Last updated on March 31st, 2024 at 11:51 am
If you are looking for the best surf wax, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top recommendations for a surf wax that will keep your feet stable on your surfboard while riding waves.
* Honest disclaimer- Reef Break is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Table of Contents
ToggleAbout Surf Wax
Using high-quality surf wax can significantly enhance your experience of the waves. It provides the necessary traction to resist the force of water and prevent slip-offs. Moreover, a good surf wax can withstand different weather conditions, remaining effective in both chilly winter surf and hot summer sun.
So, we have created a list of the 10 best surf waxes currently available and provide comprehensive breakdowns of each one’s pros and cons. If you are ready for a better overall surfing experience, let’s get started.
The 10 Best Surf Wax
1. Sticky Bumps Warm/Tropical Water Surfboard Wax – For Use Above 69 Degrees Fahrenheit
This surf wax includes six 80-gram bars specifically formulated to retain stickiness in water temperatures above 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, it is perfect for those who surf during the summer or in tropical locations. Sticky Bumps’ original formula ensures you have the grip necessary to execute crucial maneuvers. In addition, it is highly durable in warm to tropical conditions, guaranteeing a prolonged lifespan.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Excellent grip.
● Long-lasting surfing wax.
● Pleasant scent.
Cons
● Can get sticky.
2. Sex Wax Quick Humps Coconut – Eco-Friendly
Sex Wax Quick Humps Coconut is an eco-friendly surfboard wax that enhances traction. This product is highly preferred by professional surfers across the globe due to its superb balance of stability and adhesiveness. It is a must-have for anyone looking to optimize their surfing experience.
The wax can be used alone or as part of a Basecoat/Topcoat combination, allowing you to customize the waxing process to your preference.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● High traction.
● Easy application.
● It smells excellent.
Cons
● The coconut scent isn’t for everyone.
3. Bubble Gum Surf Wax – Superior Adhesion
Bubble Gum Surf Wax provides an excellent adhesion for surfers seeking a confident and aggressive ride. The Original Formula features a top-quality sticky blend of natural and synthetic wax-based compounds with tackifiers, ensuring an unbeatable grip between your feet and your board. So, order Bubble Gum Surf Wax today and enjoy your desired grip and aroma!
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Strong adhesion and wax felt soft.
● A unique bubble gum Wax scent.
● Comfortable underfoot.
Cons
● Not eco-friendly.
4. Outdoor Wax Works Eco-Friendly Surfboard Wax – 100% Organic Substances
Boost your surfing performance with Outdoor Wax Works Eco-Friendly Surfboard Wax. This convenient 3-pack wax will give you the grip you need to take your surfing to the next level, all while helping to protect ocean reefs and marine life. With this wax, you get an eco-friendly product made of 100% organic substances such as beeswax and coconut oil. What’s great about this product is that it covers an extensive temperature range from 50°F to 90°F. So, you will be appropriately prepared no matter what climate you find yourself in.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Environmentally friendly.
● Non-slippery.
● Durable and best surfboard wax.
Cons
● High price.
5. EHOMEA2Z Surf Wax Warm Tropical – Non-Toxic
This non-toxic wax is made from biodegradable, all-natural ingredients and performs well in warm tropical waters. Its delightful mango scent will add an enjoyable touch to your surfing experience.
This wax functions well at temperatures of 69°F and above, giving you a fast and reliable grip in the water.
For added quality assurance, this product is handmade in the USA using craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Heat resistant.
● Versatile use.
● Easy to apply.
Cons
● Wears off faster.
6. Mr. Zogs Original Sexwax – For Both Base And Top Coats
Mr. Zogs Original Sexwax is used by surfers worldwide to optimize their performance. It allows you to choose from four different water temperatures (cold, cool, warm, or tropical) and four delicious scents (Coconut, Strawberry, Grape, and Pineapple). So, whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, Mr. Zogs Original Sexwax provides excellent protection that you can rely on. Give it a try today to discover why so many surfers have used this iconic American product for years.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Proven quality.
● Wide temperature range.
● Consistent texture.
Cons
● Some find it hard
7. FCS Surf Wax Cool – Coconut Scented
FCS Surf Wax Cool is another excellent choice when hitting the waves. This coconut-scented surf wax gives you an unbeatable grip on your surfboard in icy conditions. Plus, it is eco-friendly thanks to its 100% recycled packaging and natural ingredients. This wax is designed for cool-temperature waves between 13-19°C.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Ideal for cooler waters.
● Firm grip.
● Easy removal.
Cons
● Not for warmer climates.
8. Mrs. Palmers Surfboard Wax – Best for Beginners
This extra sticky wax formula has satisfied customers since 1988, providing long-lasting traction for both beginners and pros. Made in Australia, it is a popular choice among surf professionals worldwide. This surf wax offers excellent grip and control in all weather conditions on almost any surface. Furthermore, it is eco-friendly and non-toxic, ensuring your safety and the environment’s protection.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Strong stick.
● Prolonged use.
● Good in varied temperatures.
Cons
● Melts in high heat.
9. Sticky Bumps Surf Wax BASE – Great also for Skimboards
Sticky Bumps Surf Wax BASE is another excellent product for surfers and skimboarders looking for superior grip and traction. This premium 85g wax provides optimal sticking power in all conditions for serious surfers who don’t want their board slipping beneath them.
Sticky Bumps Surf Wax BASE is designed specifically for sticky situations. Its unique blend of high-grade ingredients bonds to the surface of your board, providing extra-strong stickiness. It’s lightweight at only 0.02 pounds, and its thickness of 0.8 inches ensures it covers your entire surfboard or skimboard without being too bulky.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Good base coat.
● Promotes better topcoat adhesion.
● Lasts long.
Cons
● Some users find it less comfortable.
10. Matuna’s Organic Surf Wax for Warm Water – All-Natural Wax
Matuna’s Organic Surf Wax is perfect for Warm Water. This all-natural, organic, Biodegradable, and non-toxic wax provides an excellent grip without harsh chemicals or environmental pollutants.
Unlike some competitors, this surf wax has completely eco-friendly packaging printed with recycled ink on 100% recycled paper to ensure your purchase does not support unsustainable practices. In short, it provides the same level of grip as other wax products available in the market but without any unnecessary chemical additives.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Organic ingredients.
● Suitable for warm water.
● Smells natural.
Cons
● Higher cost.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing a Surf Wax?
To choose the best surf wax, consider certain factors that can greatly impact your surfing experience. The right selection of wax is crucial for achieving optimal performance on your surfboard.
1. Water Temperature
Surf waxes are tailored to specific water temperatures, influencing their stickiness and texture. Cold water waxes, for instance, stay tacky in colder conditions. In contrast, tropical waxes are formulated to resist melting in high heat. So, choosing a surf wax suitable for the water conditions you’ll be surfing in is essential.
2. Type of Surfboard
The kind of board you have can also impact the type of wax you need. For instance, epoxy surfboards tend to be slicker and may need wax with a stronger grip. Conversely, foam boards might not require such a strong wax due to their inherently grippier surface.
3. Environmental Impact
More surfers are becoming conscious of their environmental footprint. If this matters to you, consider eco-friendly surf waxes. These options are made from natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic ingredients, making them a sustainable choice without compromising performance.
How Did We Choose the Best Surf Wax?
Choosing the best surf wax brands wasn’t an easy task. We delved into hours of research and testing to narrow down our top picks. Our team scoured the web, reading reviews and personal accounts from experienced surfers.
We also consulted with industry experts for their recommendations. Finally, we tested the 10 most popular surf wax brands to see how well they held up in different water temperatures and conditions.
So, we are confident that we’ve chosen the absolute best surf wax brands. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned surfer, these 10 brands will make your surfing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. What is the purpose of surf wax?
Surf wax is applied to the deck of a surfboard to increase grip and prevent the surfer from slipping off their board while riding waves. It enhances traction and allows surfers to control and maneuver their boards better, enabling them to perform tricks and ride more challenging waves.
2. How often should I change my surf wax?
While there is no specific rule, surf wax usually needs to be replaced after every few surf sessions or at least once a month. This ensures optimal grip and cleanliness. If the wax gets dirty, loses its texture, or you can see the surfboard deck, it’s time to change it.
3. What are the steps to apply surf wax?
Start by applying a base coat of harder, high-temperature wax in a diagonal crosshatch pattern. This base coat will last several waxing sessions. Then, apply a top coat of softer, temperature-appropriate wax. The top coat should be refreshed every one to three surf sessions.
Conclusion – A Few Final Thoughts
There is no one solution when it comes to surf wax. Different types of wax work best in different water temperatures and conditions, so choosing the right kind is key to achieving optimal performance on the waves.
We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect wax for your surfing needs. Have fun on the waves.
For more surf product reviews, check out our post about the best surf leashes and surf sunscreen.
Author
-
Hi, my name is Matt. I am a surfer, a diver, a traveler, and a true ocean lover. After surfing in so many countries, I founded Reef Break to share my passion with other surfers and help them plan their surf trips better. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I would love to hear them, so please feel free to contact me at reefbreaksite@gmail.com.
View all posts