Even though your handboard has a strap, it is still a good idea to wax it for extra grip because it gives your board a natural, sticky feel. Applying an extra layer of sticky grip can help make all the difference when you bodysurf.
How do you wax a handboard? Here are the steps:
- Designate your working surface
- Cover your working surface with a mat or blanket
- Remove the hand strap (if removable)
- Clean your handboard thoroughly
- Choose the correct temperature wax before applying
- Wax your board using the cross-hatching technique
- Clean out the screw holes
- Reinstall the hand strap
- Test your handboard grip
Warning! Just to reiterate, do not apply fresh new wax until you remove the old wax from your handboard. You can read my guide on how to remove wax from your handboard successfully if you are unsure how to do this.
If your board is brand new then you do not have to worry about this. Simply follow the steps below after you get the items needed to successfully and easily wax your handboard.
what you will need
Here is a list of a few items you will need to wax your handboard.
- denatured alcohol (dilute with water)
- coconut oil
- microfiber cloth
- wax
- phillips screwdriver
- power drill
- Surfer mat
step 1 – designate your working surface
This first step is important because you want to find a large, clean space to work on your handboard. It is best to use a hard surface that is very stable. I recommend using the floor or large table because they are flat and sturdy.
step 2 – setup your surfer mat
If you have expensive hardwood floors or carpets, I suggest laying down a surfer mat to protect your floors. I suggest doing the same if you are working on a table.
You don’t have to use this exact surfer mat. A good substitute is an old comforter, drop cloth, or tarp.
Using a surf mat or thick blanket on a hard surface will prove to be beneficial. It will prevent your handboard from getting scratched while protecting the surface area you are working on.
step 3 – remove the hand strap (if removable)
Since the hand strap is located directly in the middle of a handboard, it will be difficult to apply wax around it. It will be much easier removing it. However, if your board does not enable you to do this, you will have to wax around the hand strap.
How do you remove the hand strap on your Slyde handboard? You will either need a Phillips screwdriver or a power drill. I recommend using a power drill because it is much faster.
There are a total of two screws to remove, one on each side. Hold the outside edge of the strap as you remove the screws. This will help to keep the strap in place while you to loosen the screw.
You do not want to fully remove the screw from the strap because it can be difficult to re-insert. Loosen the screw enough until the strap can wiggle free from the board. Once you have detached the strap, place it to the side while you clean and wax your board.
step 4 – clean your handboard
After removing both screws wipe the deck clean. You want to make sure the surface is 100% free of any residue, dirt, and debris as this can interfere with the wax. You want to create a clean, smooth surface.
I suggest using either soap or denatured alcohol diluted with water for removing dirt and grime. Douse a paper towel or microfiber cloth with some of this liquid and wipe down your entire board until there is no trace of residue left.
You can also use coconut oil to break down the dirt and residue as well. Coconut oil will also help to fight any bacteria on your handboard since it contains numerous antibacterial properties. Remember to wash your board with dish soap and water afterward to remove excess oil.
*Pro cleaning tip: After you finish cleaning your board, hold it up in front of your face. If you can see your reflection or a more shadowed image of yourself, that means it is pretty clean and you are ready to apply wax.
step 5 – choose the appropriate temperature wax
There are many different types of wax you can buy. You need to get the wax that best suits the ocean temperature you will be bodysurfing in.
If you apply the wrong wax, it will not be effective. You will then have to spend some time and money removing the wax from your board.
If you want a complete guide to help you, make sure to check out my resource page that explains how to choose the correct wax for your handboard. It is informative and easy to understand. Plus it shows you what to look for and which brands are the best.
step 6 – the cross-hatch wax technique
Now you are finally ready for the fun part, applying the wax. Remember to take your time and use a generous amount to make your board sticky.
Let’s discuss where to apply wax, your grip, and how to perform the crosshatch technique.
Where to apply wax on your handboard? – You want to apply surf wax in the area where you hand will be positioned. This will be in the middle of the board. You do not need to apply wax over the rails, tip, or tail.
For handboards measuring longer than 15 inches, I recommend applying wax about 2 – 3 inches from the top of the board and 3 – 4 inches from the bottom of the board.
For shorter boards like the Bula, which measure around 11 inches in length, keep your wax about 2 inches from the tail and 1 inch from the top. Again this may vary depending on your hand size.
Start with the grip – Hold your wax using a claw grip. Grab the top and bottom with your thumb and middle finger. Place your forefinger on the edge of the wax to help apply pressure to the top of your handboard. You want to mimic my grip below.
The cross-hatch technique – Once you have mastered the grip, start in the center of your board about 1 – 2 inches above where your middle finger might be positioned while riding.
Use the corner edge of the wax to draw a diagonal line from the center of your handboard to the rail of one side. Continue the diagonal lines every half inch or so down your board until you reach the tail portion of your handboard.
Now, go back to your starting position and draw diagonal lines going the opposite direction down your board. Repeat this every half inch until you reach the tail end.
If done correctly, you should be forming small diamond shapes with your wax. This cross-hatching technique should cover about 60% of your board in wax when complete.
You want to keep the tip and bottom tail of your handboard free of wax. These board locations do not need it because your hand will never be positioned there.
Once you have completed drawing the diagonal lines, you want to regrip the wax holding the outside edges with your thumb and middle finger while placing your forefinger on top. Mirror how I am holding it.
Start waxing over the cross-hatches you created using an up and down motion while applying a lot of pressure. This builds a nice foundation of wax clumps, which is exactly what you want. Continue this over the rest of the cross-hatch design. Remember to use some elbow grease!
*Note that it is ok to wax directly over the screw holes as you will clean those out in the next step.
step 7 – clean out the screw holes
If you waxed your handboard thoroughly and correctly, you will notice some of the wax has clogged the hand strap screw holes. You will need to clear these out before replacing your strap.
To do this, stick the tip of your screwdriver into the hole and twist to de-clog. The wax will stick to your screwdriver. Wipe it off with your towel and repeat for the remaining holes.
step 8 – reinstall the hand strap
Once you are satisfied with the amount of wax applied to your board, it is time to reinstall the strap. You will notice there are two settings or a total of four holes on your Slyde board, two on each side.
Some bodysurfers prefer to ride with their hands further back while others like their hands further up the board. Choose your desired hole setting and place it directly over it. Hold the hand strap tightly down onto the board and re-insert the screws using your power drill or screwdriver.
step 9 – test your board
Now it’s time to test your board. Take it out for a few waves to see how well you can grip your handboard when it gets wet. If you feel your hand sliding then reapply more wax in the spots you feel your hand slipping the most. If you feel that you need to apply more wax to the entire board then repeat steps 1 to 6.