Surfers often seem to be glued to their surfboards and never fall off, unless they get hit by a massive wave. So what keeps them firmly planted to the board? Well applying wax and using a surf wax comb helps to do this.
A surf wax comb typically has three different sides that are used for different purposes. The toothed side is used to provide more traction to an old wax job. The smooth side is to remove wax and the rounded side is to remove wax in concave areas on the board.
The surf wax comb is the perfect tool for maintaining the wax job on any surfboard. I use mine religiously before I go out on boards that havenʻt had a fresh coat of wax applied to it recently. Just a couple of passes on the toothed side and your boards traction increases dramatically.
A surf wax comb also has other uses. Itʻs always nice to know how to use a tool properly. So let’s not waste time and get right into it!
What Is Surf Wax Comb
The regular maintenance of wax on surfboards is essential for keeping the surfboard in good shape and for ensuring a better grip on the board. Learn more about why surfers wax their surfboards in this post.
A wax comb is an essential tool for maintaining the wax on your board. It can help clean the wax off the board or refresh the grip on an old layer of wax.
You might question why it’s called a wax comb? And that’s a fair question because I thought of it too at first, and the reason is that the tool looks like a comb. One side is flat, and the other has projections just like a regular comb.
Sometimes you might come across really cool wax combs with a fin key or even a bottle opener. I find these wax combs to do everything I need, including being equipped with a fin key.
A fin key like this one on Amazon is helpful for opening or closing the screws that would allow you to add on or remove the fins.
Surf Wax Comb Uses
A wax comb is a handy tool. It usually has a blade on one side which is commonly made from a hard plastic. This will help remove the old wax from the surfboards.
The other side of the wax comb has projections similar to sharp teeth, which helps rough the pre-existing wax.
There is a third side, a rounded edge, that helps remove wax out of dings and other concave spots on the surfboard.
So keep these two things in mind:
- Removal of Wax
To remove the old wax, use the sharp end of the wax comb and scrape it off.
- Reusing of Wax
To rough up the old wax, use the end with projections and give it some traction
How To Use A Wax Comb?
Now that you know what a wax comb is and its main uses, it’s crucial to understand how to use it. I like to make sure that I get my board all dialed in ahead of my next paddle out, so reserving time the night before or even an hour before your next surf session is best.
Perhaps your wax is old, or youʻre going on a surf trip wear the water is a lot warmer than your local spot, youʻll need to remove the old layer of wax and apply a new layer that is rated for the water temperatures of where youʻll be surfing.
- Place your surfboard with the old wax on it in the sun, until the wax is soft (about 10 minutes on a hot day).
- Use the flat edge side of your wax comb and scrapethe wax off. It should be pretty easy since the wax is softened.
- Once the majority of wax is removed, I like to use a chemical based liquid wax remover, apply it to an old rag, and finish wiping off any remaining wax until my surfboard is clean.
- Cool your board off in the water and get ready to apply a fresh new coat of wax.
- If your wax doesnʻt need to be removed but just needs a little added traction right before you paddle out, you could apply a little extra wax to your board. If you donʻt have any wax, you can used the toothed side of the wax comb and scratch the wax in diagonal patterns to give it traction.
Things To Look For In A Wax Comb
Though there are many types of surf wax combs on the internet, you might still be unsure which one is right for your surfboard.
Here is a list of things you should always be in search for:
- A Scraping Surface
A good surf wax comb will have a ragged end with projections. It will allow you to create further texture on your surfboard.
You might get lucky and find a wax comb with more than three types of edges to take care of your board.
- A Handle
Since you will be using the surf wax comb pretty regularly, your comfort needs to be kept in mind. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable or in pain while waxing your board.
A regular wax comb has two different ends, and you’ll have to switch between the two. But there are other options, such as the knuckle wax comb. It is comfortable to use and will provide you with a better hold while waxing the surfboard.
- Additional Accessories
There are wax combs that come with additional accessories, like fin keys or bottle openers.
These are unnecessary, but it would be nice to have an all-in-one kind of tool for some people.
If youʻre into a wax key with a bottle opener, fin key, and screw driver! This one is pretty cool.
When To Change The Wax On A Surfboard
It would be best if you didn’t fall for common misconceptions, so let’s begin with what you should remember.
Many surfers believe they have to re-wax their surfboards before going surfing. It is not entirely true; although it’s good to apply a very light layer of wax before surfing, you don’t have to scrape and reapply.
Instead, look out for when your traction starts to lessen, and that’s when you know it’s time to re-wax a surfboard.
For each person, this is different because everyone surfs differently.
And if youʻre riding a softtop surfboard, do you even really need to wax the thing? Yes & No. Learn more in this post.
Takeaway
I’m sure after reading this article you have realized that a surf wax comb is a must if you want to take care of your surfboard the right way. However, it does not mean that you cannot remove and apply wax without the wax comb.
So if you do not have a surf wax comb, you can still apply and remove your old wax, but it will undoubtedly be difficult compared to when using a wax comb.
But here’s a tip for easy removal of wax.
Leave your surfboard out in the sun for around 5 to 15 minutes until the hardened wax melts. Once the wax is soft, you can start peeling it away. If the weather is not sunny, you can use a blowdryer to soften the wax.
