How to Apply Wax to a Skimboard

Spending more time on your skimboard than in the water has nothing to do with your skills. Well, not exactly, but you can increase your time on your board by giving it some grip with skimboard wax. Specialized wax made for skimboards helps feet stick or grip the board while in the water. When unsure about brands, ask a retailer who can give guidance about the various brands offered along with pros and cons of each kind.

Things You'll Need

  • Putty knife
  • Skimboard wax
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose your wax. Skimboard waxes have different temperatures and different levels of tackiness. Cold wax should be used in water that is between 52 and 62 degrees, warm water wax for temperatures between 68 and 76 degrees, and tropical wax for water temperatures above 78 degrees.

    • 2

      Remove the old wax. Lay the board in the sun to heat the old wax for between five and 10 minutes. The direct heat from the sun warms the wax, making it easy to remove. Remove the old wax by scraping it off with a putty knife.

    • 3

      Take the skimboard into the shade. Because direct sun melts the wax, it is best to apply the new coat of wax in the shade or inside.

    • 4

      Apply a base coat. Apply a base coat of tropical wax to the top of the board. The tropical wax tends to adhere to the board longer than cold-water wax. Using your hand, grip one end of the wax bar and rub onto the top of the skimboard. Make even strokes up and down the length of the board. Apply a second coat, using a back-and-forth motion along the width of the board.

    • 5

      Apply top coat of wax. Apply cold-water wax to the top of the board. Grip the wax bar and apply a topcoat, using a circular motion or the same back-and-forth method described above.