4 Essentials to Setting Up Your Surfboard

These are the 4 Essential steps to setup your surfboard. 

1. Sticking On Your Stomp Pad. For those who are going for the most performance and enjoy using the tracking pad. This helps with knowing where you foot is relative to the fins and helps from slipping. Use the techniques shown here to help you properly align and stick the pad down air bubble free.
2. Waxing Your Surfboard. There are many ways people wax their surfboard. This version is a common method. Do what feels best for you. Start by creating a cross-hatch pattern followed by small circles. This gives you a semi random collection of peaks for wax buildup. Start making larger circles with the wax with light to medium pressure in order to create even more bumps. Repeat this process until you get your desired result. In the end you want a bumpy surface that allows you to grip with your feet and toes. 
3. Making and attaching your leash with the leash string. You can use paracord or any strong cord or rope for the leash string. Make sure it's thick enough to withstand high pull forces but still thin enough to slide under the leach plug bar. Measure the length so that when the leash is put on the rail saver portion is what touches your surfboard rails (or edge of your board). If you make it too long the string will touch the rails and cause damage when the wave pull hard on your leash. Once the correct length is created and your knot is tied you can trim and burn the end to make sure it doesn't fray.  Feed your leash string through again and attach your leash. You're ready to surf.
4. Installing Your Fins. Sometimes it's hard to slide your fins into the fin box, especially when they are new. Be sure the fin box is clean. Then use your surfboard wax to wax the base of your fins. This will help them slide into the box nicely. Once they are fully in screw them in. Be sure to make them snug but not extremely tight. 

There you go. A few tricks to help you setup your surfboard while reducing the frustration factor by 98%. Enjoy and go shred.