If you’re an avid skateboarder, wax may not seem like a necessity for your hobby. After all, isn’t it just an unnecessary waste of money?
In reality, wax can provide essential benefits when it comes to keeping your skateboard in good shape and helping you get the most out of each ride.
It can help grip the surface beneath your board so that you have more control over turns, jumps and slides.
Wax also protects against wear and tear around bolts or scratched surfaces which could affect riding quality.
Read on to learn why every skateboarding enthusiast should add waxing as part of their regular maintenance routine.
Why do you need wax for skateboard?
Skateboarding requires special consideration when it comes to certain techniques and materials.
Wax is one of the most important products a skateboarder needs, as it provides traction and helps with sliding maneuvers.
With high pressure on the wheels due to tricks such as grinds and slides, properly waxed rails, ledges and banks add an extra layer of protection between the board and surface.
They also help keep your feet from slipping from their grip on the board, which can lead to potentially dangerous falls.
When selecting a wax for your board, consider its color based on the type of skating you do frequently or its sticky properties depending on how much traction you need.
Investing in good-quality wax can pay off in increased safety, increased performance and longer life of your skateboard.
What is the purpose of wax on a skateboard?
The purpose of wax on a skateboard is to provide a slippery surface that helps the rider have more control.
Wax acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between the bottom of the skateboard and the ground, allowing for smoother turns and slides.
In addition to helping riders gain more control, wax also helps protect the board from wear and tear by providing a buffer between it and the ground.
Wax can come in many different formulas depending on what kind of skating a person is doing; some are designed for faster speeds, while others are better suited to technical tricks.
It’s important to choose the right type of wax for your particular style of skating in order to maximize performance.
Do all skateboards need wax?
No, skateboards don’t necessarily need wax.
While many skateboarders prefer to wax their boards in order to reduce friction and provide a smoother ride, some find that the extra effort of waxing outweighs the benefits.
Skateboarders who don’t use wax typically rely on grip tape to provide traction and an optimal riding experience.
Some riders also opt for specialized lubricants such as speed lube or silicone spray to reduce friction.
Ultimately, it comes down to the individual rider’s preference and what works best for them, so there is no definitive answer as to whether all skateboards need wax or not.
How often should you wax your skateboard?
When it comes to the frequency of waxing your skateboard, it really depends on how often you ride and what type of environment you’re riding in.
If you are an avid rider and like to take your skateboard out frequently, then you should make it a habit of waxing it at least once every two weeks.
This will ensure that the grip tape on your board remains reliable, allowing for better control and reduced wear-and-tear over time.
Additionally, if you regularly ride in wet environments or areas with dirt and debris, then frequent waxing is even more important as this will help protect the board from damage caused by those elements.
What type of wax should you use on your skateboard?
You should use a paraffin or synthetic based skateboard wax for your skateboard.
Paraffin wax is the most commonly used type of wax and provides great levels of grip and protection against wear and tear.
Synthetic wax is also an option, which offers more durability than paraffin and will last longer on your skateboard deck, however it’s not as grippy as paraffin.
Whichever type of wax you choose, make sure to apply it regularly to keep your board in top condition.
You can use a combination of different types of waxes if you want to get the best possible grip while still maintaining great durability.
Conclusion
Overall, the importance of wax for skateboarding is undeniable.
From providing a smooth experience to allowing more technical tricks, using wax can completely change your board game.
When used correctly you will notice the difference almost immediately- and you have our guarantee that it won’t be a slippery one.
Skaters of all levels should get into this habit as it only takes a few minutes and will provide heaps of benefit if done regularly.
Not to mention, it looks pretty darn cool when someone whoops out a properly waxed board, the confidence that goes with it comes naturally.
Whether you want to cruise lazily down your local boulevard or practice some sick kickflips down an old staircase spot, make sure you never forget or neglect your good ol’ buddy – wax!