Being new to skimboarding, you will definitely face problems like having a firm grip over the skimboard & preventing your feet from sliding off the skimboard. The slippery surface of the skimboard can lead to injuries & to prevent this we use wax or traction pads on the boards. The application of wax on skimboards is done to resolve multiple problems faced by skimboarders. One of the top benefits of applying wax on your skimboard is making your skimboard more grippy, eventually enhancing your performance & confidence while skimboarding. Applying wax on the skimboard will solve the problem of traction by providing a stable surface on the skimboard to stand on. If you are wondering how wax solves this problem then let me give a brief on how it actually does the job.
Wax is a natural lubricant and anti-wear additive, It helps reduce friction between the deck and the user’s feet, which can result in a longer ride and less wear on the equipment. The smooth coat of wax on your skimboard will also add an extra layer of safety from wear and tear & slow down the rate of speed skidding on the surface of the board. To get the maximum benefits of wax on your skimboard, It should be applied carefully & considering multiple factors like the temperatures of water & many more. Go through the complete 5 steps process given below & learn the best way to properly wax your skimboard instantly.
3 Steps guide to properly wax a skimboard
Waxing your skimboard is not only a recommendation to beginners rather it is a must to do for every skimboarder but the requirement & application process might differ for newbies & pro skimboarders. I have clearly mentioned every required detail for skimboarders of every stage. Follow the step-by-step guide to wax a skimboard given below & enhance your skimboarding experience right away!
Before we get started with the process make sure you have the required tools handy with you:
| Basecoat wax |
| Topcoat wax |
| Wax comb |
| Cleaning agent or plastic scraper |
| Paper towel |
1. Choosing the most suitable skimboard wax
The very first step in learning how to wax a skimboard will always be the selection of the most suitable skimboard wax as per the conditions of requirement. Different waxes are designed to work in different ranges of water temperatures, when choosing the wax for your skimboard the four main types are tropical, warm, cool, and cold. To select the best for you from these 4 options, you need to determine the conditions and temperatures, you’ll be skimboarding in and picking the wax accordingly. To make it easy for you, we’ve mentioned the wax types with the temperatures they are used in, all you need to do is to pick the most suited one as per the temperatures of your skimboarding environment.
| Wax Type | Conditions |
| Warm Wax: | This wax is best used on boards that are used in warmer climates where the water temperature is above 70 + degrees Fahrenheit. The wax will not melt in hot water and provide consistent coverage across the entire deck. |
| Cool Wax: | This wax should be used on boards that will be used in cooler climates where water temperatures are in the range of 58 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. |
| Tropical Wax: | This is the most versatile type of wax because it can be used with boards from all different climates. The wax will not melt easily in hot water and at the same time stay stable when in colder waters. |
| Cold Wax: | Cold wax is recommended to be used where the water temperature falls below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as It will remain soft and grippy in such conditions. |
2. Cleaning the surface of the skimboard
Once you’ve managed to get the most suitable wax for your skimboard, Now it is time to start the application process and that starts with cleaning the surface of your skimboard. When it comes to cleaning the surface of your high Skimboard, there are a few different methods you can use. While a quick rinse with water will remove most dirt and dust, wax residues can be stubborn. To easily spot these, use a plastic scraper to remove any old waxes. Doing it this way will save your skimboard surface from any sort of damage.
You can either use a hairdryer to melt it up or leave it in the sun for some time. If you choose to use a hair dryer, be sure to use caution as heat can damage the board. Just make sure that the setting is on low or medium heat and direct the nozzle of the hairdryer against the wax surface. You may need to do this a few times until the wax is melted and then it can be wiped away with a cloth or your hand.
If you opt for leaving the board in the sun, be sure to leave the Skimboard in the sun for a few hours. This will melt up any wax residue and make it easier to wipe clean. Don’t keep it there for too long as direct sunlight for a longer time period can also cause damage to the skimboard
Alternatively, you can use a cleaning agent like acetone or alcohol to remove wax from the Skimboard. Finally, if all else fails and wax remains stubbornly attached to your board, try using a scraper to get it off.
3. It’s time for the Wax Coats
Before starting with the base wax coat on your skimboard, make sure it is completely clean & dry. The sole purpose of the Base coat of the wax is to provide a firm foundation of wax coating on the skimboard. Tropical wax is considered to be the most suitable for this purpose as it has both high & low-temperature tolerance.
Start by rubbing the wax onto the surface in a circular motion. Make sure to cover all of the wood grain and use liberal amounts to ensure proper coverage. Allow the wax to dry completely before applying any other coats. The first coat will definitely take some extra time and effort irrespective of your skimboard having a glossy or textured finish.
Newbies can keep the coat near the nose and cover a wider area with the wax coat to be on the safer side while experienced skimboarders know where exactly they need their grip.
After the first coat, It is time for the 2nd and final coat of wax for which we are required to use temperature-wise wax. Simply do the second coat in circular and back n forth motion over the first layer of wax on your skimboard. While doing the 2nd or final coat of wax, it is important to do it in different motions & cover all the angles of the base coat with the temperature-rated wax to retain the wax coating for some time.
How often it is required to wax a skimboard
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors – including the type of wax you’re using, the frequency of your usage, and how often your skimboard is cleaned. Generally, If your wax is a hard, dry wax, the then less frequent application will be needed. However, if your wax is a soft, wet wax, then more frequent application will be needed to maintain the grippy and firm surface
Mostly You do not really need to apply a wax coat every time you hit the water. If the board has been used regularly and maintained in a proper condition, a light wax coating will usually suffice. If the board shows significant wear or if it is frequently banged around, it may need to be waxed more frequently.
Do you know which are the most popular skimboard brands so far in the market, If not then check out this article on the best skimboard brands so far that provide all types of boards for newbies to pro-level skimboarders.
I am Fornillos Bogs, a seasoned professional surfer and accomplished skimboarder originally from Tanauan, Leyte, Philippines. With a remarkable background in both sports, I have carved my niche in the aquatic world. Currently, I reside in Quezon City, Philippines, known for my exceptional skills on the waves and impressive performances in skimboarding competitions. My journey from the serene shores of Tanauan to the bustling city of Quezon City serves as an inspiring testament to my dedication and passion for riding the waves.
