Repair & maintenance: Surf Wax

Surf Wax

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Repair & maintenance
Forum Discription: Questions & tips on the subject
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8129
Printed Date: 14 May 25 at 4:13pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Surf Wax

Posted By: iwsmithuk
Subject: Surf Wax
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 9:19am

My 300 was treated with surf wax by the previous owner. It looks a bit messy but is really grippy.

It has now got a bit thin in a few places and I'd like to re-do it but I don't know anything about it.

Do I have to take the old stuff off? Does it matter what type of wax I use or can I just put any brand on and assume it will take? How do you actually do it, do you just rub it on or does it have to be melted and applied? Anyone know a good place to get it?

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 10:45am

I'm no expert but I have played with it. I think conventionally you just bung on more layers and it gets filthier and filthier! IME you just rub it on, but its much easier on a hot day. Those sort of lifestyle surf clothing shops often seem to stock it: I tried it a few years ago and it was easy to get then... I don't imagine that brand makes much difference. Some of them seem to be scented which seems totally bizarre to me: dunno what sort of relationship board users have with their planks... Maybe GRF could elucidate?

Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 10:59am

You just rub it on, Sex Wax being the market leader over the years, I think we used to sell the stuff, there are various 'temperature' types like you get with Snowboard wax which would work equally well.

It surprises me you yotties don't have it as standard issue in your kit bag, it works simply by dispelling water, so any bit of slippy area you might find annoying, just a little bit rubbed on cures your grip problem, obviously depending on the natural slippyness of the surface.

I've used it on Centreboards (so I can bloody stand on them with more confidence back in the day when 18 capsizes in the MPS per race was de rigeur.)

You can apply it to that lame none slip Pro Grip y'all swear by but is total crap to make it do a half decent job if you wish.

It does get dirty, so you can remove it with solvent then re-apply, if it's warm it can slow slip in which case use the tropical stuff..

Wax - couldn't have lived without it..

-------------
https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/

Posted By: iwsmithuk
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 11:20am

Thanks for the advice folks.

Been scouring around since posting and found this, quite a good summary.

http://www.surfing-waves.com/surf_wax.htm - http://www.surfing-waves.com/surf_wax.htm

Posted By: iwsmithuk
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 11:35am

One more question though.

Most of the surf sites seem to sell something called a base coat as well as the wax. Is this necessary or just them trying to sell something extra?

Posted By: Pierre
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 12:28pm

Might be of use
Everything from application to removal.
http://www.surfinghandbook.com/knowledge/beginners-surfing-tips/surf-wax/

Posted By: Mister Nick
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 12:47pm

Originally posted by iwsmithuk

One more question though.

Most of the surf sites seem to sell something called a base coat as well as the wax. Is this necessary or just them trying to sell something extra?

It depends on the main wax you use. Some surf wax is designed to be put on top of base wax, some is designed to be used on its own. Have a look on the packaging of whatever wax you pick out and it should tell you. On my board I use wax that can be applied straight onto the board without using a base first and it works really well, although I imagine (having never used it) that wax which requires a base first lasts longer.

Posted By: G.R.F.
Date Posted: 08 Aug 11 at 1:02pm

Originally posted by iwsmithuk

One more question though.

Most of the surf sites seem to sell something called a base coat as well as the wax. Is this necessary or just them trying to sell something extra?

The Surf business, if it could be called that, have struggled to get more than £1 @ RRP for the price of a bar of Sex Wax for all time, so my guess is this is a means of extracting more from the unwise...

It's wax you wax with it - simples, You could use a bloody candle ffs (and we have in our time)

-------------
https://www.ease-distribution.com/" rel="nofollow - https://www.ease-distribution.com/