How to achieve the perfect humps
(words Jake Boex)

I have to admit I am a wax miser. I never buy the stuff and the current wax job on my 6’5” has been there for at least ten months, it’s three inches thick and I scratch it up with any bit of rock I can find. I do however know how to get a perfect wax job when I can be arsed. So here’s some top tips.

First clean your board using a wax comb to get most of the old stuff off, then a cloth. For a squeaky clean pro job use acetone to get the smears off.

Next you’re going to get two blocks of wax. The first block is for a base coat and should be one flavour harder than the wax you actually need, i.e. if you’re in warm water get the tropical bar out. You’ll use this as a hard wearing base coat.

Using the corner edge mark diagonal criss-crosses over the deck of your board. Then using the flat edge you’ve just created rub in circular motion evenly all over the deck of your board. Miraculously the wax will bead into humps. These will give you more grip.

Cover most of your board from the tail upwards (or the tailpad - these are highly recommended). If you have shortboard you probably don't need wax on the top third of the nose, but it helps if you end up slipping, land an air weirdly or if you want to slide up the front in the barrel.

Once you have a good base of humps, apply a smear of sticky top coat for the ultimate wax job. Apply the top coat every surf.

When using a wax comb (best with thicker wax) scratch diagonally from rail to rail. If you don’t have one and you’re stuck, or you’re as tight as me, use a bit of stick or a sea shell. You can also use the edge of a pointy rock, but be careful you don’t put it through the deck.

Wax combs mess up your perfect wax beads so use them at your own risk!

Don't let your wax melt in the sun as it goes all hard and slippery. Don’t put your board deck down on dry sand, especially if you’re surfing in boardies, ouch. Never let dippy birds covered in sun oil borrow your board...unless you’re on a promise!

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