What you need
Before you start, make sure you have :
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A wax comb or a hard plastic card (like a used credit card). In this case, we opted for a lift pass, which is more flexible than a credit card, limiting the risk of scratching the board.
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A clean cloth
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Warm or hot water
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F-gasoline or diluted white vinegar
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Paper towels
Steps to remove wax
1. Softening wax
Wax is easier to remove when it's soft. To do this, expose the board to the sun for about ten minutes. Avoid prolonged exposure in very hot weather, as this will damage your board. If you're in a hurry or the weather is cold, use hot water or a hair dryer to soften it.
2. Scraping wax
Using a wax comb or a stiff card, start scraping with wide, even strokes. Work from tail to nose to remove as much wax as possible in a single pass. Pick up any residues to avoid spreading them in the wild.
3. Cleaning up residues
After removing most of the wax, wipe the board with a clean, dry cloth. To remove any remaining residue, apply a surfboard solvent, or rub with absorbent paper soaked in a little diluted white vinegar or F spirits.
4. Rinse and dry
Once the surface is clean, quickly rinse your board with clear water and dry it with a dry cloth. It's now ready for rewaxing or clean storage.
Precautions and tips
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Do not use metal objects to scrape the wax, which could scratch the board.
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Avoid overly aggressive solvents which could damage the board's surface.
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Recover used wax
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Regular wax removal maintains good grip and optimizes the life of your board. It's easy to do, and only takes a few minutes. Take the opportunity to check the general condition of your equipment before heading back out on the water!
