Surf wax is an essential accessory for surfing. Without it, surfers would slide off their surfboards every time they try to stand up. A good surfboard wax ensures optimal traction, helping surfers maintain control and perform maneuvers with precision. This article delves into the world of surf wax, covering the different types available, how to apply it properly, and some of the top brands in the market.
Surf wax is a product formulated with natural or synthetic waxes. It is normally composed of ingredients such as beeswax, paraffin, and other waxes. Beginner surfers usually start on foam surfboards, which don’t require wax. However, once they switch to a fiberglass or epoxy board, using wax becomes necessary.
Not all surf wax is created equal. There are different types designed for specific purposes and water temperatures. The two primary categories are basecoat and topcoat waxes.
This is a hard wax that serves as the foundation for your wax job. The basecoat helps the topcoat adhere to the surfboard, creating a textured surface for better grip. Apply the basecoat first to ensure a long-lasting wax job.
The topcoat is a softer wax applied over the basecoat to create bumps and texture, providing grip for the surfer's feet. Topcoats are available in different formulas, each designed for specific water temperatures:
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Using the appropriate wax for the water temperature is crucial. Warm water requires harder wax because soft wax will melt right off the surfboard in warmer conditions.
Here in the UK, with colder temperatures, you're likely to use cold wax from October through to May, then cool wax in the Summer - possibly even warm wax if it's been a particularly warm year. For example, in February in Newquay the average is 9.7 degrees centigrade, versus 7 degrees in Aberdeen.
A stellar wax job is crucial to your surf performance. Properly waxing your surfboard is an essential skill that can greatly impact your ability to catch waves and ride them with confidence. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wax a surfboard:
Choose a spot out of direct sunlight where you can make a bit of a mess. Wax shavings have a tendency to scatter and stick to things. Also, be sure to make a spot to lay your board where it won’t get damaged as you’re working. Shady grass is a great option.
Ensure the board is clean and dry. You don’t want any extra sand or grime on the board.
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Unless your board is brand new, you’ll need to remove the old wax before you put the fresh wax on. Wax comes off easier when it’s warm. Use the flat side of your wax comb to gently scrape off the warm wax. Apply firm pressure and make smooth, even strokes to remove as much wax as you possibly can. You might need a few passes in each spot.
After you’ve removed all the excess wax, rub the deck with your clean cloth or paper towels to get as much of the residue off. Some surf shops have special products to help with this.
Be sure to inspect the deck for dings and damage once it’s clean. If you find any damage, definitely fix it before continuing your wax job.
Ideally start with a clean surfboard with no wax on it. Take your basecoat wax and make diagonal lines across the deck of the surfboard (across the stringer). Remember you need to wax any area where your feet could be placed.
There are many strong opinions on how to apply a basecoat, but any method can do the job. Just remember that the goal is to create a thin, textured surface for the topcoat to adhere to. The main methods are circular motions or diagonal strokes.
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Now take your top coat wax and rub it over the basecoat in a circular motion. Use the circular motion method to apply your topcoat. You might have to work at it for a while. Apply strong pressure and rub over each spot multiple times. It’s important to allow it to build up to a thick layer. A thin layer will not have enough bumps to be sticky. One the board has an even layer of thick, textured bumps, you should be good to go. It should have a clean, fresh look to it.
When waxing your board, cover the deck almost from rail to rail, but don’t wax the rails. Do NOT wax the bottom of your board. Longboards are waxed all the way from the tail to the nose, however, most other board types do not need the nose waxed because you’ll never touch the nose when you’re surfing.
It’s a good idea to check the wax condition of your board before each surf session. Each time you surf, the wax will get smoother and less sticky. Most surfers apply a light coat of topcoat before they hit the water. Sometimes a spot on your wax job will get messed up or smear. The wax will melt and stick to things, especially board bags! Rewax your board (remove all old wax and add new basecoat and topcoat) when your wax starts to get gross or excessively thick. This doesn’t need to be done very often.
In the world of surfing, the right wax can make all the difference. Whether you prioritize grip, tradition, sustainability, or craftsmanship, there’s a surfboard wax out there tailored to your preferences. Several brands have made a name for themselves by providing high-quality surf wax. Here are some of the top brands:
Sticky Bumps has been a dominant force in the surf wax market since its inception in the early 1990s. The brand prides itself on producing high-quality wax that provides surfers with exceptional grip, ensuring they can stay on their boards even in the most challenging conditions. Sticky Bumps offers a variety of formulas designed for specific water temperatures, including the popular Warm, Cool, and Tropical blends.
One of the standout features of Sticky Bumps is its commitment to consistency. Surfers appreciate the reliability of Sticky Bumps wax, knowing that they can trust the product to perform consistently session after session.
A Sticky Bumps Team favorite. Slightly stickier than our Original formulas with a 3X grip rating and great bump building characteristics. Dream grip, vivid color. Grip that pops. New colored boxes are now available! Keep your wax off your gear and keep sand off your wax with our board wax box and comb combo.
In the Stab Wax Test, Sticky Bumps Munkey Wax received a rating of 8.5/10. This wax is comparable to Fu and Da Hui Wax, in the sense that it’s ultra sticky (5x stickier than normal Stick Bumps!) and that it must be applied in moderation. If used incorrectly, Munkey Wax could be seriously detrimental to a surf session, however it was found to be delightfully tacky.
Sticky Bumps Original received a rating of 8/10. True to its name, Sticky produces great Bumps, is tacky enough to maintain control, and it seemed to have a lot of structural integrity. Sticky Bumps Tour Series also received a rating of 8/10. This version of Sticky Bumps is very similar to the Original but slightly tackier.
Sex Wax is a surf wax brand with a rich history and a global fanbase. Established in 1972 by surfboard shaper Zog, Sex Wax gained fame not only for its exceptional performance but also for its unique scent. The coconut aroma has become synonymous with the brand and is instantly recognizable on any beach.
What sets Sex Wax apart is its commitment to the surfing lifestyle. The brand’s iconic logo and colorful packaging have become cultural symbols, and many surfers feel a connection to the brand that goes beyond the water.
In the Stab Wax Test, Sex Wax Quick Humps received a rating of 8.5/10. Sex Wax’s incessant reign over the international wax market is the result of decades of finely produced bars. Functionally speaking, Sex Wax is plenty sticky and feels soft underfoot, almost as if it’s embracing your weight. It retains its shape throughout a session and is easily applicable and cheap.
Fu Wax is a relatively newer player in the surf wax market, but it has quickly gained attention for its innovative approach and commitment to sustainability. The brand places a strong emphasis on creating eco-friendly wax options without compromising on performance. Surfers who are environmentally conscious appreciate Fu Wax’s dedication to producing a high-performance wax while prioritizing the health of the planet. The brand’s commitment to sustainability extends to its packaging, which is designed to reduce waste.
According to the Stab Wax Test, Fu Wax Brazil is a top performer, earning a rating of 10/10. Fu creates that “soft feet” feeling, where the board seems to follow your movements no matter which way you turn. Due to its non-horizontal slip, Fu makes stomping airs a breeze, and if anything, its tackiness only increases throughout the session. Amazingly, the secret Fu formula was developed over 20 years of trial and error and, like many great inventions before it, was only discovered due to a production mistake.
Saba Surf Wax takes a unique and artisanal approach to surf wax production. Handcrafted in small batches, each bar of Saba Surf Wax receives individual attention, ensuring consistency and quality. What sets Saba Surf Wax apart is its emphasis on craftsmanship. The hands-on approach to production appeals to surfers who appreciate the artistry that goes into creating a high-quality product.
Regular surf wax originally consisted almost completely of paraffin wax which is made from petroleum. This has many negative effects on the environment, both during the refinement process required to make it as well as when it floats around in the ocean after it inevitably rubs off a board. Many wax manufacturers have altered their recipes to include less paraffin wax or - even better - have cut it out completely.
