As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
The 7 Best Surf Wax Brands in 2022
Surf culture is a pretty unique and special slice of human behavior. And although it has changed, developed, and morphed itself over the years, the underlying ethos is one of rebellion and going against the grain. Grabbing your board, jumping in your van, and driving off into the sunset searching for that endless perfect wave.
Romantic as it sounds before you do just that it’s wise to make sure you have all of the right gear with you. Part of that apparatus is often overlooked and forgotten about – but do so at your peril, as it is fundamental to the whole process of riding a wave.
We’re talking about surf wax. Ever since the Beach Boys were waxing down their surfboards and waiting for June, rubbing one’s surfboard with wax is seen by the public as an accepted part of what surfers do. The idea is to create traction between yourself and the board, without it you’re not going to stay on your feet for more than a second.
Wax is wax though, it’s all the same, right? Well, not entirely correct. As we go over the finest brands of surf wax out there, all will become slowly clear. Making it an easy choice to choose – and know – what you should be reaching for when the swell starts to fill in.
Best Buy
1. Sticky Bumps Cold Water Surf Wax
Keeping you sticky since 71, Sticky Bumps is an original Californian wax company synonymous with surfing from the golden days. Not happy with just surfing they branched out and now cover other sporting needs in baseball and hockey.
As far as base coat waxes go, Sticky Bumps – just like the name suggests – have got you covered. And for those a little further north, a perfect wax for all over.
2. Mr. Zogs Original Cool Water Sex Wax
Perhaps the most eye-catching and eye-brow lifting of all surf waxes out there, Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax is recognizable to those who haven’t even picked up a surfboard before.
The original series is the oldest recipe and hinges on bright colors and scents, so if looking and smelling the part is big for you, look no further! And if you love their scent so much Mr. Zog’s has captured their fragrance in small car fresheners which can even be used around the home – winner!
3. YEW! Your Environment’s Wax
Unfortunately, some ingredients in conventional surf wax aren’t the greatest for our environment. Yew surf wax is taking this consideration beyond just thinking about it and into doing something about it.
Touted as having no toxic or petrochemical ingredients and also being high performance means you can still rip it up with an easy conscience. Add to the fact these blocks come at a very reasonable price and you have yourself a great option next time you need to rub your board down.
4. Mrs. Palmer’s Warm Water Surf Wax
Our Aussie cousins do enjoy themselves some time in the water – don’t let them hear you say it, but they don’t surf bad either. Praise aside, Mrs. Palmer’s takes the Down Under attitude of no-nonsense getting stuff done to a new level.
Being ultra-sticky and claiming “satisfaction guaranteed,” this clean white, warm water traction is going to keep you stuck to your fiberglass when the temperatures start to push past 22C/71F. Luckily the packaging warns you, “DO NOT EAT” – good job we have our Australian cousins watching out for us.
5. Matuna’s Basecoat Surf Wax
Matuna’s is 100% natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic. Let that sink in for a second. Add purely organic ingredients that are petroleum-free with no synthetic chemicals and voila, you have yourself one of the most devoted eco-friendly surf waxes out there.
This basecoat comes ready to be used in a variety of water temperatures, ensuring you can shred it up in any conditions whilst still being a responsible human. Go you.
6. Bubble Gum Warm Water Surf Wax
Available on both coasts since the 80s, Bubble Gum surf wax has been the crazily addictive scent the youth of America has been using to grip their stick for some time now. This warm water specific wax is going to be what you reach for in those summer months or if you’re the type of person who makes strike missions across the border south even in those winter months.
Leave it in your car on a hot day and you’ll be treated to a crazy smell akin to a candy emporium when you open the door. One whiff is sure to take you back to your youth in a second.
7. EHOMEA2Z Cold Water Surf Wax
This cold water surf wax is made in Illinois and fairly close to lake Michigan. Unbeknown to most people there is a small underlying surf community in this part of the country. These brave souls will try their hand at surfing – and now foiling – the wintry wind-blown waves of the lakes in this area. Quite frankly if you’re prepared to have ice attach itself to your face — good luck to you.
But as far as it goes for a top-quality wax which is going to do the job in the cold stuff, look no further!
See more about - The 9 best wetsuits in 2021
Surf Wax FAQs
Unless you like falling off your board every time you get to your feet, surf wax is an integral piece of equipment you need to have. By creating this thin, tacky, and grippy layer between your feet and the board means you can have great control without sacrificing that unhindered natural feeling of having the board right beneath your toes.
Go for something that suits the water temperature you are surfing in. As a general rule the colder the water is the softer your wax will need to be, and adversely, the warmer the water you find yourself in you will need to opt for a firmer type of wax.
Take into consideration the color of the wax and the smell of some waxes. Go for the ones that suit your tastes best, as some of the scents can be strong. Lastly, if you’re environmentally conscious then keep your eyes peeled for waxes that have used all-natural ingredients and responsible manufacturing processes.
Put simply: wax is cheap. You can pick up a great block of wax from your local surf shop for no more than $4 – you’re also supporting local surf shops in the process.
If you’re the type of person to buy in bulk you can source multi-packs of wax online and will probably get the average price of your wax down to $2/$3 a block. The choice is ultimately yours!
