Surfboard wax (also known as surfwax) is a formulation of natural and/or synthetic

wax Waxes are a diverse class of organic compounds that are lipophilic, malleable solids near ambient temperatures. They include higher alkanes and lipids, typically with melting points above about 40 °C (104 °F), melting to giv ...

for application to the deck of a surfboard,

bodyboard Bodyboarding is a water sport in which the surfer rides a bodyboard on the crest, face, and curl of a wave which is carrying the surfer towards the shore. Bodyboarding is also referred to as ''Boogieboarding'' due to the invention of the "Boogie ...

, or

skimboard Skimboarding or skimming is a boardsport in which a skimboard (much like a surfboard but smaller and without fins) is used to glide across the water's surface to meet an incoming breaking wave, and ride it back to shore. Wave-riding skimboarders ...

, to keep the surfer from slipping off the board when paddling out or riding a wave. It is also used to increase grip on the paddle of a surf kayak or

dragon boat A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft originating from the Pearl River Delta region of China's southern Guangdong Province. These were made of teak, but in other parts of China, different kinds of wood are used. It is one of a family ...

. Surfboard wax is generally composed of a mixture of

paraffin Paraffin may refer to: Substances * Paraffin wax, a white or colorless soft solid that is used as a lubricant and for other applications * Liquid paraffin (drug), a very highly refined mineral oil used in cosmetics and for medical purposes * Alkan ...

beeswax Beeswax (''cera alba'') is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus ''Apis''. The wax is formed into scales by eight wax-producing glands in the abdominal segments of worker bees, which discard it in or at the hive. The hive work ...

or other hard waxes; petroleum jelly can also be added to create a softer wax. Often exotic scents like coconut or bubblegum are added to give the wax an attractive scent. There are also natural alternatives available containing only organic substances like beeswax, vegetable oils (such as coconut or hemp oil), pine resin, tree pulp and natural essential oils. Many different commercial brands and varieties of surfboard wax optimized for different climates and water temperatures may be found at a surf shop.

Removal

A plastic scraper (typically found on the back of a

wax comb Surfboard wax (also known as surfwax) is a formulation of natural and/or 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. It is ...

) can be used to remove surfboard wax in large chunks. Residual wax that has not been removed by scraping can be removed with a soft cloth, either on its own or in combination with (for example) coconut oil. Various commercial solvents are also available but can damage the surfboard or its detailing. Surfers will also sometimes intentionally allow surfboard wax to melt in the sun, making the wax easier to remove.

Wax comb

A wax comb is a tool used in the maintenance and removal of surfboard wax on a surfboard. Wax combs typically have features such a jagged or toothed edge and a straight, relatively sharp edge. The jagged edge is used to create textured grooves for improving the traction of the wax and the straight edge is used for scraping off unwanted wax. In addition to the straight edge for wax removal, some wax combs even have an inwardly curved edge for the rails (such as

Mr. Zog's Sex Wax Mr. Zog's Sex Wax is a brand of surfwax manufactured for use on surfboards that is produced in Carpinteria, California. This wax is rubbed on the top surface or "deck" of a surfboard to allow traction (engineering), traction and grip for the sur ...

“Sex Comb”). Additionally, wax combs can have features such as

fin A fin is a thin component or appendage attached to a larger body or structure. Fins typically function as foils that produce lift or thrust, or provide the ability to steer or stabilize motion while traveling in water, air, or other fluids. Fin ...

key,

bottle opener A bottle opener is a device that enables the removal of metal bottle caps from glass bottles. More generally, it might be thought to include corkscrews used to remove cork or plastic stoppers from wine bottles. A metal bottle cap is affixed t ...

or a snap for portability (attachment to interior pocket loop, lanyard or leash attachment lanyard).

Temperature

Most surfboard wax comes labeled with a water temperature range for which it is ideal. Wax used in water colder than its rating will become hard and not provide the stickiness needed to stay on the board, while wax used in water warmer than its rating may melt. This makes application of the correct type of wax important.

Application

Surfboard wax is applied by first putting a base coat onto the clean board. This harder base coat forms a bump pattern on the surfboard to which the surfer will stick. The base coat is then topped with a coat of wax of an appropriate temperature. When re-applying surfboard wax, it is always crucial to remove all prior layers of wax.

References

External links