How to wax a surfboard: the wax-up ritual
Start here. Basecoat vs top coat, the crosshatch, picking your grade for the water and where to wax on every kind of board, with a tap-through animation of the whole wax-up.
Surf guides
Wax, grip and gear, explained properly. Written in Kumeu for Kiwi water, so you spend less time fiddling and more time surfing.
- 8 guides
- Wax
- Board & gear
- Surfing NZ
- Updated 18 Oct 2026
Start the wax-up
Wax
Which grade for your water, and how to strip it back when it's time for a fresh coat.
Surf Wax Temperature Guide: Which Wax for Your Water Temperature
Find the right surf wax temperature for your water. Cold, cool, warm, and tropical wax explained with NZ seasonal recommendations. By Sticky Johnson.
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Surfboard Wax Maintenance: Dewaxing and Cleaning Guide
Remove old surf wax from your surfboard in minutes. Our easy guide covers wax combs, heat methods, and cleaning tips. From Sticky Johnson, NZ surf experts.
Read moreBoard & gear
Tail pads, leashes and bags: what to pick for your board, and how to set it up properly.
How to Install a Tail Pad
Clean the tail, dry-fit, stick the centre piece first, then the rest, and let it cure 24 hours. Plus how to choose a pad and remove an old one.
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How to Choose a Surfboard Leash: Size, Thickness & Style Guide
Choose the right surfboard leash with our size and thickness guide. Match leash length to your board and wave conditions. By Sticky Johnson NZ.
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What Size Surfboard Bag Do I Need? Board Bag Sizing Guide
Find the perfect surfboard bag size. How to measure your board, bag types explained, and travel tips. Sticky Johnson board bags made for NZ surfers.
Read moreSurfing in NZ
Where to go, what the water's doing and what to bring, from your first session to your next road trip.
Surfing New Zealand: Water Temperatures, Wax Guide & Best Surf Regions
Your complete guide to surfing New Zealand. Water temps by region and season, which wax to use, best surf spots, and what gear you need. Sticky Johnson NZ.
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Surfing Essentials Checklist: Everything You Need to Start Surfing
Complete beginner surfing checklist. Every piece of gear you need to start surfing, from board and wax to wetsuit and accessories. By Sticky Johnson NZ.
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