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Whether you're a seasoned surfer or just learning how to catch a wave, having the right surfing equipment is vital to your success. You have the wetsuit and the board, but what about the surfboard wax? This small item can make a big difference in your surfing. And it's also useful for skimboarders, kayakers, and rafters.
If you're not sure where to start, we've put together a list of the best surfboard wax out there as well as a buying guide that breaks down the different types of wax. Sticky Bumps is our number one pick and a fan favorite; it provides great traction while also being friendly to the Earth. Keep reading to see the rest of our list!
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Most surfboards have a fiberglass or resin surface, which creates a board that’s lightweight, durable, and maneuverable. However, these materials are slick and can get quite slippery when wet, making it nearly impossible to stand on water.
Applying surfboard wax to your board helps to create a bumpy and slightly sticky surface so your feet can maintain traction and grip on the board. This helps you not only stand on the board, allowing you to actually catch a wave, but also have better control of your board.
If you've never used surfboard wax before, it can be hard to figure out which one will work best for your needs. Let's walk through some of the most important factors to consider.
Some surfers like to use both a basecoat and a topcoat on their board, while others forego the basecoat. Whether or not you choose to use one is up to your personal preference. A basecoat is a harder, less sticky wax that you apply first. It begins the process of forming tiny bumps on the board that will help improve grip.
The topcoat is a softer, stickier wax that you apply more gently and increases the traction between your feet and the board. Applying both a basecoat and a topcoat can take a bit of time; however, the basecoat helps the topcoat stay on for longer, so you won’t need to re-wax your board as often.
Surfboard wax can be traditional or sticky. Traditional wax is more common. It’s harder than sticky wax and works by creating bumps on the surface of your board.
On the other hand, sticky wax adds a sticky layer to your board to aid with grip. You apply it only to the parts of your board that your feet will touch. Sticky wax is more likely to transfer to your feet while surfing, but if you don't feel as though you have enough grip using traditional wax, sticky wax can be a good option.
Surf wax for different water temperatures is made from ingredients with different melting points, so it’s important to pick the right one for your climate. Temperature ratings can vary a little bit between brands, so make sure to check the details of the product you’re purchasing.
Typically, tropical wax is made for water temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and above. It’s a harder wax that can withstand heat without melting. It can be used in colder temperatures, but will be quite hard and won't provide much grip.
Warm water wax is ideal for temperatures between 64 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit, while cool water wax is made for 58 to 68-degree water. Last but not least, cold water wax is designed for temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and below. This wax will melt in higher temperatures, so make sure to store it in a cool place.
Many surfboard waxes are made with paraffin, which is a by-product of petroleum. As a whole, the petroleum industry isn’t very environmentally friendly. It generates toxic compounds, greenhouse gases, and microplastics and accelerates climate change and ocean acidification.
In addition to larger industry impacts, wax can come off of your board and enter marine ecosystems, posing a threat to ocean life. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly alternative, you can find surfboard wax made from beeswax, soy, and hemp.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sticky Bumps Cool/Cold Water Surfboard Wax|5 pack | $12.49 Mid | Cool Water Wax From a Well Known Brand | ||
2 | Sex Wax Mr. Zogs Original Sex Wax - Cool Water | $5.46 Low | Classic Surfboard Wax With an Old School Vibe | ||
3 | Mrs. Palmers Cool Water Surf Wax|5 pack | $15.00 High Mid | Sticky Wax to Keep Your Feet on the Board | ||
4 | Matuna's Surf Wax - Warm|6 pack | $14.65 High Mid | An Earth-Friendly Wax Made from Natural Ingredients | ||
5 | Bubble Gum Cool Surf Wax | $7.00 Low Mid | Come for the Fun Packaging, Stay for the Good Grip | ||
6 | Sticky Bumps Surf Wax Basecoat|3 pack | $7.91 Low Mid | A Basecoat for Traction That Lasts | ||
7 | Outdoor Wax Works Surf & Paddle Wax|3 pack | $15.00 High Mid | Works in Cold, Cool, Warm, and Tropical Water | ||
8 | Famous Green Label Surf Wax - Warm | $8.90 Low Mid | Made With Natural Ingredients and Recycled Packaging | ||
9 | Sex Wax Quick Humps - Cool to Mid Warm|3 pack | $14.99 High Mid | A Soft Wax for Cool to Warm Temperatures | ||
10 | Sticky Bumps Softboard Wax - Cool/Cold|6 pack | $13.49 High Mid | Made Just for Soft Top Boards |
Sticky Bumps is one of the more popular surf wax brands and they make a range of wax for different temperatures. This five-pack is designed for cool to cold water, meaning anything 68 degrees Fahrenheit or below. It's non-toxic, biodegradable, and all-natural, so you can feel good about using it too!
Reviewers said this is a solid wax that provides consistent results. They found it to be easy to apply and said it has a sticky consistency that gives them a good grip on their board. They also enjoyed the scent!
Mr. Zogs Sex Wax is made with an old-school formula that stays true to its 1972 roots, using paraffin wax for superior grip. This wax is formulated for cold water and can be used as either a basecoat or a topcoat. On their website, you can choose from coconut, strawberry, grape, or pineapple scents.
Overall, reviewers gave this surf wax high ratings. Many called it their go-to wax and said it was long-lasting and easy to apply. They also found the scent pleasing. And it has other uses aside from surfboards; reviewers said it worked well on hockey sticks and kayak paddles too!
Mrs. Palmers was established back in 1988 in Australia. Their ultra-sticky surf wax contains a special traction additive that increases the stickiness of your board, helping you stay on your board for longer. It's formulated to withstand long surf sessions and won't wear out in the water.
This wax is made for cool water from 58 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The bar itself can be split in two for ease of use and it comes in a fully enclosed cardboard box so you can store it safely between waxings.
Matuna's is a choice brand for eco-conscious surfers. Their surf wax is made from 100 percent natural ingredients from farms in California and is non-toxic and biodegradable. It's petroleum-free and contains no synthetic chemicals. And the packaging is made from recycled paper too!
A couple of reviewers warned that this wax is quite soft, which can make the application more difficult. However, most reviewers liked the tacky texture and said it went on very smoothly. They found it to be long-lasting in the water. And they liked that the brand is gentle on the Earth.
Bubble Gum Surf Wax was invented in 1984 by two recent high school graduates in sunny California. This classic original formula wax is designed for water temperatures between 58 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for surfing off the southern California coast.
Not only will it give you grip and traction on your board, but it comes in unique, playful packaging. And it smells like bubble gum!
A basecoat is crucial for building the bumps on your board that create traction for your feet. It also helps your topcoat last longer. This surf wax basecoat from Sticky Bumps is made from all-natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable ingredients and is designed to be paired with any of their topcoat waxes.
Reviewers said this wax lives up to Sticky Bumps' reputation and works well on both surfboards and skimboards. They liked the base it creates on their board and said it helps both them and their topcoat stay on. Reviewers used it with Sticky Bumps topcoats as well as topcoats from other brands with great results.
Outdoor Wax Works' Surf & Paddle Wax is designed for a variety of aquatic activities, including surfing, skimboarding, kayaking, and rafting. It contains just two all-natural ingredients with zero additives for a simple, unscented bar. It's formulated to repel water and provide grip in a wide range of temperatures.
Reviewers said this wax gives them great grip on boat paddles and boards. They found that it applies easily and doesn't melt off in the sun.
Another well-loved brand, Famous Green Label Surf Wax is a great option for environmentally-conscious surfers. Their formula is made from natural, organic, non-toxic ingredients and is free of petrochemicals. It's also biodegradable to reduce its impact on marine life.
Even more, their packaging is made from recycled materials and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. They use soy ink for printing. Because of its oil-free formula, this wax should not be paired with petroleum-based waxes.
Sex Wax's Quick Humps is one of the top choices for professional and experienced surfers. The cool to mid-warm formula is a soft wax that's easy to apply and aims to balance stability with stickiness. It's ideal for water temperatures from 58 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
This wax comes in a recyclable paperboard box that can close completely to keep your wax clean and protected when not in use. Use it on its own for quick application or pair it with a basecoat.
If you use a soft-top surfboard, this wax is for you. Made by Sticky Bumps, it's formulated specifically for soft boards and can be used directly on the board with no need for a basecoat. It's non-toxic, biodegradable, and made with all-natural ingredients. And it smells like pink grapefruit!
Reviewers were pleased that this wax stays on their soft-top board, unlike other waxes. They said it's easy to use and gives them great grip.
The way you wax your board can have an impact on how much grip your board has. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your wax.
When you're out in the sun and water all day, it's important to keep yourself and your equipment protected from the elements. Here are some additional must-haves for your beach days.
No. 1: Sticky Bumps|Cool/Cold Water Surfboard Wax|5 pack
No. 2: Sex Wax|Mr. Zogs Original Sex Wax - Cool Water
No. 3: Mrs. Palmers|Cool Water Surf Wax|5 pack
No. 4: Matuna's|Surf Wax - Warm|6 pack
No. 5: Bubble Gum|Cool Surf Wax
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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