How to Choose the Best Step Up Surfboard for Big Waves

Choosing the Best Step Up Surfboard

When it comes to riding bigger waves, having the right step up surfboard can make all the difference. As waves get larger, you need a board with more float and glide to help catch waves earlier and navigate choppy surfaces. Selecting the ideal step up board allows you to advance your surfing and take on more challenging conditions.

What Is a Step Up Surfboard?

A step up surfboard is a thicker, wider board designed specifically for surfing larger waves. While your standard shortboard may be in the 5'8" to 6'2" range, step ups are typically at least 6'4" or longer. Their increased volume and width provides extra paddle power, stability and wave catchability. Step ups allow experienced surfers to "step up" into bigger surf.

Identifying Wave Size and Ability Level

Choosing the right step up surfboard requires matching board volume and dimensions to your ability level and the wave sizes you want to tackle. For waves in the 6-8 foot range, an intermediate step up around 7'0" long and 21" wide would be suitable. Bigger wave step ups for experts may reach up to 9'0" x 23" or larger.

Always select a step up board that matches your capability in big surf. An oversized board can be difficult to control while one too small will lack stability. Consult with an experienced shaper when deciding what dimensions are right for the conditions and your skill level.

Step Up Surfboard Design Elements

While step ups vary across manufacturers, most share similar design traits to improve paddle power, wave entry speed and stability:

• Fuller, wider nose - Creates lift and helps the board glide across troubled sections.
• Wide tail - Enhances control on steep drops.
• Thicker rails - Prevents digging into waves during bottom turns and cutbacks.
• Single to double concave bottom shape - Maximizes speed while smoothing out the bumpy ride.
• Durable construction - Can withstand punishing waves using epoxy resins and carbon fiberglass.

How to Wax a Surfboard

Properly waxing your surfboard ensures you’ll have the right amount of grip and slide to maximize performance. Follow these steps for applying a fresh base coat of wax:

Choose the Right Wax

Select a wax suited for your local water temperature. Warmer water calls for softer wax that won't chip. Colder conditions require harder blends providing more traction. Base, mid and top range waxes are available for dialing grip.

Remove Old Wax Buildup

Use a wax comb, scraper or buffer to strip off built up old wax layers. This allows new wax to adhere directly to the board's porous foam surface. Remove yellowed or stained sun damaged wax until you reveal a clean surface.

Apply Wax in Sections

Rub wax directly onto the board using small circular motions to melt and fuse it with the foam blank. Cover an area roughly 20 inches wide then overlap sections as you move up and across the board. Spread wax evenly over the rails, deck and bottom.

Buff to Finish

Use a stiff brush or rag to buff the wax, blending any uneven areas. Buffing heats and smooths the wax coat while removing any excess. The result should be a thin, polished layer offering ideal traction for your next session.

With the right step up board and fresh wax job, you'll be ready to take on those big wave lineups. Remember to select a design matched to your skill level and ocean conditions for optimal performance.

FAQs

What length step up surfboard should I get for overhead waves?

For waves in the 6-8 foot overhead range, an intermediate step up around 7'0" long would be a suitable size to provide enough float and stability to catch and ride these bigger waves.

Do step up surfboards turn differently than regular shortboards?

Yes, the increased thickness and width of step up surfboards makes them less agile so they won't turn as sharply. The stability and glide you gain is ideal for surfing bigger waves though.

How warm should the wax be for cold water surfing?

Choose a harder, colder water wax for temperatures below 70°F. Cold water waxes are designed to resist chipping and withstand harsh ocean conditions to provide reliable grip.

What grit sandpaper should be used to buff off old wax?

Begin with a coarse 80-100 grit sandpaper to remove stubborn old wax layers and smooth the board's surface. Finish by buffing with a fine 180-220 grit sandpaper before applying fresh wax.