People who are good at any type of sport that involves a board will likely tend to try several of them (each season with its own perks). Although in practice summer vibes make you think of surfers, while snowboarding is an activity where the snowboarder is hidden behind the cushioned clothing, in essence riding a board requires balance in different water conditions. And yes, they all involve some type of water (either frozen or liquid).

Depending on the density of the wax you are using on your surfboard, and if it’s recommended for surfing at all, there might be some chance for you to reduce traction on both boards with the same product. However, there is a significant difference in the conditions, terrain, and temperature between a surfboard and a snowboard, so it is natural that a different type of wax is required. 

During usage, the snowboard gradually begins to slide worse. The reason is the abrasion of the previously applied layer of wax. There are differences in opinion when it comes to determining which paraffin wax is best for snowboarding in certain situations. Some claim that the specific made is the best, while other people like to consider all of the alternatives.

A fun fact: did you know that there are snowboards that come waxed?

Parrafin wax for snowboarding

Sometimes the items and materials that can be found in any household are the ones that do have the widest application. However, it is important to keep in mind that people who are not experienced with snowboard maintenance should leave the work to be done by a professional. Working with hot or cold tools can not only be a safety hazard, but improper usage can permanently damage the board, so you might find yourself looking for a new one instead of simply getting it waxed. Also, if you’re wondering whether hockey wax will do the trick, click here.

The talk about different kinds of wax is just another part of the snowboarding subculture. It’s very good you know this info.

Universal wax

Snowboard wax comes in the form of a fairly soft, pliable pasty substance. The product can be applied by rubbing with a special scraper or ironing with a hot iron. It is advisable to resort to the use of universal paraffin in cases when it is urgent to improve the sliding quality of the snowboard, however, the optimal temperature for application is not known. In other words, such substances are a good suitable tool for all occasions.

Paraffin wax for snowboarding is universal, suitable for application on the sliding surface of the board to prepare for riding in almost all weather conditions, except in really extreme conditions. The materials in this category and quality have provided significant efficiency and work perfectly at temperatures ranging from -15 to -40C.

Hot paraffin

This paraffin wax for snowboarding is known to every experienced rider. The advantage of the tool is the ability to create a stable sliding layer of different thicknesses. The main disadvantage is the need for a suitable iron, with the help of which, in fact, the lubricant is applied. With the extremely limited time allotted for the preparation of the inventory, the duration of the hot paraffin application process brings a lot of inconveniences. Removing a stable layer when it needs to be replaced is also not an easy task.

Rubbed paraffin

It is used by riders between rides when the first need arises to increase the ability to skate. The use of such a plan is usually resorted to in cases when there is not enough time for full-fledged surface treatment with hot paraffin. The rubbed product is quite soft and honestly short-lived. Despite this, professional athletes find it ideal for quickly correcting snowboarding levels on their own.

Glue paraffin

Another snowboard wax that can be used quickly between rides. The effect of the application of such agents is less lasting. Even in comparison with spent substances. Pasty products are usually sold in cans. Comes with a special applicator to manually cover the sliding surface of the plate. Wondering where you might find this item? Check here.

Warm Paraffin

This type of paraffin is a great choice for warm spring weather. As a snowboarding wax, it allows the optimal gliding of the board in temperatures from -7 up to 2 C.

Cold Paraffin

It is designed especially for colder weather conditions. The substance application will reduce the impact of sliding snow sticking to the board, and is most efficient in colder weather below zero degrees and down to -25 C.

Hydrocarbon

Athletes use it when it is necessary to practice complex techniques during calm skiing. Funds in this category are economical to spend. Therefore, they are often applied on rental boards, which are rented to novice drivers. The carbon grease is also a great option for processing the board during storage.

Paraffin with fluorine content

More effective in improving plate speed compared to carbon lubricant. Professional drivers often use fluorinated paraffin wax as a preparation for competition and therefore have a fairly high price.

The higher the percentage of fluoride in such a lubricant, the more speed an athlete can develop. The only disadvantage of the product is the creation of chemical components harmful to the environment when interacting with the snow cover, especially aggressive acids.

Racing wax

As its name implies, this is specialized paraffin used to develop maximum speeds for going down the hill or trail.

Paraffin wax for snowboard storage

Sooner or later the board must be stored. In order not to damage the snowboard at the end of the season, it is enough to preserve its sliding surface with paraffin for protection. The substance must remain on the plate throughout the summer.

Paraffin for storage has a fairly low price (in contrast to some other snowboarding equipment).  If desired, it can be used as an alternative to expensive lubricants when preparing a snowboard for skiing in warm weather.

Cleaning wax

Cleaning wax is used to remove old wax from the sliding surface of a snowboard. It melts residual grease well and enables fast scraping of all types of dirt and the removal of dust layers. It is recommended to apply new wax only after the snowboard has been treated with such a cleaner.

Prepare a greased plate

Before the snowboard is treated with paraffin, experts recommend a thorough cleaning of the surfaces of the old product. Special liquids are used for this purpose. However, a common household solvent can be used as an alternative.

After storing the board, a specific gray coating is usually formed on the surface of the latter. It is precisely the contact with the snow that is the main reason for the reduction in snowboarding at the beginning of the new season. You can remove the plaque with any suitable means, for example, a spatula or a metal ruler.

Applying paraffin on a snowboard

Paraffin wax for snowboard is universal for this purpose, and it is recommended to use a well-heated iron. To get started, paraffin should be applied to a hot surface until the substance begins to melt and drip onto the board. After melting a copious amount of paraffin, you should flatten it with the same iron, a special scraper, a piece of plastic, and so on. It is recommended to move in the direction from the nose of the snowboard to the tail. It is not worth applying paraffin in a thick layer, because later its excess will still have to be scraped off, achieving the optimal thickness.

After processing, the snowboard should be left alone for about a day. After 24 hours, you can continue the paraffin cycle, which means a systematic reduction in the thickness of the layer. It is only necessary to remove the fat that has not been absorbed into the plate. This is how the best skating is achieved.

Some drivers mistakenly believe that excess wax will wear out on its own while driving. However, in most cases, the unwillingness to thoroughly grind the surfaces leads to the creation of unevenness, which not only looks unaesthetic but also makes sliding difficult.

So, can you use surf wax on a snowboard?

In essence, you can use it, there is no law against it. But like cars that need oil changes, and there is a specific oil for a specific type of engine, not all are a good fit for all types of boards.

Without wax, the base of the board will dry out, reducing speed, becoming prone to cracks, and losing its durability lifespan. You already know that wax reduces friction between the base and the snow, but not all wax can be used in all conditions.

Manufacturers will always tell you that the key to going fast is to successfully find a secret recipe wax based on its application, that ensures the best level of speed. So surfboard wax, as you can imagine, does not entirely fit the picture. It is made for wet, salty, and warm surroundings as wax for snowboards is made for snow and colder temperatures.

There are some all-season waxes and in all, you need to make sure the board is waxed at all times. Now if you are persistent in the thought that your super-secret surfing wax will do the trick, by all means, go for it. We suggest that you check the board frequently and use the wax more often if you are uncertain of the longevity of the application. If you have some great solutions or marks, by all means, let us know!