5 Steps How To Wax a Skimboard With Video!
It's a common question, do you wax a skimboard?
Yes!
Knowing how to wax a skimboard correctly will not only increase your chances of success, but also reduce slips and falls off your skimboard.
Below is our guide on how to wax a skimboard, enjoy!
How To Wax a Skimboard?
Apply wax in small circles covering the whole skimboard so that when you rub your hand over it you can feel the grip.
Tip: When learning how to wax a skimboard apply the surf wax to your skimboard in the shade so the wax won't melt and never leave it out in the sun when not in use!
How To Wax a Skimboard Step by Step
How To Wax a Skimboard Supplies
- Skimboard
- Wax scraper or plastic scraper
- Skimboard-specific wax (base coat and top coat)
- Hairdryer (optional)
- Cleaning agent (optional)
- Water
1. Clean the Surface of the Board
- Prepare the Board: If your skimboard has old wax on it, begin by preparing it for waxing. You can either leave the board in the sun for a short time to soften the wax, or use a hairdryer to melt the wax, making it easier to remove.
- Scrape Off Old Wax: Use a scraper to gently remove the old wax. Take your time, especially if you're a newbie, to avoid damaging your skimboard. If needed, you can use a cleaning agent to help remove any stubborn wax remnants.
- Rinse the Board: After all the wax is removed, rinse the board with water until it's spotless and looks polished and fresh.
2. Apply the First Coat of Wax: Putting On A Base Coat
- Choose the Right Wax: Select a high-temperature range wax, such as a tropical surfboard wax. Brands like Sticky Bumps or Mr. Zogs Sex Wax work well for this purpose.
- Apply the Base Coat: Apply the wax in small circular motions, allowing it to come off the bar and onto the top of the board. Unlike snowboarding, where you wax the bottom, skimboarding requires wax on top just like surfing. Use a bit of force, especially for the base coat, to speed up the process.
- Wax Application Tips: Begin from the pointed edge of the wax bar, avoid direct sunlight, and press harder if you have a glossy-finished wooden skimboard for better adhesion. A glossy finish may require extra effort for waxing.
3. Apply the Top Coat
- Create a Top Coat: Once the base coat is applied, add a top coat by making straight dashes across the board, going from rail to rail. Start from the nose, end at the tail, and repeat.
4. Apply Temperature Rated Skimboard Wax
- Select the Right Temperature Wax: Depending on the water temperature of your skimboarding location, choose either cold water or warm water wax.
- Apply Wax in Circular Motion: Use circular motions to apply the temperature-rated skimboard wax. This creates small wax bumps throughout the board for better grip.
5. Keep Reapplying As You're Skimboarding
- Maintain Your Wax: As you skimboard, some wax will naturally come off due to water exposure and contact with your body. After each session, reapply the top coat of wax as required.
- Recognize When to Re-Wax: Learning how to wax a skimboard involves paying attention to the number of trips and the condition of your wax to determine whether you need a new topcoat or a full re-wax. There's no strict rule; it depends on usage and wax condition.
Best Wax for Skimboards
Choosing the right wax for your board can make a significant difference in your performance making it even more important than learning how to wax a skimboard!
There are various types of wax available, however we recommend these as the wax's you should use.
Look for a reputable brand and ensure the wax is suitable for the water temperature in your area, as different waxes work better in different conditions.
High-quality wax will enhance your skimming experience.
How To Wax a Skimboard Tips
These tips on how to wax a skimboard will leave no stoned unturned so you can always be confident that your skimboard will have 100% grip!
How To Wax a Skimboard Techniques
Skimboarding is all about gliding smoothly across the water's surface, and using the right waxing techniques can make a world of difference.
Starting your journey of mastering how to wax a skimboard, you'll need a bar of surf or skimboard wax.
Begin by ensuring your skimboard is clean and dry.
Next, take the wax and rub it in a circular motion on the areas where your feet will be.
Applying a little pressure will help the surf wax grip better. The goal is to create a slightly tacky surface without overdoing it, so you can stay in control while skimming.
Remember, good waxing is essential for traction and better performance on your skimboard.
How to Wax a Skimboard After Skimming
After a fun session of skimming, it's crucial to maintain your board by re-waxing.
Over time, the wax will wear off due to friction and water. Once you're done, give your board a good rinse with freshwater to remove any salt or sand, which can damage the board.
Once it's dry, follow the waxing technique mentioned earlier. Regular maintenance will ensure that your skimboard remains in great shape and that you'll have a blast every time you hit the waves.
To ensure you constantly have a grippy board, knowing how to wax a skimboard and how to reapply wax will guarantee this!
Where to Put Wax on Your Skimboard?
Knowing where to apply wax is key to a successful skimboarding experience.
Start by waxing the area where you'll be standing, which is usually in the center of the board. You'll want to create a good grip here to keep your balance.
Some skimboarders also like to add a little wax on the board's rails, near the edges. This helps when making sharp turns and tricks.
Remember not to over-wax when leaning how to wax a skimboard. Too much wax can make your skimboard too sticky, while too little can make it too slippery.
Finding the right balance is essential for becoming a master of how to a wax skimboard over and over again!
Can You Skimboard Without Wax?
Mastering how to wax a skimboard is a standard practice, but can you skimboard without wax?
The answer is yes, you can skim without wax, but it's not ideal.
Wax helps provide traction, which is crucial for staying on your board while skimming. Without it, your feet might slip and slide, making it challenging to control your board and enjoy your ride.
So, while it's technically possible to skim without wax, it's recommended to learn how to wax a skimboard to enhance your performance and fun on the water.
You can always opt for surf wax alternatives if your looking for a more eco friendly surf wax.
How Much Wax to Use?
The amount of wax you need for your skimboard depends on the size of the board and your personal preference.
As a general rule, apply wax in the area where you'll be standing, creating a slightly tacky surface for your feet to grip.
You don't need to overdo it; a little goes a long way.
If you find your feet slipping, you can always add a bit more. Start with a moderate amount and adjust as needed based on your experience and how the board feels during your rides.
How to Remove Wax From a Skimboard?
As well knowing how to wax a skimboard you need to know how to do the opposite! Over time, you may need to remove old wax to apply fresh layers or clean your board.
To remove wax, follow these steps:
- Use a wax comb or the edge of an old credit card to gently scrape off the wax. Start from the edges and work your way towards the centre. You can also use DIY methods if you don't have a wax comb!
- You can also use a hairdryer to soften the wax, making it easier to scrape off. Be careful not to overheat the board.
- After most of the wax is removed, you can use a cloth and some rubbing alcohol to clean any remaining residue.
- Finally, apply a new layer of wax to your clean board, following the waxing techniques discussed earlier.
This process is all part of how to wax a skimboard and will help you maintain a smooth, waxed surface ensuing a great skimming experience every time.
Do You Wax the Top or Bottom of a Skimboard?
When mastering the art of how to wax a skimboard it' important to know surf wax is primarily applied to the top of a skimboard, specifically where you'll be standing.
This is because the primary purpose of wax is to provide traction and grip for your feet.
The bottom of the skimboard remains wax-free to maintain a smooth, hydrodynamic surface that glides smoothly across the water.
Waxing the bottom could create unnecessary drag and reduce your skimming speed.
How to Wax a Skimboard That is Wooden
Waxing a wooden skimboard is similar to waxing any other type of skimboard. Follow these steps:
- Prepare the board: Ensure your wooden skimboard is clean and dry. Remove any old wax or residue from previous sessions.
- Apply the wax: Using a bar of surf or skimboard wax, rub it in a circular motion on the top surface of the board where your feet will be placed. Apply enough pressure to create a slightly tacky surface, but avoid over-waxing.
- Spread evenly: Make sure the wax is spread evenly across the area where you'll stand to ensure consistent grip.
- Adjust as needed: If you find that your feet are slipping, you can add more wax. It's better to start with less and add more if necessary to find the right balance.
learning how to wax a skimboard that is wooden will help you make the most of your skimboarding experience. Here is a video on how to use a wooden skimboard.
Skimboard Wax or Traction Pad
When it comes to enhancing your skimboarding experience, you might wonder whether to use wax or a traction pad. Wax provides excellent grip for your feet and allows for precise control.
It's a classic choice and is favored by many skimboarders.
On the other hand, traction pads are adhesive foam pads with a textured surface that provides grip without the need for wax. Choosing between wax and a traction pad often comes down to personal preference.
Some skimboarders like the feel of wax under their feet, while others prefer the convenience and simplicity of traction pads.
Experiment with both to see which one suits your style best.
How to Make Skimboard Slide Better
While traction is important for control, sometimes you might want your skimboard to slide more freely. To achieve this, consider the following tips:
- Reduce wax: If you've applied a lot of wax and want your board to slide better, scrape off some wax with a wax comb or an old credit card.
- Adjust your stance: Shift your weight slightly backward on the board. This can reduce the grip and make the board slide more smoothly.
- Choose the right board: Some skimboards are designed for better sliding, such as ones with a more streamlined shape. Consider your board's design when looking to enhance sliding.
- Wax sparingly: When reapplying wax, use a lighter touch to create a less grippy surface.
- Practice: Sometimes, improving your sliding technique takes practice. The more experience you gain, the better you'll become at controlling your board's slide.
Skimboard Wax Near Me
If you're in need of skimboard wax, you can often find it at local surf shops or sporting goods stores that carry water sports equipment. Additionally, you can check online retailers for a wide selection.
Make sure to choose wax suitable for your water conditions (e.g., warm or cold water). If you're looking for convenience, you can also order wax online and have it delivered to your doorstep.
Summing It Up: What To Do Now
Now you are well read on how to wax a skimboard it's time to try it it! Refer back to our step by step guide and video to ensure you are waxing correctly.
If still unsure, check out this bonus video on how to wax a skimboard.
If your interested in learning more about surfing discover our many guides that will inform you on your surfing journey. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook & Instagram to stay informed on our amazing surf shots and stories shared from surf creators around the world!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you supposed to wax skimboards?
Yes, you should wax skimboards. Wax provides traction, helping you stay on your board while skimming. It enhances control and performance on the water.
Can you catch waves on a wooden skimboard?
You can catch small waves on a wooden skimboard, but it's best suited for flatland or shallow water skimming. For catching larger waves, a fibreglass or foam-core skimboard is more appropriate.
What happens if I don't wax my board?
If you don't wax your skimboard, your feet may slip, making it challenging to control the board. Wax provides the necessary traction for a secure and enjoyable skimboarding experience.
How do you apply wax to a skimboard?
To apply wax to a skimboard, rub a bar of surf or skimboard wax in a circular motion on the top surface of the board where your feet will be. Apply moderate pressure to create a slightly tacky surface for better grip.
How do you take care of a skimboard?
To care for your skimboard, rinse it with freshwater after each use to remove salt and sand, which can damage it. Store it out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Regularly apply wax to maintain grip and ensure its longevity.
Do you wax the bottom or top of a skimboard?
Wax is primarily applied to the top of the skimboard, specifically where you'll be standing. The bottom remains wax-free to maintain a smooth, hydrodynamic surface for a better glide.
