The surfing industry has tried to develop surfboards with gripping technology, but it’s not quite there yet — at least not to the point where you could get away without using surf wax. Soft top surfboards are included in this category. Yes, you must wax your foamie board.
But, when waxing foamies, there are certain methods and considerations to consider. We’ll go through how to properly wax a foam surfboard in this post, as well as the best practices for doing so and the top products on the market.
How to Wax Your Foamie Surfboard Properly
- Make sure you’ve gotten rid of any dirty, sandy wax using natural sunlight, a wax comb, non-toxic surfboard cleaner, and coconut oil.
- To grip the deck, apply a base coat of wax.
- Apply a layer of top coat.
- To extend the life of your surfboard, clean and re-wax it as often as feasible.
How to Wax Your Foam Surfboard
As we said before, foamies need waxing in addition to resin-based surfboards.
Ensuring a Clean Surface
Waxing a clean board is essential, especially if you’re applying a wax coat. If you don’t clean the board first, the wax won’t stick to it directly.
Instead, the new wax adheres only to the old coat and readily flakes off. Not only is this bad for your surf session and wallet, but it’s also harmful to the environment.
The ocean does not require any more trash.
Use a wax comb, surfboard cleaner (ideally eco-friendly and non-flammable), and coconut oil to clean your foamie properly.
Applying a Base Coat
After cleaning your foamie, the surfboard cleaner and coconut oil have dried, and there are no remnants of old wax on the deck, it’s time to apply a base coat. With foamies, you’ll need both a base coat and a top coat of wax.
Some wax manufacturers provide a “base coat” wax, which is usually more difficult than regular surf wax. This wax forms tiny beads of wax on your board as it’s applied.
Because there is more flexibility on the surface of a foamie surfboard than a fiberglass one, wax may be readily removed through friction during a typical surf session.
When you apply a base coat, you’re laying down a surface that has more grip, so use a heavier wax to establish a foundation. Sticky Bumps is an incredibly effective base coat wax, and it’ll set you back just a few bucks.
Make a diamond design on the deck where you’ll be standing in the foundation coat. Remember to include some along the rails for a better grip and pop up. If it’s a longboard, go crazy and add them all along the length.
Applying The Top Coat
For this, you’ll want to switch from your base coat wax to your surf wax.
In this stage, rather of creating a diamond design like you did with the basic coat, take the wax and make streaks as if you were painting the deck. Make sure to apply softly and evenly to the board.
Cold vs. Warm Water Wax
When selecting wax, keep in mind the temperature of the water. When wax is wet, its “staying power” is determined by the water temperature.
In general, softer waxes perform best in cold water, while hard waxes do better in warmer water. The temperature range where the majority of waxes are most stable will be identified on the label.
Temperatures in Coldwater range from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas temperatures in warm water are between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Tropical water is above 72 degrees Fahrenheit, with cold water ranging from 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, warm water between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and chilly water below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Often Should You Apply Wax to Your Foamie?
Foam surfboards are more prone to lose wax faster than fiberglass boards due to the kinetic friction between your feet and the surfboard’s surface. As a result, you’ll need to re-wax your board on a regular basis, both with a base coat and a topcoat.
Cleaning Old Wax Off a Foamie
When you apply more wax, make sure your foamie is clean before the next application.
Because the tops are delicate, they’re more susceptible to harm from the comb’s serrated side. The built-up, dirty wax may generally be removed using the scraper side of the brush. If you’re using sunlight or another heat source to warm up the wax, don’t forget to do so.
Tips for Waxing a Foamie
On foam surfboards, the wax might be tough to remove in its entirety due to molecular connections that develop, especially under pressure and heat.
If you’re having trouble removing all of the old, sandy wax, consider using a wax degreaser. Choose a non-toxic and preferably an environmentally friendly option.
Different waxes may work better on your foam surfboard, depending on its material and composition. You may have to experiment with a few until you find the best one.
One of the most essential elements to include in a product description is the materials it best adhere to. If you can, utilize this information to your advantage.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learnt everything there is to know about waxing your foamie and how to do it, give your surfboard a good clean and wax it up. It’s possible that surf wax will no longer be required in the future, but we aren’t there yet. Get out there and catch some waves!