Surfboard wax
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Surfboard wax (also known as surfwax ) 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.
Surfboard wax is generally composed of a mixture of paraffin and beeswax, often with exotic scents like coconut. Natural alternatives such as Northern Lights, Phils Organic Surf Wax and Muffin Wax are available. Many different commercial brands and varieties of surfboard wax may be found at a surf shop, optimized for different climates and water temperatures.
It is common for surfboard wax brands to carry somewhat risqué names such as Sticky bumps, and Shimmie Surf Wax.
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[edit] Application
Surfboard wax 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 surfboard wax is usually refrigerated before applying.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] Temperature
Most surfboard wax comes labeled with a water temperature range that it is ideal for. 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.
Some surfers layer different temperatures of wax to create the level of firmness and stickiness desired.
[edit] Other uses
Surfboard wax can also used to apply to hair. It is very hard but gives that sultry look.
