. Traction pads provide a solid grip, making it easier for the surfer to maintain their footing on the board. They also protect the board from damage caused by the surfer’s foot.You can wax your board before each session if you see fit to do so. Now, with that logic, we highly recommend that you do a full cleaning and re-waxing every two to three months. Unless you surf every day and wax every day, then we recommend cleaning your board slightly more often per season/year.
Does surf wax expire?
Yes the surfacing agent loses it potency over time if exposed to heat or light, or the cap is not screwed on firmly. Best results are achieved with fresh additives are used. Yes Surfacing Wax will go bad after time since the styrene evaporates. Also prolonged exposure to heat and light may affect it.
What happens if I don’t wax my surfboard?
Surfboard wax helps provide a surface your feet can grip when you ride the waves. Without wax, it’s very easy to slip off your surfboard. It’s important to take off old wax and reapply a fresh coat on a regular basis so the wax doesn’t build up. Today’s Surf Wax is a high tech version of the old candles and paraffin that was originally used on surfboards for traction starting in the 1940’s. Today’s wax is formulated to work in specific temperatures. Wax that has been made for colder water is much softer and stickier than wax made for warm water.At some point surfers had discovered they could coat their wooden longboards with a thin layer of sand-infused varnish, which increased traction but also scraped their knees, chest, feet, and thighs. In 1935 a teenage Al applied a small amount of liquid floor wax to the deck of his surfboard, and liked the results.Choosing the right surfboard wax is important for your session, choose a wax that is too soft for the climate and your feet will move around, too hard and you won’t be able to get the grip you require. Surfboard wax is generally composed of a mixture of paraffin, beeswax and petroleum jelly to create a softer wax.