Waxing your skimboard regularly is essential to its optimal functioning, keeping it free from dirt and sand accumulation and maintaining its performance. Additionally, waxing helps ensure a long lifespan of the board itself.
When applying skimboard wax, it is essential that the appropriate type of wax be chosen. It should be rated for both cold and warm water environments and provide enough grip.
Applying the Wax
Before heading out onto the water, it is essential that your skimboard receives a layer of wax to create grip on its surface and stop your feet from sliding off when riding.
Skimboard wax should always be made of high-grade surf wax made of paraffin and beeswax; alternatively, vegan versions that do not contain animal products may also be available.
Once your initial coat has set, reapply wax as needed for optimal grip. Remember that different wax types work best at different water temperatures – make sure you choose one suitable for where you live!
Warm Wax: Warm wax is a hard, extra sticky wax specifically tailored for use in warmer waters ranging from 17 to 25 degrees Celsius or 63 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cold Wax: Cold wax is a water-repellent wax designed for water temperatures between 58 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit and colder climates, providing extra water resistance with reduced adhesion and stickiness. It’s the ideal choice when boards will be subjected to temperatures under 60 degrees.
Craft your own surf wax from scratch for a cost-cutting alternative to buying it, while creating your very own custom skimboard wax!
Start by applying a base coat of wax using small circular motions, covering all areas evenly. This will provide an even and uniform coating of wax on the board.
Apply wax in a circular motion with force to ensure it sticks, helping it last longer and decreasing how often you need to reapply it.
if you need help waxing your skimboard correctly, YouTube videos offer step-by-step instruction and could prove immensely helpful to beginners.
Once you’ve applied wax, it is recommended to leave your board in the sun for approximately 30 minutes before you attempt to remove it. A hair dryer or cleaning agent are effective methods of softening up wax deposits; otherwise you can use plastic scraper to scrape away. Finally, after finishing you should rinse your skimboard under running water to eliminate any remnants.
Removing the Wax
Waxing a skimboard is an effective way to increase traction, make it easier to glide across water surfaces, protect it from damage and extend its lifespan – as well as improving comfort levels and prolonging board lifespan.
Before applying wax to your skimboard, it is essential that it is cleaned carefully of any debris. This includes taking measures such as removing old layers of wax coating the board surface and making sure they have completely dried before beginning application of a fresh layer.
Once your board is dry, the next step should be applying the base coat of skimboard wax. This provides the foundation for applying additional layers later. By creating a bump pattern with this application process, the top layer will more securely adhere to your board reducing any risk of it coming loose prematurely.
Base coat should be applied by rubbing small circles across your board with wax. This step is essential as it creates bump textures which enable top layer waxes to adhere better when riding your board – if not completed, top layer wax may smudge when riding it and may even dislodge and come off when trying to ride!
To prevent this issue, apply wax in a circular motion with added force using either your hand or scraper. It is important not to overwork the surface as overdoing it could result in abrasions and surface damage on your board.
Once your base coat is complete, apply a layer of skimboard wax over it to give your board a polished and sleek finish. This will restore its brand new appearance.
Remembering to rewax your skimboard regularly in order to maintain maximum traction is essential – over time the wax wears away, decreasing its effectiveness in providing grip.
Replace the wax in your skimboard every 30-60 days depending on its frequency of use, to maintain optimal conditions and ensure it is ready for action whenever it may be required. This will keep it looking its best and be ready to be put to use when required.
Storing the Wax
Waxing your skimboard can help increase grip and enhance your riding experience, as it reduces friction between your feet and the board – making it easier to stay on your board for extended periods of time.
Waxing your skimboard requires several key considerations in order to achieve optimal results. First and foremost, select an appropriate wax according to the conditions in your region – this depends on water temperatures in which you plan to ride it.
Once you’ve chosen your skimboard wax, it’s important to use it correctly by applying thin layers. Use either a wax comb or brush when applying the wax in circular motion so it reaches every corner of the board evenly.
As with other materials, wax must be left on your board for approximately 30 minutes to heat and soften before trying to remove it using brushes or scrapers. This step will make removal much simpler.
Ideal wax heating conditions should include sun or hairdryer heating methods; alternatively you could also utilize heat guns or hairdryers. When selecting an area away from direct sunlight and into shade for wax melting, place the board.
Once the old wax has been cleaned off, use a surf comb to gently scrape it away with ease. These can be purchased either online or from skimboard shops near you.
As a general guideline, most skimmers apply the wax where their feet will land on the board – usually within half to an inch from its edges – in order to provide maximum grip when riding. Doing this will prevent sticky wax from adhering to shoes or clothing and ensure maximum control when riding.
Beginners or experts, it is recommended that they rewax their skimboard after every session in order to ensure maximum grip from your board, making for an enjoyable skimboarding session ahead.
Replacing the Wax
Wax is essential when using a skimboard, providing increased traction and improved glide as well as protecting it from dirt and other contaminants. Furthermore, wax provides your board with an attractive glossy appearance; something all professional riders consider necessary.
Replacing the wax on your skimboard can be done several ways; usually the best approach depends on which technique works for you personally. Surf waxes come in all different kinds and varieties; find one suitable to your local climate if possible.
Once you’ve selected the wax that best fits your skimboard, the next step should be its application. First step should be removing all existing wax using a scraper tool; otherwise it is best to start from scratch with new wax on board.
When it comes to wax removal, it is essential not to overdo it and remove too much. Doing so could pose future difficulties; leaving some wax behind may leave a sticky residue which makes your board less grippable and more challenging to ride.
After stripping all the old wax from your board, it is time to apply a fresh layer of wax. Although not complicated, applying new coats of wax may take some practice and requires patience and practice.
Step one in applying a base coat. A base coat is a type of wax that serves as the basis for subsequent coats, usually applied in small circles across your skimboard to form bump patterns.
This step is essential, since your skimboard’s top coat may only last so long before beginning to chip off as you skim. Applying a base coat before adding on top coat is always recommended for optimal results.
Once your base coat has dried, you can begin adding the top coat by making straight dashes from nose to tail of your board.