Just like baggy skate clothes and Vans sneakers, skate wax is a staple accessory for every skateboarder. Skate wax is the helpful little tool skateboarders use to help them skate on rails and ledges that can create a lot of friction.
Using skate wax can really up your game and open the door for learning new tricks. However, you may not understand yet just how to use it to your advantage. Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of skateboard wax so you can get rolling on some brand-new skills.
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What Is Skate Wax
Skate wax is usually made with paraffin or beeswax. You can find skateboard wax available in cool colors and scents, but these variations aren’t necessary. Skate wax can make rough surfaces smoother and easier to slide and grind on. You can find wax at any skate shop or even pick it up on Amazon. Different waxes will work better in different climates so it’s important to explore various types and brands. Ask around your local skate shop or skatepark to see what others in your area are using.
What is super important is that skate wax isn’t the same as surf wax. While our brothers and sisters on the waves need wax just as much as we do, surf wax is used to make their boards more grippy, while skate wax creates less friction.
When To Wax
Knowing when to use wax and when not to is an important lesson for skateboarders. If you wax when you shouldn’t, you can run the risk of slipping and falling off of your board. If you don’t wax when you should have, you can get stuck with a board that doesn’t move and, again, fall off. Knowing when to wax can be the difference between a good skate day and some bruises.
Skaters use wax when skating a rail or ledge when they need less friction and a little more slide. Grinds and slides are easier with wax, and you are way less likely to take a tumble on your board.
How To Wax
Determine where your board will make contact with the rail or ledge. Waxing the whole area is a waste of wax and can even be dangerous. Turns out there is such a thing as too slippery. If you aren’t quite sure where your board will hit, try playing your tricks out in slow motion. Grab your board and move it into place, going through the motions while controlling the board with your hands. From there, wax accordingly.
If you’re grinding on the edge of a ledge or a rail, just wax the edge of the object. If you are using the nose or tail of your board, wax the first few inches, enough for that section of your board to touch wax, but not much further.
Smoother surfaces like metal will need less wax than rough and bumpy concrete. As you get used to working with wax, you’ll get a better idea of where and when to use it. The general rule of thumb is that if you aren’t gliding smoothly, you probably need wax.
Keeping skate wax in your bag, along with other skate day essentials including an oversized skater hoodie and oversized skate t-shirt, can help ensure you don’t leave it behind on a day you need it.
Skate wax can be a bit messy, and you don’t want to use more than you need, so here are some tips for applying board wax:
- If the surface you want to wax is covered in dirt or mud, try brushing off as much of it as possible. Carrying an old toothbrush, dish brush, or other cleaning brush around in your pack is handy for moments like this.
- Grab a bit of wax and rub it on the surface where you need less friction. If you have a spare plastic card, like an old gift card, use that to spread the wax evenly on the surface.
- Scrape up any excess wax so that things don’t get messy and you don’t end up falling off your board.
- If you end up with wax all over your hands, it’s good to have a rag or towel in your bag to wipe them off. No one wants to spend the rest of their skate day with waxy hands.
When Not To Wax
This is almost as important as figuring out the right time to use skate wax. Waxing up on public property like stairs and curbs is typically a no-go and may be viewed as vandalism. Even worse is waxing on private property without permission.
When waxing at the skatepark you also need to be respectful of other skaters. If you’re the only one there, wax all you want. If others are around and using the same obstacles, ask before waxing. If everyone is cool with you waxing a rail or ledge, then you’re in the clear.