All over the globe, a lot of people are into bodyboarding. If you are one, regardless of background or expertise, one of the most important things that you may have seen or heard other bodyboarders doing is waxing their bodyboard. Of course, this is a different type of waxing. The purpose of waxing is to make sure that you stay on your board while in the waters. Without the right waxing, you may simply be thrown in the waters unexpectedly.
Bodyboard wax is applied to achieve the right amount of traction and for ensuring a strong grip on your board. As a bonus, bodyboard wax also serves as a protective layer on your board, preventing you from easily falling off as you do your stuff. The good news is that these waxes are not really that expensive, and there are several options out there. In this guide, we will take a look at the best bodyboard wax currently available on the market. Regardless of your skill or experience level, getting the best one that will fit your needs and preferences will allow you to enjoy bodyboarding even more.
Sticky Bumps Warm/Tropical Body Board Wax
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs
- Temperature Rating: 60 degrees and above
- Scent: Variety
Product Specification
- Snag and Grab Technology
The manufacturer of this bodyboard wax, Sticky Bumps, made good use of the Snap and Grab technology back in 1992, revolutionizing the industry of bodyboard and surf waxing. This wax also features the use of a special additive. When this additive is rubbed on the board, it creates small and sticky bumps on it, thus the name.
- Environment Friendly
This wax also uses materials that make it environment-friendly. The manufacturer does not waste products during the manufacturing of this product. After purchasing the product, what you get is something that is recyclable. As a matter of fact, even the wax is also biodegradable.
- Small and Sticky Bumps
As soon as the small and sticky bumps are produced, a rough surface is created on the smoothened surfboard, thus making ridges that offer a stronger and firm grip to stand. These bumps, despite being soft, are firm enough to give you the right amount of balance on the board. The wax also biodegrades in water by means of emulsification, thus causing no harm to the environment.
- Developed by Surfers
This product was created by actual surfers, which means that you can make sure that the product you have purchased is not just tried and tested who are well familiar with the bodyboarding waters. The entire product line is consist of 14 varieties of waxes for various climates and different temperature of the water.
Pros
- Different scent options available
- Environment friendly
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Need to ensure the right temperature rating
Matuna’s Surf Wax
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs
- Temperature Rating: 64 degrees to 74 degrees Fahrenheit
- Scent Natural
Product Specification
- 100% Organic
While other surf waxes included in this list are made out of paraffin, Matuna’s surf wax is 100% organic. It is biodegradable and natural, not dissolving in water. All of the ingredients which were used in the formulation of this wax are grown naturally from the family farm of the owners (the Matoons).
- Natural Raw and Pure Ingredients
Among the ingredients that were used in this wax include clay, beeswax, jasmine, raspberry, honey, coconut oil, and aloe. These were used in a variety of combinations, in both pure and raw forms. Aside from the ingredients, the packaging is also made out of soy ink and recycled paper. Still, despite using all-natural ingredients, the quality of performance is not compromised.
- Environment Friendly
This wax was manufactured while keeping the environment in mind. As a matter of fact, it is the only environment-friendly, non-toxic, petroleum-free wax that is also biodegradable. With its use of carefully selected ingredients, it causes zero harm to live organisms.
- Easy to Apply
This surf wax also quite easy to apply on a bodyboard. This means that you can save a good amount of time for the preparation of your board. A single application can last over four hours. While it is softer than other waxes, but it is still doing a good job in providing a firm grip.
Pros
- Non-toxic and high quality
- Lasts longer
- Environment friendly
Cons
- It May be too soft for tropical weather
Sex Wax Quick Humps
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs
- Temperature Rating: Warm (Other temperature options available)
- Scent: Coconut, Pineapple, Grape, and Strawberry
Product Specification
- Eye-Catchy Marketing
One look at this product and you would not have guessed that you are getting a bodyboard wax. This has become famous for its marketing using a very eye-catchy name. The creator of this surf wax is a surfer himself, who was assisted by his chemist friend. Since its introduction in 1972, this wax has continued to be one of the most popular brands of board waxes in the USA.
- Smooth Texture
In terms of texture, this wax is smoother compared with the other brands that are currently available in the market. Because of this, it is well-loved among those who engage in activities such as bodyboarding, as well as doing hoops, ice hockey, and even sword dancing. At the same time, the smoothness of this wax makes it a good option for a topcoat or a base coat.
- Product Options
The products under this brand are available in different varieties, aside from Quick Humps. This includes Original, Really Tacky, and Navel wax. These options suit different water temperature ratings, including cool, cold, warm, and tropical. There are also four flavors to choose from, including grape, coconut, strawberry, and pineapple.
Pros
- Works wonders in the right temperature of the water
- Smooth texture
- Lasts long
Cons
- May lose its shape when exposed to direct sunlight
MRS. PALMERS SURF Wax
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs
- Temperature Rating: All Temperature
- Scent: Coconut
Product Specification
- Designed for Cooler Temperatures
This is the product that you are looking for if you are searching for a bodyboard wax that is designed for colder temperatures. While there are other varieties that are fit for warmer temperatures, this specific variety is ideal for temperatures that are lower. This means that if you are planning to surf in a place with a cold climate soon, it would help a lot to pack this bodyboard wax in your surfing kit in order to enjoy the entire experience to the fullest.
- Effective Traction Additive
This bodyboard wax features a traction additive which easily sets this wax apart from other options. As a result, it has a dependable stick factor and durable. Because of this nature, you can simply forget about worrying about bodyboarding even in colder temperatures, enjoying your favorite sport the entire day. This was is designed to last longer compared to other options.
- Ultra-Sticky
This wax is extra sticky, providing amazing traction to your board while you are surfing. After being applied on the board, there is no need to worry about possibly slipping off the bodyboard. This is made possible by the production of smoother bumps on the board.
Pros
- Natural and biodegradable materials
- Soft consistency for cool temperatures
- Basecoat wax
Cons
- Cannot be used for warm or tropical temperatures
EHOMEA2Z Surf Wax
Rating: 4.5/5
Technical Specs
- Temperature Rating: 69 degrees and above
- Scent: Tropical Scent
Product Specification
- Basecoat Wax
The very first layer of the coat is very important since it has to hold the top coat right in place, stopping it from potentially rubbing off. A nice and clean bump pattern using this bodyboard wax makes it an amazing product for all types of temperatures.
- Long-Lasting Performance
This bodyboard wax is used for applying to the surface of a board, keeping any rider from potentially slipping off. At the same time, it also helps in maintaining the grip when riding on a wave It is also designed for temperatures over 69 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 degrees Celsius.
- Easy to Use
This bodyboard wax is designed for use on the board’s top deck. It is recommended to prepare a few bars of this base coat in order to cover longer boards. When applying the wax, it is recommended to produce small bumps because they simply improve wax grip.
Pros
- High-performance
- Tropical mango scent
- All-natural formulation
Cons
- Little packaging for longboards
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Bodyboard Wax
There are a number of features that need to be considered before getting bodyboard wax. This includes the following:
Water Temperature
A significant factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing the bodyboard wax is water temperature. Even though choosing a wax may sound like a basic procedure, choosing without considering its resistance capacity to temperature may cause some problems.
Note that every bodyboard wax is designed for a specific temperature of the water. It may only be used within a particular range of water temperature. Aside from this, waxes that are designed for use in hot water may not perform well in cold waters. One tip to consider is to choose a wax that is softer for cold waters, and wax that is harder for hotter waters.
Water temperature is basically divided into categories, including the following:
- Basecoat (suited for all-weather types)
- Warm
- Cool
- Cold (coldest)
- Tropical (hottest)
Grip
After identifying the specific type of wax that you would need, another important factor to consider is grip. Bodyboard wax is used to offer a stronger hold or grip on the board. Without the right firmness of grip, you may not be able to do tricks as you surf. Select bodyboard wax that will allow you to achieve the maximum grip on your board.
Traction and Stickiness
Another important expectation from a bodyboard wax is achieving the right balance between traction and stickiness. The best product should offer you just the right stickiness amount in order to achieve a good grip using your feet. At the same time, it should also offer you ample room to keep maximum traction through the waves.
If the wax is too sticky, then moving over the waves might just be impossible. Some waxes are ideally designed for offering optimum traction in hot or cold waters, so select the best ones that will meet your local needs.
Environment
It is also very important to take into consideration the effects that that wax has on the environment. Any type of bodyboard wax simply washes away in water gradually. Make sure that the wax is not made out of toxic ingredients, causing harm to the ocean, including all living creatures. The entire balance in the ecology may simply be affected. It is recommended to select a product that has the least impact on the environment, while still giving what you actually expect from a bodyboard wax.
Safety
Bodyboard wax is another way to offer security and protection to you as you surf. As a sport, there is always a risk in safety. Cheap or even low-quality wax, or even using the wrong type of wax may simply turn your entire life upside down. Therefore, it is best to invest in a safe bodyboard wax.
FAQs
1. When do you add or remove bodyboard wax from the board?
If you start noticing that you are already slipping from your board while on water, it may be a good signal to add wax to your board. Still, it is important to take care of the board weight. The more wax you add will only result in having a heavier board which may also be a magnet to unwanted dirt. As the board becomes heavier, this may affect your capacity to lose traction and surf appropriately.
If you notice that your traction is lost, it is also time to get rid of some wax from your board. Even though you may want to do other things using your board, you may need to remove the bodyboard wax.
2. What are the steps in applying wax to your board?
Putting on wax on your board is a very important task. If not done right, you will not be able to achieve the results desired. To do things right, the following steps should be done in order to avoid damages on your board while enjoying the benefits of using wax:
- Step 1: Before adding a new topcoat layer, or the basecoat, remove any dirt from the surfboard, ensuring that it is clean enough. You may choose to wash it using clean water, waiting until it dries before starting the entire process.
- Step 2: If it is your first time applying wax, make sure that the base coat is applied evenly on the board.
- Step 3: Whenever you are putting on a top coat, use a circular motion to rub the wax in, creating bumps that are uneven. When the board becomes filled with several bumps, you can begin rubbing it in any desired direction. These bumps will provide an assurance of a firm grip on your board.
3. How do you get rid of the wax out of the board?
There are two possible ways to get rid of the wax from the board. One is to use sand to rub on the board. Because of the coarse features of sand, the wax can be removed from the board. Another way is by using a wax comb. A good wax comb works by digging right into the wax, getting rid of wax from the board. This can also leave some small bumps on the bodyboard wax, thus helping in getting good traction on the bodyboard. You may also combine the techniques together, removing the wax either partially or completely.
4. Is using a wax comb really necessary?
A wax comb is needed when adding and removing wax from the board. It is very useful in unevenly spreading the wax on the board, creating bumps along the way. These wax combs are also effective when removing the wax from the bodyboard.
5. Is there a need to use a base coat on the board?
While it is not mandatory to use a base coat, it is recommended if you consider yourself a frequent bodyboarder. This is primarily because using a base coat can last longer compared to a topcoat. This means that you will only need a lesser top coating.
Also, the base coat can offer a permanent set of bumps, which can be made more visible with the use of a topcoat. Still, the base coat may need use again after some time.
Conclusion
Ease and safety are two important things that can easily make your favorite sport a hassle-free passion. Bodyboard wax is one of the most important elements that you need to invest in as a bodyboarder. Whether you consider yourself as a beginner or a professional, make sure that you choose a wax that is designed to work well with both your needs and preferences, thus allowing you to practice, even becoming an ace in the world of bodyboarding.
You may choose one of the best bodyboard wax options from the list above, or attempt to try other products aside from the ones that you have already tried using to get the best product. Regardless of your option, there is no doubt that you will see a difference in your entire bodyboarding experience.