Top 13 Best Surf Wax Reviews 2020 [Buying Guide]

Surfing, catching and riding on waves, is so much fun and a great way to ease tension. Unfortunately, you can become frustrated when you frequently lose balance, slip or even knocked get off your surfboard. With your surfboard made so smooth for streamlined movement, it can almost impossible to get a good grip on it, especially when it is wet. If you are really going to enjoy surfing, you should consider waxing your surfboard.

Yes, waxing helps to eliminate slipping by adding a layer of safety to your board. Using the best surf wax, you can up your surf-time and overall surfing experience. It is one of the must-have accessories you should have as a surfer. I have researched and made a list of the best surf wax you should consider for your surfboard.

See Also: 17 Best Surfboard Travel Bags

What Is Surf Wax?

Surf wax, as the name suggests, is a special wax made to improve surfing. By using a surf wax, you enjoy good traction and balance on your surfboard. Even when your board is wet, a good surf wax doesn't lose its efficiency thus reducing the possibility of sliding off. Hence, it should be a necessity for any passionate surfer.

They are mostly produced from beeswax, paraffin and some other hard wax materials. However, they may come with additives such as petroleum for softer waxes and fragrance sources such as bubblegum, oils, and resins. They are available in various temperature tolerance range i.e. their efficiency is dependent on the ambient temperature.

What's the Best Surf Wax to Buy?

Everybody wants to have a good time on the surfboard. You might think that just any surf Wax will do, however, that's not right. It is important to know that they are available in different qualities and specifications. Hence, you need the Best Surf Wax if you really want to enjoy surfing.

Here are some of the best products to consider.

• Best Overall: Mr Zogs Original Surf Wax
  "Multiple colors, long-lasting, available in four different scents."
• Best Budget: Mr Zogs Quick Humps Surf Wax
  "Easy to apply, multiple scents available, budget-friendly, can be used as a topcoat or basecoat."
• Best for Soft Foam Boards: Sticky Bumps Softboard Wax
  "Ecofriendly, biodegradable, easy to use, fixes well on boards."
• Best With Beeswax: Matuna's Surf Wax
  "Organic, budget-friendly, soft, lasts up to 4 hours on a single-use."
• Best for Cold Water: Sticky Bumps Cool-Cold Surf Wax
  "Biodegradable, inexpensive, can work fine with bodyboards in cold climates."
• Best for Warm Water: Wave Bandit Pineapple Surf Wax
  "Pineapple scent, good on soft surfboards, comes with a 30-day warranty."
• Best for Tropical Climate: Mrs. Palmers Tropical Surfboard Wax
  "Skin-friendly, excellent traction, smooth bumps, take long to wear off."
• Best for Skimboards: Double Barrel Surf Wax
  "Long-lasting, versatile, great traction, can work without basecoat."
• Best for Bodyboards: Sticky Bumps Original Board Surf Wax
  "Ultra-tacky, biodegradable wax and packaging, nice on bodyboards."

Where to Buy Surf Wax Near Me?

Basically, surf wax provides the traction needed to remain your surfboard. However, your place of purchase is important. It can be a nearby store or an online shop. Whichever option you prefer, just make sure your buying from a reputable place with impressive customer services. The online shop should have a trustworthy delivery service.

You want to ensure that you are buying a quality product. Therefore, it is advisable to check past customer reviews of any product you will be purchasing. For nearby shops, you can use my map below to find the closest to you.

Comparison of Top 13 Best Surf Wax 2020

Falling off your surfboard isn't strange but the frequency of doing that can be annoying. Sometimes, it can be dangerous. This is why you need a surf wax. Surf wax comes in different characteristics, hence, not using anyone at all will be better than using the wrong one.

You definitely need to make the right decision and this is why I've done you homework for you. I have sorted out 13 of the best surf waxes available in the market. Here is a quick comparison table containing the most important characteristics.

Best Surf Wax Reviews 2020

Using surf wax is one of the ways to stay safe when surfing. While it offers some level of protection, it also improves your surfing experience, giving you the needed glue and traction on your surfboard. Ideally, you should look for the best surf wax and not just any.

If you will be needing a surf wax soon, I have some 13 products you should consider. All the products selected were researched and deemed fit to be here. Since it will be best to have complete knowledge of them, below are the detailed reviews of each of the selected products.

Mr Zogs Original Surf Wax

(Best Overall - Editor's Choice)

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Mr. Zogs is a very popular surf wax brand with several products among which you’ll find this product. The Mr. Zogs original surf wax is one of the smoothest available. With this attribute, it is used for many sports asides surfing. You can use the product as a top or base coat and it will still perform excellently.

The surf wax is easy to apply and it adheres nicely and lasts long on the surfboard, giving you a good grip. This particular product has a temperature range of 65 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit, hence, it falls in the warm surf wax category. It is available in four scents – coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and grape.

Mr Zogs Quick Humps Surf Wax

(Best Budget)

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Here is another fantastic one from the Mr. Zogs brand. The quick humps surf wax is designed to suit may surfboards and particularly for cool to mid-warm climates. Weighing about 80 grams, it can be used as a top or base coat. It holds snugly on the surfboard whilst providing the desired stickiness.

The quick humps wax is one of the easiest to apply and takes seconds to fix on your surfboard. On the other hand, it is very easy to remove. It is available in different colors to suit your surfboard’s design and four attractive scents (coconut, strawberry, grape, and pineapple flavor).

Sticky Bumps Base Surf Wax

(Best for Basecoat)

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Looking for a good base wax for your surfboard? Try the super-sticky Sticky Bumps base surf wax. It made from non-toxic, bio-degradable materials, even the packaging is bio-degradable. The wax has a soft feel on the foot and adheres firmly to the surfboard.

The wax also creates a sticky surface for your topcoat to fix on. This way, the topcoat doesn’t flake off or stick on your body. The wax is stable at the mid warm temperature range i.e. 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sticky Bumps Original Board Surf Wax

(Best for Bodyboards)

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The Sticky Bumps brand itself is known for good quality surf wax which provides surfers adequate traction for their wave-riding desire. The Sticky Bumps original board surf wax is a product made for people living in hot climates. The wax is super reliable and will withstand high ambient temperatures of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and above.

A bar weighs about 80 grams and contains just biodegradable components. It also comes in an environment-friendly packaging, hence, the product does not in any way disturb the environment. It comes in one color and it is budget-friendly. On purchase, you receive four bars (two boxes containing two bars). It can also be used on bodyboards.

Sticky Bumps Cool-Cold Surf Wax

(Best for Cold Water)

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You do not have to stop surfing during the cold periods of the year. With the Sticky Bumps cool-cold, you can get on your surfboard when ambient temperatures fall below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The wax is made from a combination of biodegradable and non-toxic materials and doesn’t affect the environment.

The product is sold at relatively inexpensive prices but at a single color and size. The wax, during use, has a putty-like texture and it doesn’t fail in keeping you glued to your surfboard. If you use a bodyboard, you can apply the wax directly and it will still perform excellently.

Sticky Bumps Warm-Tropical Surf Wax

(Best With Soft Feel)

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If you are looking for a surf wax that stays long on the surfboard, try the Sticky Bumps Warm-Tropical wax. The product is tested and trusted by surfers and it has great reviews to back up its credibility.

It is easy to apply, forming the needed bumps quickly and it is also relatively easy to remove. It works optimally in keeping you balanced on your surfboards at temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

The wax replicates a putty-like feel on your feet whilst you go about enjoying the waves. The entire wax is made from biodegradable and environment-friendly materials that emulsify in the water. The packaging is made from paper which is highly biodegradable.

Double Barrel Surf Wax

(Best for Skimboards)

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The Double Barrel surf wax is a handcrafted wax made from California. The wax is made for climates with temperatures falling between 64 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit i.e. warm water category. The product has gotten great reviews for its long-lasting. It is versatile as it can be used on any length of surfboard and can also be used on skimboards, and paddleboards.

The surf wax has an environment-friendly composition and doesn’t impact the ecosystem. It also flaunts an enticing coconut scent which keeps your board fresh even after use. The surf wax provides good traction and a great grip on the surfboard. It can be used with a basecoat or applied directly.

Famous Green Surf Wax

(Best for Professionals)

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The Famous Green surf wax is one of the most durable and stickiest products available. It is an eco-friendly and “green” product that can be used without harming the environment. It is a clear surf wax that matches every color of surfboards available. When added, it keeps your surfboard shining and can even be molded after application.

The product comes with a comb wax as an incentive for purchase. The product comes with an additive, UV-inhibitor, that keeps it from fading off the surfboard prematurely. It is best for professional surfers, desiring top-notch performance. It is available in all the temperature ranges. However, it is only available in one color and scent.

Matuna's Surf Wax

(Best With Beeswax)

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The Matuna’s surf wax is one of the eco-friendliest products available with most constituents made from materials sourced from the manufacturer’s farm. The raw materials are biodegradable, petroleum-free and non-toxic.

The product is available in different temperature ranges – cold, cool, warm and tropical, and also in different scents – jasmine, raspberry, and strawberry. It does well to keep you firm on your board, offering a soft feel on the feet.

Beginners won’t find it easy to apply as it fixes on surfaces with relative ease. Impressively, it lasts long and attracts less dirt. On purchase, you get a free coin bag that you can use to keep wax. It is budget-friendly as it comes in a pack of six for such a price tag. However, it is only available in one color.

Mrs. Palmers Tropical Surfboard Wax

(Best for Tropical Climate)

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The Australia-made Mrs. Palmers surf wax is manufactured for tropical areas with hotter temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It remains skin-friendly and effective at high temperatures and lasts very long on surfboards. The inclusion of a traction additive also helps improve its stickiness and stability.

It forms bumps faster on surfboards. A single pack weighs 70 grams but you get five bars on purchase. It is only available in one color. Also, you cannot find any other smell asides the coconut scent.

Wave Bandit Pineapple Surf Wax

(Best for Warm Water)

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For a brand like Wave Bandit that manufactures both surfboards and surf wax, you should expect something spectacular. The brand produces only warm surf wax which is understandable because of the peculiarity of this country of origin. The surf wax is best for soft surfboards. It is easy to apply and it also offers excellent traction.

The surf wax is only available in one scent, pineapple, and the smell looks very appealing. The constituents are safe to the skin and should not cause rashes. To cap it all, the product comes with a 30-day warranty.

Outdoor Wax Works Surf Wax

(Best With Wide Temperature Range)

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The Outdoor Wax Works is another versatile surf wax that can be used on skimboards and paddleboards. It also values the environment as it comes with just two natural constituents that are entirely safe to the environment, non-toxic to animals and also biodegradable. It is a good option for first-time and veteran surfers, offering a nice grip on the feet.

The surf wax doesn’t melt easily, hence, it stays long on the surfboard and hold you firm. One remarkable attribute of this product is its wide temperature range. It can stay put in almost all temperatures. It also comes in a shape that helps you handle it well during waxing. For every order, you get three units of the surf wax. However, it doesn’t come with any scent.

Sticky Bumps Softboard Wax

(Best for Soft Foam Boards)

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Here is another decent product from Sticky Bumps. This time, it is made specifically for soft surfboards. The wax fixes well into the foam construction and prevents you from sliding off the board. The wax is suited to climates within the warm and hot category.

The materials used to manufacture the surf wax are biodegradable and non-toxic to the environment. An order comes with six bars of the 85-gram wax. The wax is only available in white color and grapefruit scent.

Buying Guide

Thanks to surf wax, one can now surf without the fear of falling. However, you cannot just head to a store looking for surf wax. The market is crowded with different products having different characteristics. You, as an end-user, will find it difficult to pick the right surf wax especially if you are a first-timer.

Indeed, your budget plays an important role in what you will be settling with. But there are some other things you need to consider. Hence, I have made a buying guide to help you make the right choice of purchasing the best surf wax for your needs.

Temperature

Surf waxes are just like candles that would melt at a certain temperature. However, candles have more heat tolerance and are less sticky. Surf waxes are available in various temperature range. When the peak temperature has been reached, it starts to melt and its usefulness disappears.

Surf waxes are designed for a specific environment. Hence, choosing the best wax spells the difference between a good grip and falling off your surfboard. Your surf wax should tolerate the temperature of your environment, as well as, that of the water.

Based on temperature tolerance, there are four popular categories of surf wax and will work in its specified climate. The cold surf wax works excellently in climates and water with temperatures less than 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool surf wax will hold fine in temperatures between 58 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

The warm surf wax will stay efficient at a temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. For hotter climates, the tropical surf wax will work best. Melting will occur if you use a cold surf wax in hotter climates and vice versa will result in a less efficient surf wax. Always check the temperature rating of any product or the manufacturer before finalizing a purchase.

Ingredients

Surf waxes are made from different ingredients that define its characteristics such as level of traction, adhesion to the surfboard, and color. Hence, your preference is needed in this regard. Surf waxes are also scented, most time, with coconut flavor. However, there are other scents that keep your surf wax refreshed after use such as strawberry, bubble gum, jasmine, etc.

Ideally, you should pick a product with ingredients that works fine with you. It should be skin-friendly, non-allergenic, and the color and scent should be lovable. You should consider natural surf wax over the synthetic as they are safer for the environment.

Size of Surfboard

Of course, there are two surfboard sizes – long and short. You will be waxing just two-third of the short ones against the entire surface in long ones. This determines the number of wax you will need as well as your expenses. Some surf waxes are available in small size and may be enough for shortboards but may not be sufficient for longboards.

How Does Surf Wax Work?

Slipping while surfing is annoying and the best way to avoid that is by waxing your surfboard. Surf waxes are made from gum-like materials, otherwise called wax, such as beeswax and paraffin. Surf waxes are hydrophobic i.e. they repel water.

You only need to apply on the surface of your surfboard to get things done They adhere to surfaces (your surfboard) and also to your foot when surfing. They help you to have a good grip on your surfboard.

How Do I Wax My Surfboard?

Without surf wax, falling off your surfboard is very easy when your surfboard is wet. Hence, waxing your surfboard is the best way to improve your traction and grip during action. More importantly, it is just about applying but applying it properly. If you are worried about doing it right, here is a detailed guide on how to wax your surfboard correctly.

Before you start waxing, you need to know there are two types of surf wax - basecoat and topcoat. The basecoat is often softer and is applied before the topcoat. Also, you need to know that surf wax have a certain temperature range and will wipe off if exceeded. To know this, always check the product label or the manufacturer's specifications.

Applying the Basecoat (Soft Wax)

Before anything, you should ensure that your surfboard is clean, wax-free and dry. Apply the basecoat. For longboards, you should wax the entire top side, end to end. For shortboards, you should only apply wax to two-third of the topside starting from the tail.

You can rub the wax in a circular motion, straight lines, crosshatch pattern or a mixture of any. However, some wax applies better in one motion than the other. Just make sure the wax fixes well on the board. This you will know when bumps start appearing.

Applying the Topcoat (Hard Wax)

As soon as you are done with applying the soft wax, start applying the hard wax. Although you apply the hard wax alone, it just won't last long on the surfboard. You can apply in different motions just like you did for the soft wax.

The appearance of bumps indicates that the wax is fixing well. Lightly run a wax comb through the waxing for more fixing. Once you are done, apply cool water, preferably by spraying, to harden the wax.

You should never wax the bottom of your surfboard. Also, you should remove and reapply the entire wax at least every three months.

How to Remove Wax From Surfboard?

As soon as you start using your waxed surfboard, it starts accumulating dirt. Eventually, it will get dirty and less sticky. At this point, you will need to remove the entire wax. Ideally, you should replace the wax every three months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got any questions? Missed an important point while reading? Here are some frequently asked questions on Surf Wax.

WindSurfingMag Overview

Surfing is fun if you are doing it right. The mental and health benefits cannot be overlooked. Nevertheless, there is just a slim line between enjoying and getting frustrated. Falling off your surfboard is peculiar but the frequency of falling off will be high if you are not using a surf wax.

To enjoy the best traction and balance on your surfboard, you need the best surf wax. They are not too expensive and, as a passionate surfer, you should be able to get one. I have compiled the top 13 surf wax you should consider with full reviews to help you see why they stand out. I have also made a buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Although all the products are exceptional, the Mr. Zogs Original Surf Wax is the best overall. Budget buyers will find the Mr. Zogs Quick Humps Surf Wax appealing. Indeed, I may not be able to capture your choice but the buying guide can be applied to any product. Keep surfing!

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