How to Wax (and Remove Wax) From Your Surfboard

“Wax on, wax off.”

If only it were that simple when it comes to surfboards. While some of us might adhere to Mr. Miyagi’s aphoristic philosophy which encourages us to find meaning in banal activities (ahem, waxing a surfboard), others might simply want to smear on some Sex Wax and get in the water. Among the global surfing community, the one constant is that there is no single, agreed-upon way to wax a surfboard. There are however, specific waxes for certain water temperatures. Generally, when warm-water surfing, you’ll use harder wax (so that it doesn’t melt as easily!). When cold-water surfing, you’ll use softer, more pliant wax which ensures that your wax will not freeze and will remain tacky. For more information about surf wax, check out this comprehensive surf wax temperature guide, and Sex Wax’s full range of waxes here!

Unless you’ve just bought a new surfboard, you likely have a layer of old and/or gross wax on your surfboard. Let’s begin with instructions on how to remove wax from your surfboard.

Materials

Things you’ll need:

• A wax comb, razor blade, old credit card, or putty knife
• A “Pickle” or liquid wax remover

Instructions

1. 1. Starting at one end of your surfboard, use a wax-comb or razor blade and scrape lengthwise across your board to remove large chunks of wax. Press firmly but cautiously. Do not apply too much pressure or you’ll crack the glass on your surfboard deck.
2. 2. Once you’ve removed the larger chunks of wax from your surfboard, use either a Pickle or liquid wax remover to remove the remaining wax residue on your board. If using a Pickle, firmly rub in a circular motion across the entire board. If using liquid wax-remover, spray the solvent onto your surfboard and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it off with a cloth. Now your board is ready to be waxed!

While there is no single authority or rule on how to wax a surfboard, most people agree that it helps to start with a clean board.

5 Surfboard Waxing Methods

…and the types of surfers that might use them

1. The Cross-Hatcher

These types consider themselves a bit artistic, or at the very least, methodical. When waxing their surfboards, they’re careful to draw sharp, evenly-spaced lines at a diagonal, forming a checkerboard pattern using basecoat. They then take topcoat, applying it vertically and horizontally, careful not to put too much pressure onto the cross-hatched base layer. These folks are about stability and consistency. You can often catch them pulling up to their local surf spots in a sensible hybrid, blaring NPR with a cup of third-wave coffee in-hand.

Does it work?

Yes, but don’t try it if you’re in a rush.

2. The Smearer

This person couldn’t care less. For them, waxing a surfboard is a means to an end. You’ll likely spot them in a beach parking lot huddled against their cars with dirty wetsuits stretched up one leg, smushing topcoat onto a thin layer of patchy basecoat. Taco Bell wrappers and crumpled to-go cups are often seen spilling from their open trunks in the heat of their waxing frenzy.

Does it work?

Yes, but it ain’t pretty. If aesthetics and design aren’t your thing, then this is the perfect way to wax a surfboard.

3. The Aristocrat

These folks have never waxed their surfboards themselves and they’re not about to try. They’ve likely employed local surf-shop groms to build immaculate layers of glorious bumps atop their surfboards. They don’t know how or why they need to wax their surfboards but they’re glad there’s an army of beach-rat teens out there to do their dirty work for a few extra bucks. You will not hear a single engine rev when they arrive at your local surf break, as they usually slip their Teslas into paid parking lots.

Does it work?

Yes, if you’ve got the $$$.

4. The Wax Trax Sponsored Grom

These kids aren’t about starting from scratch. Instead, they use WaxTrax, an adhesive vinyl sheet designed to help you build bumps, fast! Whether smearing or carefully applying wax to their surfboards, WaxTrax ensures a base level of order in a world of heightening chaos. You can often spot WaxTrax users burning you in the line-up, getting out of their moms’ cars, using neon-colored wax, and simply being 8 years-old.

Does it work?

Yes, but… well it’s your life, do what you want with it.

5. The Mystic

These are the people who claim to have all the secrets, the spiritual authorities of surfing, who know via divine right, the perfect way to wax a surfboard. The wax jobs on their surfboards will look eerily like many others out in the water, but they will tell you their method is different, sacred even. Though, when you ask them to share their methods, they become evasive, try to change the conversation, or sometimes even paddle for a wave that does not exist.

Does it work?

You’ll never know.

How do you wax your surfboard? Let us know in the comments below!