To Wax Or Not To Wax

Or wax on, whacks off. I opened the proverbial can of worms by posting some pics of wax from various companies on the facebook. Through this raging debate I learned that there are those who do, and those who don't, and that there are those who never have nor will. I discovered a middle ground where we all agree that waxing metal coping should be a criminal offense. That's just not necessary. Some friends are of the opinion that one or two passes with the wax and a day or two of slappies are all that are needed to break a curb in proper. Having practiced this method over the years I agree. I've managed to flatten 3 sets of Independent Trucks over the last 3 years at my favorite curb spot. One of the best points raised was that most tricks are best done at speed. Speed is the key essential element to the successful execution and follow through of most maneuvers. A lot of speed and a little wax go a long way.
Like most things in skateboarding, waxing a ledge or curb is at times necessary, or it can be a matter of personal choice and style. Some skaters like the iced out super slick slides while some prefer to let the wheels bear the brunt of the friction. Others are somewhere in the middle, prefering a perfect slip to grip ratio when they lock in to a nose slide, tail slide, blunt slide, board slide (SLIDE...are you seeing a pattern here?), grind, etc. Whatever you decide is up to you. Skateboarding doesn't have a rule book that dictates what to do and not to do. That is what is so appealing about skateboarding. It is a matter of individual expression and style.