It’s probably time to strip that wax. Photo: Red Bull
Every surfer has their own way to wax a board, and there is a spiritual way this ritual can make a big difference in their performance. But people seldom question what a difference a wax job actually makes–sometimes more than the fins, the board, or the surfer themselves.
Think of this guide, and the story behind it as a sort of Mr. Miyagi-ish ritual which does not really have much to do with the discipline of surfing itself. It can, though, help you focus on the present moment by cultivating patience and a more focused mindset, both in and out of the water. We’re just flipping the wording and turning wax on, then off into wax off, then back on.
Here’s how I came across this opportunity to practice meditation and how everyone can benefit from the practice:
I spent roughly six months on the road, taking on some non-aquatic challenges (which made me yearn for some waves) and although I did manage a couple of escapades, the weather, gear and timing weren’t quite right. When I came back home to Baja though, I rushed from the airport and almost straight to the beach where the crew was camping out. I showed up right on time for the sunset session, but my board had no wax on it. Instead of hurrying into the water and waxing my board in a rush, I decided to sit down and carefully wax my board in the more intricate criss-cross pattern. Some friends made fun of me, saying that it made no difference. For me, though, it did. And so, I sat down watching a spectacular sunset, feeling the breeze of the ocean on my skin, and soaking up the whole experience of being back home.
I was so relaxed and at ease that my rush to get in the water suddenly vanished, and I realized I was gently tracing interlocking lines of wax across the deck of my board as a base coat, then switched over to a gentle circular motion which, little by little, made enough bumps on the surface to get a good grip. Then came the fins, and finally the leash…. By the time I was done, my spirit was soaking in feelings of gratitude, tranquility and peace. A friend sat down next to me and asked why I wasn’t hitting the water, and I replied in the calmest way possible: “I’m in no rush.”
I’m sure there are people who lead more active and demanding lifestyles who can’t afford to wax a board for 10 or 15 minutes when the waves are pumping and you have to be at work by 9 am. But hear me out, especially because we’re starting off a new year, and the largest El Niño event in history is delivering a set of very powerful swells. Think about meditating while cleaning off old wax from your step ups and guns, and replacing it with a coat of smelly goodness. Physically speaking, wax really doesn’t hold on to old feelings and vibrations, but the thing is that WE DO, and by cleaning it up, we reflect that sense of a new start from the board into ourselves.
So here is a brief meditation guide to clean off your boards and start 2106 with a clean slate of wax, which hopefully will make a difference in the critical take offs, nailing those bottom turns, squeezing out of barrels, and landing more airs. You could do this at home or right on the beach. Either way, it’s about taking your time and concentrating all of your attention on two things: your board and your breath.
1. Heat it up.
If it’s sunny where you live, sit in the sun with your board next to you for a few minutes. Prepare for the ritual you’re about to begin, put your awareness on your breath as much as possible, and even visualize all of the best waves you’ve surfed with this board buddy of yours.
The heat will make the wax soft and easy to scrape, your blood will get more oxygenated, and your mind will start to steer clear away from the clutter of day-to-day living. Alternatively, if your area is more overcast and cloudy, you can always blow dry on medium heat to get the wax off, section by section.
2. Scrape slowly.
Get a wax comb or an old plastic card. Gently and slowly scrape off the gray, sandy, hairy old wax off your board. While you do this, follow along the length of the board with nice long strokes. Pair the strokes with your breathing, and make the mind gravitate towards the karate kid state. An effortless effort, if you will. Don’t worry about not getting all of the wax off. The next step will take care of the thin layer of wax residue left behind.
3. Scrub quickly.
I learned this technique while helping my local shaper put the final polishing touches on his boards. He made an emphasis on making long straight strokes along the length of the board, first on one side of the stringer, then through the middle from tail to nose. Then he would repeat on the opposite side and bottom of the board. It wasn’t a difficult task, but it did take some concentration. In the same way, take a non0abrasive cloth or rag and gently scrub off any leftover wax residue.
4. Look for dings.
Take some time to inspect your board for scratches, dings, bumps and small cracks in as much detail as possible. You’re checking the overall health and sturdiness of your board, which could reveal any unnoticed weaknesses. It’s a good idea to fix any leaks.
5. Start off with new wax.
Don’t even think about base coating with that sandy leftover thumb sized wax stub you found under the seat. Grab a nice, clean, new bar of wax and apply the right kind for the temperature of water you’re surfing–especially if transitioning from summer to winter water temperatures, or vice versa.
Let the smell of the new wax permeate your whole being, and soak in the freshness of a new year, a new season and a new coat of wax under your feet.
6. Go with flow.
Whatever your waxing technique is, take it slow and go with the flow. Make long and smooth strokes and form smooth straight lines across the deck. Gently rub the wax on the board on circular motions and cover the board by sections. Keep coming back to your breathing and acknowledge any thoughts of rushing or eagerness to get back to the water.
7. Let it settle
If it took you between half and hour and a full 60 minutes to go through this process, then you’re probably on the right track. Remember that patience is a virtue. Those extra minutes will be well worth it next morning when you’ll pull out your board and it evokes feelings of confidence, strength, and perseverance, all of which were cultivated in some way through this wax off, wax on process.
