How long is a WAX supposed to last?

[surfsisters]

Hi. We're relatively new to surfing and are confused about exactly how long a wax should last and how best to apply the second wax. Are you supposed to remove the old layer completly or keep layering and combing? (Added extra wax after couple of weeks, but doesn't have same effect as first application - less grip). Using Mrs Palmers wax and surfing in cold Irish waters! Thanks.

[drowningbitbybit]

Good question.

The easy answer is, if you're not getting the grip you need then put some more wax on.

I tend to put a light covering of new wax on the board every time I go out - all part of the pre-surf ritual.
Some people barely have any wax on their boards.

As a newbie, the more wax the better.
And just keep layering it onto the old wax - when the wax becomes an embarassingly filthy eyesore ( ) then its time to strip it back to the board and start again.

More important is that you're getting the right wax on the board - so if you're having trouble, then check with your local surf shop that you're putting the correct wax on the board (ie for the water temp).

[PapaW]

Some people like to use a combination of waxes to reach the desired grip

[heychief]

never use sex wax! i heard they're decent in cold waters but in warm waters like here in hawaii they have no stick, no effect to the board. try and stick with sticky bumps, they make different wax for different temperatures. im sure youre local surf shop will be supplying the right one for your climate.

and btw, the more advanced the surfer the more wax he needs. its a common misconception that the better surfer needs less wax.

[RJD]

Is that why I had half an inch on my board before I cleaned it off?

[heychief]

lol i was referring to the whole board being waxed. a half inch is pretty thick hahh

[esonscar]

Wax for me lasts weeks or minutes - depends on the direct sunlight strength. There are Warm water and Cold water blends you need to look at for where you surf.

I always put a quick layer on before each session AND I use a handful of sand as a scourer to rough it all up at the waters edge.

I got deck grip mostly on my shortboard (see avatar) as they help protect and cushion deck impacts.

If you have the wrong type of wax at the moment, use it as underarm deoderant - most of them smell awsome !

[IB_Surfer]

No such thing as too much wax, but too little causes slips. I scartch on a light coat on every go out, I don't check it, I just do so as a matter of habit.

After a while I get a preety big build up, so I have to take it off and start over, probably once a year.

[surfsisters]

Thanks for all the sound advice. . Just another question. Are basecoat waxes any good or are they just a cheeky ploy from wax companies to make you buy even more wax?
Thanks in advance...

[esonscar]

Good question there…….

Umm, okay - lets say you end the year with thickness x of wax on the board, does it matter if x/2 is basecoat wax (?) and x/2 is ' top' wax ? You still end up with thickness x of wax.

OR does this basecoat wax cost more

Hang on !

Hahahaha – okay – just searched the net and though it might seem like overkill there is no extra cost when all said and done, so go for it if you think you need to.

Have a nice day

[IB_Surfer]

Usually basecoat is for new boards, just an easier way to start the layer of wax. I started using stickybumps Tour Series wax, it's supper sticky and doesn't need basecoat.Also like Ms. Palmers was, also super sticky and goes on nicely.

[Beachbum]

haha once your board starts to sink without you being on it is a good time to change it. I just keep reapplying a light layer before I go out and change it who knows when.

[justloafing]

Cold water wax is soft. When the water warms up and you put a warmer water wax (harder) on over the soft the softer undercoated wax melts so the harder wax on top tends to slip off. So when the water is warming up you need to strip and change to a harder wax to match the water temp. Opposite for when the water goes from warm to cooler. Warm to cooler is better if you don't like to change wax because you already have the harder wax underneath. Put the board out in the sun for 5 minutes and you can strip the board in 2 minutes.

As far as base coats. I don't know if I am sold on those but I usually use a light coat of wax that is warmer than what I need then apply the correct water temp wax. I don't know if it makes a big difference or not.

I don't think you can have to much wax on either. Put some on before every session and you wont go wrong.

[noddyinbude]

Must admit I bought my board second hand and have just kept applying over the top of the original layers but never have any problems with slipping (one of the few things that goes ok for me in the water lol)

As others have said it's as much part of my ritual as stretching out on the beach is!

[heychief]

when i was growing up everyones used basecoat it was weird. I don't know of much ppl who still use that. its pretty pointless