Why do you wax your surfboard?

If you've ever watched surfers getting ready before hitting the water, you've probably noticed them rubbing something sticky all over their surfboard. That isn't just part of the pre-surf routine — surf wax helps you stay on your board.

Without wax, the smooth surface of a surfboard can become surprisingly slippery, especially when it's covered in water. Here's everything you need to know about surf wax and why surfers use it.

What does surf wax do?

The main purpose of surf wax is simple: it gives your feet and body grip on the surfboard.

Surfboards have a smooth, glossy surface that helps them move through the water. That's great for speed, but not so great when you're trying to stand on one while a wave is moving underneath you.

Surf wax creates a textured, sticky surface that helps your feet stay in place. It also gives you grip when you're paddling, helping prevent your chest from sliding around on the board.

Without enough grip, even a perfect pop-up can quickly turn into a wipeout.

Where should you put surf wax?

You don't need to wax your entire board.

For most surfboards, you'll want wax on the area where your feet will be positioned and the area where your chest rests while paddling.

The exact area depends on your board and whether you use a traction pad.

Many shortboards have a traction pad near the tail, so you generally wax the area between the pad and the front of the board. Longboards are usually waxed over a larger area because surfers often move their feet around the board.

If you're unsure, look at where you normally stand and paddle and make sure those areas have enough grip.

Do you need different types of surf wax?

Yes. Surf wax comes in different formulas designed for different water temperatures.

Generally, you'll find:

• Cold water wax – for colder water
• Cool water wax – for cool to moderate temperatures
• Warm water wax – for warmer water
• Tropical wax – for very warm water

The warmer the water, the harder the wax generally needs to be so it doesn't become too soft.

If you're surfing somewhere tropical, using tropical or warm-water wax is usually the better choice. In colder water, you'll want a softer formula that stays grippy.

How do you apply surf wax?

Applying wax is pretty easy, but there's a little technique to it.

Start with a clean board and apply a base coat if recommended for your wax. Then rub your topcoat wax across the area where you want grip.

Instead of simply rubbing it back and forth in one direction, use small circles or diagonal movements to build up a textured layer of bumps.

You don't need to create a perfectly even layer. Those little bumps are what give your feet something to grip.

How often should you wax your surfboard?

There's no exact schedule. It depends on how often you surf, how warm the water is and how much wax is already on your board.

If your board starts feeling smooth or your feet are slipping more than usual, it's probably time for some fresh wax.

It's also a good idea to remove the old wax completely from time to time and start again with a fresh layer. Old wax can collect sand, dirt and other debris, making your board less grippy.

What happens if your board gets too slippery?

If you notice your feet sliding during your pop-up or while you're riding, don't ignore it.

A slippery board makes it harder to control your movements and can lead to unnecessary falls. For beginners especially, good traction can make a noticeable difference when you're learning to pop up and find your balance.

Before paddling out, give your board a quick check. If the wax feels smooth, thin or worn down, add some fresh wax.

What about a traction pad?

A traction pad, also called a tail pad, is a textured piece of foam stuck to the back of a surfboard. It provides grip for your back foot and is especially common on shortboards.

You still normally use surf wax on the rest of the standing area, but the traction pad reduces the amount of wax you need around the tail.

Surf wax is a small detail that makes a big difference

Surf wax might seem like a tiny part of surfing, but good grip is essential. Whether you're learning your first pop-up or working on bigger turns, you need to be able to trust your feet to stay where you put them.

So next time you see a surfer carefully waxing their board before paddling out, you'll know exactly why they're doing it.

A little wax, a good wave and you're ready to go.