What is surf wax used for?
surfboard wax (also known as surfwax) is a formulation of natural and/or synthetic wax for application to the deck of a surfboard, bodyboard, or skimboard, to keep the surfer from slipping off the board when paddling out or riding a wave. It is also used to increase grip on the paddle of a surf kayak or dragon boat. It usually has a scent added to it – something you will recognise when you walk into most surf shops – and again these days most brands are trying to use more natural oils and resins to do this. Surf wax is applied to the deck (the top) of your surfboard to provide traction and stop you slipping off it.Surfboard wax is generally composed of a mixture of paraffin, beeswax or other hard waxes; petroleum jelly can also be added to create a softer wax. Often scents like coconut or bubblegum are added.At some point surfers had discovered they could coat their wooden longboards with a thin layer of sand-infused varnish, which increased traction but also scraped their knees, chest, feet, and thighs. In 1935 a teenage Al applied a small amount of liquid floor wax to the deck of his surfboard, and liked the results.Traditional surf wax is created with petrochemicals, which aren’t biodegradable and are toxic if digested. Ever since it was introduced in 1935, wax became an essential component in any surfing kit.
What to use instead of surf wax?
In conclusion RSPro HexaTraction and Cork Traction are the best surf grip alternatives to wax. The wax gives you all the grip you need to ride your board – without this, forget surfing! It’s also key to make sure you get the right wax to go on your board depending on the temperature of the water you plan to surf in, this will give you the best possible grip and therefore the best performance.Traction pads are the most popular alternative to surf wax. Traction pads provide a solid grip, making it easier for the surfer to maintain their footing on the board. They also protect the board from damage caused by the surfer’s foot.Today’s Surf Wax is a high tech version of the old candles and paraffin that was originally used on surfboards for traction starting in the 1940’s. Today’s wax is formulated to work in specific temperatures. Wax that has been made for colder water is much softer and stickier than wax made for warm water.A stellar wax job is crucial to your surf performance. Surf wax provides traction on the surfboard so that your feet don’t slip on the smooth deck of the board. This leads to more stability when you pop up, carve, do footwork or just cruise! Beginner surfers usually start on foam surfboards which don’t need wax.
How often should I remove surf wax?
For surfers who surf multiple times a week, it is essential to always have a fresh, thin coat of wax or at least replace the basecoat monthly. For occasional surfers, they can surf with the same coat on until the water temperature changes. Just like applying surfboard wax, the first thing to do is to gather all the material needed. To soften the wax, the board can be left under the hot sun for at least ten to fifteen minutes.Grab a pint and a brush, get on home, and carefully apply- remember your painting classes from elementary school. Let it dry in direct sunlight for a day or so and you’re set for the season! If (gag) you actually have to stoop to using surf wax, make sure you apply it correctly!How often you wax your surfboard is mostly up to the temperature of the water you’re surfing in. The warmer the water, the more will melt and wear off the board while you’re using it. Expect to clean and re-wax your board quarterly as build-up of old, non-sticky wax can prevent new wax from sticking.
Can I surf without wax?
Without surf wax, even the most skilled surfer would struggle to stay on their board, especially in challenging conditions. The wax creates a sticky surface that prevents slipping, allowing surfers to focus on riding the wave rather than worrying about losing their balance. Melted wax creates a giant mess. Avoid keeping in direct sunlight and hot places like your car’s dash or near heater vents. Frozen wax can lose its structural integrity when it thaws — and can scratch your board if it’s too hard.Surfboard wax is extremely susceptible to melting in the sun or any hot environment. It’s a sure way to ruin your cars interior and end up with wax everywhere that you really don’t want it to be.
Is surf wax safe?
Surfboard wax is mainly made of paraffin, a by-product of petroleum refining. Paraffin is cheap and widely available, but it also comes with a high environmental cost. The production of paraffin involves the use of toxic chemicals, such as dioxins, that can cause cancer and reproductive damage to humans and animals. Choose Soy Wax Every Time When it comes to choosing the healthiest type of candle to burn, soy wax stands out as the best option. It’s eco-friendly, clean-burning, and safe for your lungs, making it a superior alternative to paraffin and other waxes.In summary, to safely use scents at home: Skip oil-based paraffin and gel waxes and burn plant-based and beeswax candles only.The best candles to look out for are made using 100% GMO free (genetically modified organisms) soy wax. Soy wax burns clean and you won’t be filling your home, or your lungs, with potentially deadly smoke, dangerous pollutants or staining your walls and ceilings with black soot.Candles made from paraffin or those containing synthetic fragrances tend to produce more soot. This soot can be inhaled and can even leave behind harmful particles that settle into your home, impacting your indoor air quality.Paraffin Wax: This is a common wax used in candle manufacturing, but it’s also a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, paraffin wax releases toxic chemicals into the air, including benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens.
How to make homemade surf wax?
All you do is mix 2,250 g of beeswax with 750 ml of coconut oil. First melt the wax, then warm the oil and stir into the wax. Stir well, stir some more, and then continue stirring. Paraffin: The cheapest choice, used a lot because it’s easy to find and work with. Soy: A balanced option that provides cost-effective choice while maintaining eco-friendly qualities. Coconut: Seen as a high-end wax often linked to luxury candle-making.Soy and coconut wax are generally considered the healthiest and most sustainable choices due to their clean burning properties and renewable resources. Beeswax offers a natural alternative, but it’s crucial to choose from companies committed to sustainable beekeeping practices.If you want a candle that’s safer to burn, better for your home, and lighter on the planet, look for waxes made from natural, renewable ingredients—like beeswax, soy, or coconut.For example, paraffin is the most common type of candle wax and the least expensive in most cases. However, it’s less eco-friendly and burns faster than some other options. Meanwhile beeswax’s hardier nature makes it ideal for crafting free-standing pillar candles, though it has a higher price point.