After purchasing your first Skimboard, once delivered, many go straight to the beach eager with excitement.
They run, drop their Skimboard onto the water and jump on it.
And they slip off.
Why?
Because they didn’t wax their Skimboard.
Wax is used for many action sports such as skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing.
Skiiers and snowboarders use wax on the bottom of their skis/boards to increase speed and ensure smoother turns.
Skateboarders use wax for smoother ‘grinding’ tricks along rails, curbs and steps.
Surfers and some SUP boarders use wax to prevent slippage off the board, which is why Skimboarders use wax as well.
Wax is used for Skimboarding also as there’s no grip on most Skimboards. Most surfaces are smooth and must be made ‘grippy’ with wax.
Some Skimboards have built-in traction pads or are EVA coated, which provide grip, but these could do with waxing too. For EVA coated boards use Soft Board Wax
So there’s no chance of slipping if a foot lands on a smooth part of your Skimboard, and EVA coated boards can be made extra-grippy with some wax.
First Get Some Wax
The first step is to buy some good quality Surf Wax and if you want an even grippier, more long-lasting finish (good if you’re planning on Skimming all day), get some Basecoat Wax.
Wax is made to suit different temperatures of water. So make sure you get the right one for the water you’re skimming on.
For UK beaches and waterways cold to cool water, wax is your best bet. However, don’t use tropical graded wax in the UK. The grip will be poor, and the wax won’t last as long.
Ensure you store your wax in a cool, dry place.
How To Wax Your Skimboard In A Few Easy Steps
Ensure your board is clean and free from any previous wax. Remove old wax with a Wax Comb. Sitting the board in the sun for around 20 minutes will help loosen the wax; alternatively, use a hairdryer or heat gun.
Find a suitable spot in the shade, or if no shade’s available, sit with your back to the sun.
If You’re Using Base Coat Wax
- Cover the entire surface of your board with a base coat, using a small circular motion, so your boards covered in little wax circles. You’ll need to add some pressure to get the wax to stick.
- Make larger strokes going side to side, across your board (rail to rail) and up and down your board (nose to tail), creating lines.
- Add your top layer of wax using the little circular motions again
- Once your boards covered in little top wax circles, you’re ready to skim
If You’re Not Using Basecoat Wax
- Apply your chosen wax to the board using a small circular motion, cover your entire board.
- Next, cover the board in straight lines from rail to rail (side to side) and nose to tail (top to bottom)
- Once the lines are complete, you’re ready to skim.