Here’s how to wax your surfboard like a pro — step by step. Because nothing beats a good wax for a good surf!
Place yourself out of direct sunlight, on a mat or your board bag— anything that protects your board (and the floor) without turning waxing into a mess.
You’ll need two types of wax:
Start with a basecoat by making diagonal crosshatch patterns. Don’t forget the edges for an extra grip!
If you need to fill it in more, you can add horizontaland verticallines.
Time to make big circles using the flat side of your wax. Patience is key here!
Continue with smaller circles until you see hard bumps forming. Don’t be shy; you’ll probably use your entire basecoat!
Photos: Élise Létourneau
Finish with a soft layer of topcoat suited to your water conditions. Apply it in small circles to create a sticky, grippy surface.
Photos: Noémie Cadieux
Putting wax on your board is all about grip and control. Wax creates a non-slip surface that improves traction under your feet, helping you stay stable, move with confidence, and maintain control of your board. Better grip means fewer slips and falls, making every session safer and more enjoyable.
Most surfers add a quick topcoat before each session to maintain good grip. If you’re staying in the same or warmer water, you can keep layering topcoat as needed.
When wax becomes dirty, uneven, or too thick — or if you’re moving to colder water — it’s best to scrape everything off and start fresh with a basecoat.
Golden rule: waxing your surfboard is just like waxing cross-country skis — never put hard wax on top of soft wax!
Travel tip: If you’re heading on a trip, it’s a good idea to remove the wax completely. Heat and sun can cause it to melt, making a mess inside your board bag and on your board.
1. Basecoat (hard wax): Start with a hard basecoat wax to help everything adhere properly (like Sticky Bumps or Mr. Zog's Sex Wax). Make sure your basecoat is solid before you apply any additional layers.
2. Topcoat (soft wax): Choose your wax based on water temperature:
Both layers are super important. While the basecoat acts like a primer, helping the softer wax stay in place, the topcoat is what gives you traction, keeping your feet from slipping on the board.
Remember: never apply hard wax over soft wax.
| WAX GRADE | WATER TEMPERATURE (°C) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basecoat | All temperatures | Hardest wax. Always applied first to create bumps. The basecoat can also be the wax grade directly below your topcoat on the temperature chart. |
| Tropical | 24 °C and above | Designed for hot water and strong sun exposure. Harder to apply, but lasts longer. |
| Warm | 18–23 °C | Medium wax for summer paddling and mild surf conditions. |
| Cool | 14–19 °C | Softer wax, ideal for spring and fall conditions. |
| Cold | 8–13 °C | Soft wax for cold water and winter surf. |
| Extra Cold | Below 8 °C | Very soft wax. Maximum traction in icy water, but wears off faster. |
Wax placement varies depending on your board’s shape and intended use. The guide below highlights where to apply wax, where traction pads are recommended, and which areas are optional, so you get grip where it matters most.
For example, with a classic longboard, wax all the way to the nose only if you’re planning on standing all the way to the nose. Wax where it counts!
