1. The first thing to do is figure out what temperature wax to buy for your surfboard. You will need to check with your local surf shop for the average water temperature in your area. Below is a quick reference chart to help you select the right surf wax for your area:

• Cold water wax (water temperature 58 degrees F and below)
• Cold water wax (water temperature 65 degrees F and below)
• Warm water wax (water temperature 66-74 degrees F)
• Tropical water wax (water temperature above 75 degrees F)

Use this wax chart for estimates only, as different brands of wax will vary. You will also want to purchase a base wax along with your top coat. If no base wax is available, a tropical surf wax bar will work for your base coat.

2. The next step is to apply a good base coat to your surfboard. The base coat, made up of harder wax, helps prevent subsequent coats of wax from caking (flattening into the deck of the board). A good wax job should have bumps of wax on the deck of the board to help form water beads and provide good traction. I like to warm my base wax by setting it in the sun for a few minutes or microwaving it for a short amount of time before applying it to my board. Please note: if you use the microwave to soften the wax, do so at your own risk. Check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer to make sure you won’t damage anything and that it’s safe to do so. Remove the label and place the wax on a small plate in the microwave. The small plate will help catch the melted wax, as you don’t want the melted wax covering the entire microwave. After 30 seconds in the microwave, check to see if the base wax softens to make it easier to apply. After softening the base wax, follow this application sequence:

• First, apply the base wax to the surfboard deck using longitudinal vertical strokes only.
• Second, apply the base wax in horizontal strokes only.
• Third, you want to apply the base wax in diagonal strokes only.
• Fourth, you’ll apply the base wax in diagonal strokes opposite the diagonal strokes you’ve already applied.
• Lastly, apply circular motions with the base wax and you should see some nice bumps start to form if you have applied the base coat correctly.

3. You are now ready for your final coat. Apply the top coat wax the same way you applied the base coat, and you’ll have big bumps of wax on your board!

4. Some additional tips to keep your wax work looking great: If the outside air temperature becomes extremely hot, feel free to move to a warmer wax, even if the ocean temperature remains the same. This can prevent the wax from melting during travel. Storing your board in a reflective or light-colored board bag can also help prevent wax from melting. Don’t leave the board in the sun or in a hot car, as it will melt and ruin the wax job, and heat is hard on fiberglass, too. When hanging out at the beach, try to keep the board cover down to prevent the sun from melting the wax. Placing the board in its bag or on a towel will prevent the sand from sticking to the wax.

5. A few quick tips for removing old surf wax: Lay your board out in the sun for a few minutes to help soften the wax (avoid long-term exposure. You don’t want to damage the fiberglass). Get a plastic wax scraper and scrape off as much of the old wax as you can. If you want to remove all the wax from your surfboard deck. Buy a citrus-based wax remover (read the warning label and keep out of eyes) and apply it to the remaining wax and let it sit for a few minutes. Then scrub with a clean soft towel and some elbow grease. Waxing your surfboard is quite easy when done correctly. You should now be able to wax your surfboard like a pro. Have fun and surf!