Surfwax

For the company called Surfwax, see Surfwax, Inc.

Surfwax or more commonly surfboard wax is a formulation of natural and synthetic wax for application to the deck of a surfboard, bodyboard, or skimboard, to keep the surfer from slipping off the board when paddling out or riding a wave.

Surfwax is generally composed of a mixture of paraffin and beeswax, often with exotic scents like coconut. Many different commercial brands and varieties of surfwax may be found at a surf shop, optimized for different climates and water temperatures.

It is common for surfwax brands to carry somewhat risqué names such as Granny's Sex Wax, Mr. Zog's Sex Wax, Sticky bumps, and Shimmie's Surf Wax.

Contents

1 Applying
2 Removal
3 Maintaining
4 See also

Applying

Surfwax is applied to the surfboard by rubbing the wax on, rubbing it from rail to rail (side to side), and nose to tail (front to back). After doing several layers in each direction in an area protected from the sun to avoid the melting of the wax, a final coat is applied, rubbing the wax on in a circular motion. For best results wax is usually refrigerated before applying.

Removal

Removing the wax can be time consuming. A plastic scraper can be used to remove the wax in large chunks. To facilitate, a surfboard can be laid out in the sun for a while to soften the wax, or a blowdryer can be used to melt certain areas prior to removal. There is also a product by Mr. Zog's, called the "pickle." It is a squeezable, lime green cylinder with a cloth exterior. It is available at most surf shops, and is used by simply rubbing it over the board, after removing the majority of the wax with a plastic scraper; this will remove all of the old wax.

Maintaining

A special comb is used to maintain the grip of the wax. Usually, the comb is used to engrave criss-cut valleys into the wax to create a tackier surface.

Surfwax

Applying

Removal

Maintaining

See also