Surfing is not just about riding the waves; it’s about the preparation too. One essential tool every surfer needs is a wax comb. This small tool is vital for maintaining your surfboard and ensuring a solid grip on the waves. If you are new to surfing or just looking to refine your technique, understanding how to use a wax comb properly is key.
What is a Wax Comb?
A wax comb is a tool designed to help you apply and maintain wax on your surfboard. It has teeth or ridges, which help you spread, smooth, and scrape off the wax. Waxing your board is important because it provides the necessary grip that keeps you stable while paddling and riding waves.
While some people may overlook the wax comb, it is just as important as any other surfboard accessory. Using it properly can make a huge difference in your surfing experience.
The Importance of Waxing Your Surfboard
Before diving into how to use a wax comb, let’s take a look at why waxing is so important. Wax helps you stay connected to your board. It prevents slipping when paddling out to the waves and while riding them. Different types of wax are used for different water temperatures, so choosing the right one is essential. Cold water wax works best in cooler climates, while warm water wax is ideal for tropical regions.
The combination of wax and a wax comb allows you to keep your board clean, properly waxed, and free from old or ineffective wax buildup.
How to Use a Wax Comb Properly
Using a wax comb is a straightforward process. The key is to be gentle yet thorough, as overdoing it or being too aggressive can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the board.
Step 1: Start With Clean Hands and a Clean Board
Before you begin waxing your surfboard, it’s important to make sure the board is clean. If there is old wax on it, you should remove it before applying new wax. A clean board allows the new wax to adhere better.
Wash your hands to avoid transferring dirt, oil, or chemicals to the board. Once your hands are clean, move to the board. If there’s old wax on it, use a wax comb to scrape it off.
Step 2: Remove Old Wax
To start, gently scrape off the old wax using the flat edge of the wax comb. You should work in short strokes, moving in the direction of the board’s length. Try not to apply too much pressure—let the comb do the work. The idea is to get rid of any chunks of old wax, but you don’t need to get every little bit.
If the wax is particularly stubborn, you can use a heat gun or a hairdryer to warm it up, making it easier to scrape off.
Step 3: Apply New Wax
Once the board is clean, it’s time to apply new wax. Hold your wax bar in your hand and rub it along the surface of the board in circular motions. Be sure to cover the entire area where your feet will be. A thin layer is all you need, but make sure to cover enough space for a firm grip.
You don’t need to wax the entire board; just focus on the areas where your feet will land. Most surfers apply wax to the deck, but you may also want to wax the nose and tail for extra grip, depending on your surfing style.
Step 4: Use the Wax Comb to Smooth the Wax
After applying a layer of wax, take your wax comb and use it to spread and smooth the wax. Place the flat edge of the comb against the wax and gently comb it across the surface of the board. You’ll see the wax create small ridges or bumps, which help to enhance your grip on the board.
The wax comb helps to evenly distribute the wax and ensure that it’s not too thick in one area. This smooth layer will give you the best grip when you’re out on the waves.
Step 5: Maintain the Wax
Regular maintenance is key when using a wax comb. Over time, the wax will break down or become less effective. When this happens, you can use the comb to add a fresh layer of wax or rework the existing layer for better grip.
If the wax has become too thin, you can apply more wax in the areas where it has worn down. If there are too many bumps or chunks in the wax, the comb can help to smooth things out.
Step 6: Scrape Off Excess Wax
Sometimes, wax can build up in places where it’s not necessary. If you find that there is too much wax in certain spots, use the comb to gently scrape away the excess. This can be done after your surfing session or in between waxing applications.
Scraping off excess wax will help maintain a good balance of grip without having too much wax in areas that don’t need it.
Tips for Using a Wax Comb
Using a wax comb isn’t complicated, but there are some tips and tricks that can help you maximize its effectiveness.
Choose the Right Wax Comb
Not all wax combs are the same. Some are flat, while others are curved or have different kinds of ridges. You should choose a wax comb that fits your needs. If you are looking for an all-around tool, a standard flat comb is a good choice. For more detailed work, a comb with teeth or multiple edges might be more suitable.
Use Light Pressure
When scraping off wax, always use light pressure. Pressing too hard can damage your board or cause the wax to get stuck in the comb. Allow the comb’s ridges to do the work, and move slowly and steadily.
Don’t Over-Wax
Adding too much wax can actually make it harder to grip your board. A thin, even layer of wax is sufficient for most conditions. If you feel that the wax is getting too thick, you can scrape some off with the comb.
Be Gentle With the Board
While it’s important to be thorough, be gentle when using the wax comb. The surfboard is delicate, and over-scraping or applying too much force can cause scratches or damage.
Keep Your Wax Comb Clean
After each use, it’s a good idea to rinse your wax comb with fresh water to remove wax buildup. This will ensure that the comb is always working efficiently and not transferring old wax onto your board.
Don’t Forget About Temperature
Always use the right wax for the water temperature. Warm water wax will melt too easily in cold water, while cold water wax may not provide the grip you need in warmer temperatures. Check the temperature guidelines on the wax packaging and choose accordingly.
Use the Comb for Other Tasks
A wax comb can also be used for other tasks related to surfing. For example, it can be used to remove sand or debris from the board before you wax it. The comb is also helpful for smoothing out any rough patches on the wax.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Wax Comb
While waxing may seem simple, there are some common mistakes that many surfers make when using a wax comb. Avoid these errors to get the most out of your waxing routine.
Using the Wrong Type of Wax
One of the biggest mistakes surfers make is using the wrong type of wax for the water temperature. Make sure you use wax that matches the conditions of the waves you’re surfing. Using wax that’s too soft or too hard will affect your grip and overall performance.
Skipping the Cleaning Process
Some surfers skip the process of cleaning off old wax before applying new wax. While it’s tempting to just add more wax on top, this can lead to poor grip and a messy surface. Always scrape off the old wax before applying a new layer.
Pressing Too Hard with the Comb
Many people think that pressing hard with the wax comb will make the wax stick better. However, pressing too hard can actually damage the board and make it harder to spread the wax evenly. Gentle strokes are all that are needed.
Not Maintaining the Wax Regularly
Wax doesn’t last forever. As you surf, the wax will break down, and the grip will lessen. Make sure to maintain your wax regularly by smoothing it out with the comb and adding new layers when necessary.
Conclusion
Using a wax comb properly is crucial for maintaining your surfboard and ensuring a good grip while surfing. By following the steps outlined above and using a wax comb regularly, you’ll be able to keep your board in top condition, providing you with the best possible surfing experience.
Remember, waxing your surfboard is not just about performance—it’s about taking care of your equipment so you can continue riding the waves safely and efficiently. So, next time you’re out at the beach, take the time to properly use your wax comb and enjoy a smoother ride on the waves.