If you are an avid surfer then you will probably know the importance of surfboard wax and how it can help you to catch a variety of waves. It is for this reason that surfboard wax has remained so popular, creating a sticky surface that allows the rider to stand on their board without the added risk of falling off. When it comes to selecting the best wax for you, however, it can sometimes get a little confusing due to the HUGE number of surfboard wax products available on the market today. That’s where we come in…
There are four main types of surf wax that are suitable for
surfboards,
longboards and
windsurfing boards too! The type you choose will depend entirely on the water temperature that you will be surfing in. It is important that you are aware of the water temperature of where you will be surfing beforehand as this will ensure that the wax works effectively.
- Basecoat- Suitable for a variety of water temperatures. This product is to be applied before your main surfboard wax for added protection.
- Tropical Wax- For temperatures between 68 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cool Wax- For temperatures between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cold Wax- For temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit
It is fairly easy to work out which wax will work best for you and your board. For example, if you were looking for a wax suitable for surfing in England then you would usually opt for a cold wax. If, however, you were surfing in Australia in the height of summer then a tropical wax would be far more suitable. Some brands even sell their wax products in sets too, offering several types of wax in one handy package. These products are great for those surfing in countries where the weather can be temperamental as well as those who plan on travelling and surfing in a variety of weather conditions too.
Another consideration you will need to make before purchasing your new board wax is how much wax you will be needing. If you plan on surfing regularly then it may be a good idea to purchase ‘wax sets’ containing several bars of wax as this will save you some pennies in the long run. If, however, you are new to the word of surfing then you may want to purchase a smaller amount to ensure you like the sport first. Surfboard waxes also come in a large variety of scents, ranging from bubblegum to blueberry and even coconut! If you aren’t a fan of scented products, however, then some waxes are also available in neutral scents too.
Price
When it comes to the cost of your new surfboard wax this is going to depend on a variety of factors. You can expect to pay anywhere between $5 and $25 for surfboard wax depending on the products size and quantities as well as what temperature the wax is suitable for. Products at the higher end of this scale tend to be sold in much larger quantities, offering several wax bars rather than just one.
These type of products are perfect for professional surfers as well as those who play the sport frequently. Pricier products also tend to be in the cold/cool temperature range too. Products at the lower end of this scale are often sold in smaller quantities and are more suited to those who surf every now and again. These products tend to fall in the tropical temperature category. Cheap surfboard wax is available ($3 or less) but be aware that these products may not be as efficient as other, pricier products and may not last as long either.
Features
The features you will want included in your new surfboard wax will depend entirely on your own personal preferences as well as what you will be using the wax for. Some waxes are even suitable for hockey sticks and drums too! There are a few features, however, that we recommend keeping an eye out for to ensure you select the best possible product for you!
Here are some important features to look for…
- Natural/Non-Toxic
- Easy to Apply
- Temperature Variety
Construction and Design
One feature we recommend looking for in your new surfboard wax are products that are either natural or non-toxic. With many youngsters taking up surfing these days it’s important not to expose them to dangerous and harmful chemicals. As well as this, non-toxic, natural products are far better for the environment and for the ocean too.
We also suggest keeping an eye out for products that are described as being easy-to-apply. Some wax products are incredibly hard and it can take a while to gather up enough of the product the cover your board. By this time, the waves you were so desperate to ride could be long gone! Therefore, pick an easy-to-apply product to get the job done as quickly as possible so you can spend more time out in the ocean!
Finally, we recommend purchasing products that have temperature variety. This means that the wax is suitable for all temperatures, so you don’t have to pay extra for several types of wax. This is also a great idea for those that are travelling as it will take up less space in your backpack and save you some pennies!
Performance and Ease of Use
Caring for your new wax product is a fairly easy task, even for those that are new to the sport. An important thing to remember, however, is to store your wax in a cool, dry place as it is particularly prone to melting, especially if you are staying in a hotter climate. We recommend storing the product in the fridge to keep it in tip top condition. You may also want to wrap the product in cling-film or place it in a Tupperware box to prevent the wax from cracking and keep those pesky bugs away too…they love the sweet smell of scented wax. If you are looking for a particularly easy-to-use product then we suggest buying wax that comes in a tin or case to protect both the wax and your surf bag…
Hopefully, after reading through our handy little buying guide you have now figured out what type of surfboard wax is most suitable to your needs as well as all the features you would like included in your new product. This will make it a lot easier when it comes to narrowing down your options and selecting the ideal surfboard wax to help you ride those waves! So let’s get looking at our top 5 picks shall we?
Features
Sticky Bumps has made surfboard wax for a variety of different temperatures and boards for over 30 years, aiming to make products that will take surfing to the next level. By enhancing the quality of its waxes, Sticky Bumps creates products that improve its customers' surfing experiences. Today, Sticky Bumps ships over 4 million bars of its wax products every year. If that doesn’t scream customer satisfaction, we don’t know what will!
Sticky Bumps Original Cool/Cold Water Surfboard Wax has an impressive #1 ranking online at Amazon and comes highly recommended. Fresh from the factory, this original formula wax is non-toxic, all-natural and biodegradable. This product is vegan, making it eco-friendly, longer-lasting and easy to apply too! Our favorite feature of this wax, however, has to be its original blueberry scent!
Features
Bubble Gum Surf Wax was invented by two brothers, Grant and Britt Galland, in the summer of 1984 in a kitchen in Leucadia, California. Surfers love the color, smell, look, feel and overall success of this product. Today, Bubble Gum is one of the most recognized surf wax products in the industry, with surfers using its products all around the world!
Bubble Gum’s Cool/Cold Surfboard Wax is highly recommended across review sites, and comes in a variety of temperature styles. This light pink wax goes on white and has a long-lasting grip that you don’t see in many other surf wax products. The sweet bubble gum scent of this wax has become a trademark for the Bubble Gum brand and is something we ourselves couldn’t get enough of!
By now, you should hopefully have a better understanding of what you want to get out of your new surfboard wax product. If you aren’t a fan of the products we have featured, all the brands we have chosen have a large variety of surf wax products to choose from. See their other collections to find the wax that’s right for you! Buy your wax and ride those waves. Surf's up!
