Whether you’re paddling out past the breakers, or trying to ride a wave back in, your board’s coating of surf wax is an integral component in determining how well you’re going to be able to stay above water. Surf waxes come in many flavors and these are perfected for the different climates and water temperatures found at the best surf spots all over the world. For those who are still confused about surf waxes and how to use them, learning a few helpful tips and tricks is the best way to gain familiarity with this critically important subject.

Composition
Paraffin, beeswax and other varieties of hard wax are mixed together to create surf wax. By mixing the harder wax with substances like petroleum jelly and pleasing scented essences like coconut, a pliable, attractively scented, easy to apply wax is created, which is then applied to your surfboard’s deck. Synthetic waxes are also used, but all natural waxes that have low paraffin contents are increasingly widespread, as they have the least negative environmental impact.

Maintenance and Removal
A wax comb is a tool used to engrave cross-cut patterns into the wax coating o­n your board’s surface. Using this tool increases the amount of grip you have o­n the board, and can be alternatively accomplished by rubbing the coated deck surface with the coarse sand readily available o­n shore. o­nce the wax coating has worn down too much to be effectively resurfaced in this fashion, it’s time for you to learn about removing it.
Soft plastic scrapers are the best way to remove large chunks of wave-pounded wax from your surfboard, and by following this process by treatment with a soft cloth, your board will be clean and ready to ride in short order. Using solvents, hard tools, or removal methods that rely o­n direct heat application from blow-dryers and other tools is generally not the best course of action. These methods can damage your board’s base foam material, as well as totally change the shape of its hydrodynamic surface curvature. Happy surfing!