Looking for the best wax for surfboards? You’ve come to the right place!
With 20+ years of surfing experience, we can comfortably say we’ve tried our fair share of surf waxes. Some good, some bad, and some great ones.
We have compiled this article to avoid you 20 years of trial and error searching for the best surf wax!
In this article we have outlined all of the best surf wax brands, as well as important things you need to take into account when choosing a surf wax.
We are going to explain the differences between different types of surf wax; such as cold water surf wax, warm water wax, base coat wax, top coat wax and more!
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and find the perfect surf wax for you!
Ale doing a tail snap on the lip while surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Different types of surf wax
Before choosing the best surf wax for your board, you need to understand the different types of surf wax out there.
The most important question to ask yourself is: what is the temperature of the water where I will be surfing? This is the most important thing you have to take into account!
There are thousand brands and types of wax that exist on the market, and the right one for you will depend on whether you are going to enter cold, hot or tropical water.
There is also a difference between base coat wax and topcoat wax, which we will explain in a moment.
A perfectly waxed surfboard deck
Wax for hot or tropical water
Tropical wax is specific for tropical climates and warm waters since it has a much stickier composition. This means it works very well in hot waters with temperatures between 19°C and 24°C.
This type of wax is designed for waters in the Caribbean, South Asia and the summer seasons in Europe and the US.
It will stay well attached to your board without melting quickly, and will work perfectly in the water without letting you fall.
A sticky bumps surf wax case, showing where you can see what temperature it’s best suited for
Cold or warm water wax
Unlike hot water ones, it has a much stronger composition that makes them a little harder and less sticky, but effective in the waters for which they are designed.
It will be a little more difficult for you to apply it on your board but it will be indicated if you enter waters with cooler temperatures between 19°C and 14°C, and even less.
Remember that if it is complicated for you to apply wax to your board, there is now a base wax that will help you with its adhesion.
Its grip in cold water is quite effective. You will feel it less sticky when out of the water, but inside it will stay on your board without becoming hard and will maintain its grip.
Ale doing a reentry of the lip manoeuvres while surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Base wax
This type of wax is only used to help the adhesion of the final wax that we are going to use.
With this I mean that you apply it to the deck generally when it is a new board (or if you have just removed old surf wax and have a perfectly polished board).
Not all of us use it, since it is a relatively new invention and some believe it is unnecessary.
It is not strictly necessary to apply base coat wax, but if you find it difficult to apply the wax to your board, it is recommended.
Ale putting surf wax on my surfboard
What happens if you use the wrong surf wax?
If you’re at a beginner surfing level, you’ve asked yourself why surfers even wax their boards, whether it really is a surf essential, you might be wondering how much of a difference there really is between these different types of waxes.
The answer is that it really does make a difference.
For example, if by mistake you put hot water wax on your board when surfing in cold water temperatures, the wax will harden and loses its effectiveness.
It won’t lose 100% of its grip, but every time you try to stand on your board your foot will slip, you will get frustrated and you will feel as if you were the problem.
And what would happen if we placed cold water wax in tropical water? Basically the same thing but in reverse. The cold water wax will melt out of the water much faster, and lose its grip and effectiveness.
So make sure to pick the right surf wax for the temperatures and climate you will be surfing at! Here are the 10 best surf waxes that sell the most on the market.
Ale removing wax from his surfboard
Best surf wax brands
Sticky Bumps
We put Sticky Bumps surf wax in first position for a reason; we simply consider it to be the best.
Sticky enough so you don’t slip in the water, but not excessively sticky so that it sticks everywhere (like on your board bag, your clothes, your wetsuit and literally everything it touches).
It is also very durable. Once you have applied it to your board, if you don’t get it dirty with sand, it will last a long time without losing its grip.
You just have to scrape it with your wax comb every time you go into the water and you’re set!
Click here to purchase your Original Stick Bumps Surf Wax!
Sticky bumps surf wax
Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax
This wax has existed on the market since the 1970s, it’s the most famous surf wax around, which continues to be marketed throughout the world.
It’s a little more compact and works very well too. It doesn’t stick to your board covers or clothes as easily.
We can say that it’s probably the best-selling surf wax as it’s easily available all over the world, and thanks to its years of experience.
Click here to purchase Mr. Zog’s Original Sex Wax!
Greta surfing in Tenerife, Spain
FCS Wax
As always, the FCS (Fins Control System) brand cannot be left behind, especially when it comes to surf accessories.
Many people like the FCS wax, as it meets the basic demands of surfers. However there are surfers who don’t love this surf wax and prefer others.
If you try it you likely won’t be disappointed, but you probably won’t be amazed either. It has good grip, lasts on your board over time and does not fall apart.
Click here to purchase FCS Surf Wax!
Ale surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Fu Wax
This surf wax has been on the market for a long time, but has only recently become popular.
They discovered a new formula that turned it in the favourite surf wax of many surfers, as well as some professional surfers like Felipe Toledo, world champion in 2022.
It is very sticky. So much so that when you are on your board you will have a hard time shuffling your feet from place to place. This can be good or not so good, depending on your surf level.
If you are a professional surfer or have a fairly advanced level, your steps will probably already be very, very automated.
In this case it is very good, since once your feet are properly placed, they will not move from their chosen spot. That way you can focus on picking up speed and doing your radical manoeuvres without any grip problems.
On the other hand, if you are a beginner or intermediate surfer, who from time to time needs to move their feet around on the board to correct your position, it could be counterproductive.
Since this wax has such a strong grip, it will be difficult for you to move your feet, and you can get frustrated when riding a wave with your feet incorrectly placed on your board.
It’s definitely a very good wax and it’s selling a lot all over the world, but we always advise you to analyse your needs and be clear about what you really need.
Changing after a sunset surf session
Mrs. Palmers
A wax that does its job very well. Its adhesion is good, but you have to apply a lot of surf wax on for it to work well.
Mrs Palmers is one of the best selling waxes in Australia, it works very well in warm water but we have not tested it in cold water.
Many surfer love this wax and choose to apply it on their boards.
Click here to purchase your Mrs. Palmers Surf Wax!
Bubble Gum Surf Wax
A more economical option than the others on the market, Bubble Gum surf wax fulfils its adhesion function.
It’s not amongst our favourites, but many surfers like it and use it daily. It’s actually used more by body boarders than surfers.
Click here to purchase your Bubble Gum Surf Wax!
Alejandro surfing in Tenerife, Spain
Greenfix
A natural option that does not pollute the environment. Greenfix is made with natural ingredients such as vegetable oils and beeswax.
It does not contain toxic materials such as paraffin wax derived from petroleum, palm oil, or microcrystalline wax.
Its adhesion is quite good, with nothing to envy the others on the market. It also does not melt easily in the sun and it performs its function very well.
It is made in the south of France in collaboration with a support centre for disabled people.
Click here to purchase your Greenfix Surf Wax!
Ale surfing in Lobitos, North Peru
Sticky Bumps Cool
As we have already mentioned before, Sticky Bumps surf wax has been our favourite for many years for both hot and cold water.
It is a fairly complete wax that adjusts to the temperatures at which it is created. It has very good adhesion, easy application and excellent durability.
Click here to purchase your Stick Bumps surf wax for cold water temperatures!
Sex Wax Cool
In this case, Mr. Zogs Sex Wax Cool works better for cold waters. It can be harder to apply on the board at first, but once it is well placed on your board it is durable, and it fulfils its function without a doubt.
Click here to purchase your Mr. Zogs Sex Wax Cool for cold water temperatures!
Greta surfing in Fuerteventura, Spain
FCS base surf wax
Like all base waxes, it serves as a primer before applying your anti-slip wax.
If you choose to apply Sex Wax Cool for cold waters, which is a bit difficult to apply, this base wax would help you.
You have to apply a generous layer of this basecoat wax first, and then apply your top coat wax. This base coat wax will make it much easier to stick.
Click here to purchase your FCS base coat surf wax!
Ale scratching the existing wax on my surfboard with a wax comb
Final thoughts on the best surfboard wax
There you have it, the ultimate compilation of best surf wax! Have you tried any of these surf waxes before? How did you find them? Let us know in the comments below!
Choosing the right surf wax is super important, as it can have an influence on your surf performance. If you’re a beginner, it can also impact how long it takes you to learn to surf.
It’s important that you evaluate the different water temperatures at which you surf, as well as your surf level and needs, and select the best option based on that.
There are many go-to brands when it comes to surf wax, but no single right wax, as it depends on your personal situation. If you have a big beginner board you might even be wondering whether you should wax a foam surfboard.
Greta surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
If you want to purchase surf wax as a gift for a surfer, don’t just buy the first one you find at your local surf shops, ask the surfer in your life a bit of information first.
Such as temperature ranges, the water temperature and maybe if he has a preference for different colors.
Once you select the right wax for you, make sure to apply a good wax job and keep your surfboard out of direct sunlight before a surf session, otherwise the wax will melt.
I hope you found this article useful in finding the perfect surf wax for you! If you have any questions, just let us know in the comments below!
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