🏄 What does it mean to wax your surfboard?
So, waxer sa planche, what's all the fuss about? 🤔 If we dive into the ocean of surfing terms, "waxing" is the action of rubbing a special wax on the top of your board. But why bother?
This famous wax creates a non-slip surface between your board and your feet. Its real magic lies in its ability to become malleable under the pressure of your toes, clinging to them to create an indestructible alliance. This grip allows you to stay on your board, even when a wave tries to make you taste the salty taste of the ocean.
What's fantastic is that this non-slip surface isn't a barrier between you and your board, it's a bond. A link that lets you feel every movement of the water beneath the board, reacting instinctively and becoming one with it. It's this connection that makes surfing so much more than a sport or a pastime. It's a dance, an art. 🏄♂️
Whether you're challenging the cold waves of the French winter or gliding over milder waters in summer, the wax adapts your board to every session. Without it, good luck staying upright! 🤞
🌡️ Choosing your wax according to water temperature
The wax for your board isn't one-size-fits-all. There's a whole range of waxes, each adapted to a specific aquatic thermometer.
Let's take the sun as our partner. Under a blazing sun, the water may be warmer than your evening bath. For these conditions, special tropical wax is your best friend. Tough and resistant, it won't melt under your feet, even when the mercury climbs. 🌞
But what happens when you're surfing on cooler waters, say, in a beautiful winter ocean or at sunrise, when even the air needs a coffee to wake up? That's where cold-water wax comes in. More supple, it guarantees an equally effective grip without turning into rock under your feet. 💧
Every surfer, whether longboarder, kiteboarder or even foil surfer, needs to make this choice before taking to the waves. And let's not forget SUP aficionados or those who prefer the gentle caress of waves on a foam board, the choice of wax is also crucial. 🏄♂️
So, before you head out to the ocean, take a look at the thermometer and choose your wax with the same care you would choose your surfing accessories, your leash or even your board cover. And remember, a successful session always starts with a well-prepared board. 🤙
👣 The step-by-step guide to waxing your board
The first step is to prepare the ground. Before you even think about waxing, make sure your board is as clean as a plate after a good meal. A quick wipe down with a rag to remove sand, salt and other residues, and your board is ready for its beauty treatment. Cleanliness = efficiency, that's our mantra! 🧼
Next, we pull out all the stops with the base coat. Think of it as putting on an undercoat before painting a wall, it helps the rest adhere better (it always comes back to that! 😅). Apply this base coat in little circles, mini swirls on the surface of your board.
Now it's time for the specific wax depending on the water temperature. Take the product you've carefully chosen and repeat the small circles, this time concentrating on the areas where your feet are most likely to land. Yes, we don't wax at random, we target strategic points for maximum grip. 🎯
Don't forget the edges and areas around the pads, if your board is equipped with them. These little pads add a layer of grip but don't replace the magic of wax.
📆 Knowing when it's time to wax your board
First clue, the grip is acting up. There you are, on your board, ready to conquer the wave of the century with the wind in your hair, but your feet are starting to slide as if on an ice floe. Not ideal, is it? If standing is becoming a balancing act, it's time to think about rewaxing.
Another sign that your board is crying out for help? The appearance of the wax. If it starts to look like an old chewing-gum abandoned on a sidewalk, grayish and full of sand, it's a red flag. Wax should be fresh, welcoming and ready to give you the best possible grip.
Think about the frequency of your outings. Regular surfers, those who can't do without their daily dose of waves, will need to rewax their boards more often than occasional surfers. It's like any sports equipment: the more you use it, the more you need to take care of it. 🥰
Rewaxing your board is an opportunity to clean it thoroughly. Removing the old, worn wax layer to apply a new one is a wellness menu entry for surfboards.
🧼 Tips for dewaxing your board without damaging it
First, choose your moment wisely. The sun, that eternal ally of surfers, is also your accomplice for dewaxing. A good dose of natural heat softens the wax, making it easier to remove. Mind you, we're not talking about turning your board into a pancake or melting it! Just a little sunbathing to relax it. ☀️
Armed with your wax comb, start by gently scraping the surface. The idea is to use the comb as if you were combing the hair of a baby unicorn: gently and lovingly. The aim is to remove the bulk, without scraping the soul out of your board. Some combs have a special edge for stubborn areas, use it judiciously. 🌈
If hot water and sunshine aren't enough to soften some stubborn corners, special cleaning products are available. Choose them organic, for the love of waves and oceans. A little spritz, a wipe with a soft cloth, and the wax should say bye-bye with no hard feelings. But be careful, we avoid aggressive products that could make your surfboard and the dolphins cry. 🐬
And for the finishing touches? A good old soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge will do the trick. Think of those moments when you apply your after-sun care: it's the same principle. Gentleness and meticulousness are the key words. Your board will emerge from this dewaxing session rejuvenated, ready for a new layer of wax, and above all, without a single boo-boo. 🌟
