How to Wax a Skimboard

If you've ever done another boardsport, you'll know that wax helps quite a bit - allowing you to stay put on your board more, and in some boardsports (such as snowboarding), allow your board to glide a bit easier.

Skimboarding looks like easy-peasy fun - unless you're a beginner!

This water sport can be quite exciting and is all worth the effort once you become a pro.

When you're just getting started, however, it can be a little challenging to keep your head up (learn how to get started skimboarding here).

There's a lot to learn, including how to wax your skimboard properly.

Let's take some of the burden off you and give you a quick step-by-step on how to wax your skimboard correctly.

1. Clean the Surface of the Board

If you have old wax on your board, the first thing you need to do is clean it off.

To clean the surface, all you need is a scraper.

If you're a newbie skimboarder, getting the old wax off the board might be a bit challenging, especially if you are worried about damaging your skimboard.

Don't fret — scraping off old wax is quick and easy.

Quick Tip: Leave your skimboard out in the sun for a bit to soften the wax first.

A cleaning agent also helps to remove old wax from your skimboard.

If you don't have the time to leave it in the sun, a hairdryer will melt the wax enough so you can easily wipe it off.

Once you get all that old surfboard wax off, rinse your board with water to make sure it's spotless.

You'll know when all the wax is gone, since your board will look super polished and fresh again.

Once that's all done, it's time to apply that first coat of wax!

2. Apply the First Coat of Wax

Start with a Tropical Surfboard Wax

For the first coat of your skimboard's wax, choose a product that has a high-temperature range, or a tropical wax.

Any major brand will work.

Here's a good Sticky Bumps Wax if you're just getting started.

Mr. Zogs Sex Wax is another popular surfboard wax that works just as well.

Keep in mind, for this use case, any wax will do - whether it's surfboard wax, snowboard wax, etc.

You can do this regardless of what kind of water you will be skimboarding in (cold or warm), but some people prefer to stick to their temperature range, and that’s fine too.

The base coat creates a bump pattern that stays on the board and acts as a foundation for other coats.

Apply the Wax

Apply the wax in small circles till it really starts to come off the bar and onto the top of the board.

This is unlike snowboarding, if you're familiar, where you might apply the wax on the bottom of the board.

The base coat is usually tougher to apply because it stays the longest on the board.

So the more forceful you are, the more wax comes off the bar and onto the board, and the quicker you can finish waxing.

You might want to avoid staying directly under the sun while waxing your skimboard.

Since your skimboard's wax is similar to candle wax, the heat will definitely mess it up faster.

Quick Tip: Start from the pointed edge of the bar to make it easier for the wax to chump off.

If you've got a wooden skimboard with a glossy finish, you can get the wax to stay on the surface by pressing in even harder.

A skimboard with a glossy finish is a bit harder to wax than one with a textured finish.

3. Apply the Top Coat 

After you must have covered the board in the base coat, you want to go in again for a top coat.

Here, you'll apply wax to your skimboard by making straight dashes instead of small circles. 

You only need one layer of wax going from side to side (rail to rail) for the top coat.

This means starting a rub from the nose and ending at the tail, then back again. 

4. Apply Temperature Rated Skimboard Wax 

Once the base and top coat are done, you should move on to applying wax that's specifically rated for the water temperature of the area you'll be skimboarding in.

Use cold water wax or warm water wax accordingly.

Apply the skimboard wax in a circular motion to have small bumps of wax throughout the board.

Now, you’re ready to go! 

5. Keep Reapplying As You're Skimboarding

As you ride, some of the wax comes off.

This happens for different reasons — some go into the water, and some stick to you!

It’s only normal for this to happen, so don't fret.

Once you get off your board, reapply the top coat before you hit the water again. 

Note the difference between needing a new topcoat layer and needing to wax your skimboard all over again.

Since there’s no fast rule, the difference is typically based on the number of trips you've made and how dirty your wax is. 

FAQs 

That's it! Now that you know how to wax a skimboard, let's take a look at some of the frequently asked questions most beginners have, and you might have too.

What Materials Do I Need to Apply Fresh Wax to My Skimboard? 

You need a base coat wax with a high-temperature range and a wax with a range appropriate for the water in your area.

Note that some skimboarders use temperature-appropriate wax only. 

You'll also need a cleaning agent or plastic scraper to get any old wax off your board. 

What Side of the Skimboard Do I Wax? Should I Apply Wax on the Bottom?

To wax a skimboard, apply the product on the top side of the board.

What Different Types of Wax Ranges Are There? 

There are four different ranges of wax — warm, tropical, cold, and cool.

The ranges are adjusted for the various water temperatures you might need your skimboard wax for.

Generally, warm ranges from 68F to 78F, while tropical is for temperatures 75F and below.

On the other hand, cool ranges from 58F to 68F, while cold is for temperatures 58F and below. 

Keep in mind however that temperature ranges can vary slightly from brand to brand.

If you're ever unsure, check your wax's label before applying.

Conclusion: Skimboard Waxing is Easy! 

Once you get the hang of how to apply your skimboard's wax, you're well on your way to becoming a pro!

Remember to scrape off the old wax and use the right application methods.

As soon as you see more sand than wax, it’s time to rip out the wax again.

Now that you're done, it's time to head to the beach and catch some waves!

Good luck and happy skimboarding!