Top 15 Best Surf Wax Available Online in 2023

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.

In this article, I have researched and made a list of the best surf wax you should consider for your surfboard. Let’s get started!

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.

My Top Picks

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 surf wax to consider.

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

Comparison Table

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 15 of the best surf waxes available in the market. Here is a quick comparison table containing the most important characteristics.

The 15 Best Surf Wax Reviews

Using surf wax is one of the ways to stay safe, improve your surfing experience, and give you the needed glue and traction on your surfboard. To help you have enough information when picking out one, I have researched about top 15 best surf wax in 2023. Let’s see!

1. Mr Zogs Original

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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Mr. Zogs is a very popular surf wax brand favored by surfers around the world. As one of the smoothest available, Mr Zogs original surf wax is used for many sports, aside from surfing. You can use the product as a top or base coat for excellent performance.

The surf wax is easy to apply and it adheres nicely on the surfboard, giving you a good grip. It has four labels for many different climates such as cold, cool, warm, and tropical.

With four available scents – coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and grape, you can easily choose according to your preference.

Key Features:

• Iconic American Brand
• Used for surfing, hockey, drums
• Used for top and base coat
• Four water temperatures: cold, cool, warm, and tropical
• Four scents: coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and grape

Product Specifications:

2. Mr Zogs Quick Humps

(Best Budget)

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Here is another fantastic one from the Mr. Zogs brand. The quick humps surf wax is designed with six different types: 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X and 6X to suit every water temperature – cold, cool, warm, and tropical.

With a weight of 85 grams, it can be used as a top or base coat. It holds snugly on the surfboard while 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 and four attractive scents such as coconut, strawberry, grape, and pineapple flavor.

Key Features:

• Used as basecoat or topcoat
• Used for four water temperature: cold, cool, warm, and tropical
• Four scents: coconut, pineapple, strawberry, and grape

Product Specifications:

3. Sticky Bumps Base

(Best for Basecoat)

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The Sticky Bumps base surf wax is a great base wax for your surfboard. It is made from non-toxic, biodegradable materials, even the packaging is biodegradable. The wax creates a soft feeling on your feet 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. Sticky Bumps Basecoat wax is stable at the mid warm temperature range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Key Features:

• Non-toxic, biodegradable material
• Used for mid warm temperature
• Sticky Bumps’ Hardest Wax
• The unique scent

Product Specifications:

4. Sticky Bumps Original

(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.

Key features:

• Used for above 75 degrees Fahrenheit
• Biodegradable material

• Biodegradable material

Product Specifications:

5. Sticky Bumps Cool-Cold

(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 surf wax is sold at relatively low prices but in 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 for a firm grip.

Key Features:

• Non-toxic and biodegradable material
• Used for cold – cool temperature (below 68°F)
• A putty-like texture

Product Specifications:

6. Sticky Bumps Warm-Tropical

(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.

Key features:

• Used for warm-tropical temperature (above 68°F)
• Biodegradable materials

Product Specifications:

7. Double Barrel

(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 wax 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.

With long-lasting and better stickiness on the surfboard, the surf wax provides better traction for a great surfing experience. It can be used with a basecoat or applied directly.

Key Features:

• Used for warm water (64-74°F)
• Used on surfboard, skimboard, longboard, paddleboard

Product Specifications:

8. Famous Green

(Best for Professionals)

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The Famous Green surf wax is one of the most durable and stickiest wax. It is an eco-friendly and “green” product due to organic and biodegradable ingredients. When added, it keeps your surfboard shining and can even be molded after application.

The surf wax comes with a comb wax as an incentive for purchase. An additive, UV-inhibitor, helps keep it from fading off the surfboard prematurely.

The wax is best for professional surfers, desiring top-notch performance. Moreover, It is available in all temperature ranges. However, it is only available in one color and scent.

Key Features:

• Used for any temperature
• Used as a base coat
• Have a UV inhibitor
• Petro-Chemical Free, organic and biodegradable materials
• Recycled FSC certified packaging and printing with soy ink
• Made exclusively in the USA

Product Specifications:

9. Matuna’s Organic

(Best With Beeswax)

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The Matuna’s Organic surf wax is one of the eco-friendliest products available with most constituents made from materials sourced from the manufacturer’s farm in California. 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.

Key features:

• Biodegradable, petroleum-free and non-toxic materials
• Used for different temperature ranges – cold, cool, warm and tropical
• Used as a base coat
• Different scents – jasmine, raspberry, and strawberry
• Come with Surf and Skate Warehouse Sponsor Sticker

Product Specifications:

10. Mrs. Palmers Tropical

(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.

Key features:

• Used for tropical climate (above 75°F)
• Added stickiness with traction 2000 additive
• Eco-friendly materials

Product Specifications:

11. Wave Bandit Pineapple

(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.

Key features:

• 3 pack
• Used for cool and warm water
• Endorsed by Ben Gravy

Product Specifications:

12. Outdoor Wax Works

(Best With Wide Temperature Range)

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The Outdoor Wax Works is a versatile surf wax that can be used on skimboards and paddleboards. It also values the environment with just two natural constituents that are entirely safe to the environment, non-toxic to animals and also biodegradable.

The wax is a good option for first-time and veteran surfers, offering a nice grip on the feet. It doesn’t melt easily; thus, it stays long on the surfboard and holds you firm. One remarkable attribute of this surf wax is its wide temperature range from 50-90 °F.

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.

Key Features:

• 3 pack
• environment-friendly materials
• Temperature range from 50-90 °F

Product Specifications:

13. Sticky Bumps Softboard

(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.

Key features:

• Biodegradable materials
• Used as a topcoat
• Used for every water temperature: cold, cool, warm and tropical

Product Specifications:

14. Fu Wax Tropical

(Best for Stickiness)

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If you love stability and stickiness, the Fu Wax Tropical is a great option for your surfboard. It can form a durable and long-lasting layer on the board’s surface, providing effective traction for great performance.

You can use the wax as a basecoat or topcoat, helping your feet cling on the surfboard and prevent slipping. The surf wax is suitable for a water temperature of 79-90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Key Features:

• Used for tropical temperature (79-90 °F)
• Used as a basecoat and topcoat

Product Specifications:

15. Vegan ECO Tropical

(Best Eco-Friendly)

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With entirely plant components such as calendula, lavender and apricot, the Vegan ECO SURF Wax Tropical is a perfect pick for vegan. What is more, its packaging is made from recycled paper and printed with 100% natural ink, providing environmental protection.

It can be used at a temperature of above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, suiting for warm weather. As long-lasting wax, you will have a firm grip to enjoy surfing. The wax is added to the blueberry fragrance.

Key Features:

• Used for water temperature of above 75°F
• Environment-friendly materials

Product Specifications:

How to Choose the Right Surf Wax?

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.

1. 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 surf wax or the manufacturer before finalizing a purchase.

2. 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. but the most popular is the coconut flavor.

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.

3. 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.

Keep reading: How to Choose a Surfboard Size for Beginners?

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.

1. 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 helps you know when bumps start appearing.

2. 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.

What Is Surf Wax Made out Of?

Surf Waxes are mostly made from paraffin. They can also be made from beeswax and petroleum jelly. Fragrance can also be added to improve its appeal.

Is Surf Wax Bad for the Environment?

This based on the build material of the wax. Surf Wax Made from natural sources like plants or animals is less likely to negatively affect the environment than petroleum-based sources.

How to Apply Sticky Bumps Base Coat?

Ensure your surfboard is clean and dry. For effective application of the base coat, use the edge instead of the flat side of the wax. Continuous application in the same area should create bumps after which you can move to another area.

What Makes Surf Wax Sticky?

Surf Waxes are sticky because of their composition. Beeswax, for instance, has a chemical composition that includes a long chain of fatty acids. Basically, they are thick and can adhere more to surfaces.

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.

For good 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 15 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 is the best overall. Budget buyers will find the Mr. Zogs Quick Humps 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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