This is the Easy Guide to Surf Wax Temperature Ratings! Surfing is an awesome sport that connects us with the ocean. But to stay on your board and the waves, you need the right wax. It’s not just about sticking to your surfboard but making sure you get the most out of your wax. Let’s break down the surf wax temperature guide so you can get the best wax for the conditions you’re going to be in.
Why Temperature Matters for Surf Wax:
Surf wax isn’t one-size-fits-all. It changes based on how warm or cold the water is. If you pick the wrong wax, it might get too slippery or too sticky. That’s why wax comes with temperature ratings.
The surf wax water temp ratings I’m using here are a general guide. Not all surf wax makers use exactly the same ratings for their wax. So just keep that in mind as you read through this post.
Cold Water Surf Wax: The Winter Warrior
Temperature Range: Below 60°F (Below 15°C).
Stays sticky in frigid conditions to provide a solid grip. It’s formulated to not become brittle or lose its stickiness in cold waters. It’ll give you just the right grip for winter surf conditions
Great for winter surfs or cold regions. It’s crucial for those early morning sessions when the water is icy.
Cool Water Wax: The In-Betweener
Temperature Range: 60-64°F (15-18°C).
Offers a balance between firmness and tackiness. It’s softer than cold water wax but won’t melt as easily as warm water wax.
Perfect for spring or fall seasons, or areas where the water temperature is moderately cold.
Warm Water Surf Wax: The Summer Staple
Temperature Range: 65-74°F (18-24°C).
Soft and sticky, providing optimal traction in milder water conditions. However, it may get too soft and lose grip if the water is very warm.
Great for those sunny days when the water is just right – not too hot, not too cold.
Tropical Water Wax: The Hot Wave Hero
Temperature Range: 75°F (24°C) and above.
Extremely soft and sticky, designed to deal with the heat of tropical waters without melting off the board.
A must-have for surfing in hot climates where the sun is blazing and the water is almost hot.
Hawaiian formula wax: King of the Tropics
Temperature Range: It’s optimized for water temperatures of 80°F (26°C) and above.
Hawaiian formula wax is extra sticky to ensure a good grip in the hot water whereas regular tropical wax might melt or become too slippery.
This wax is formulated to last longer in the water, so you won’t have to reapply as often, even in the intense heat.
Quick Tips for Waxing:
Less is More: Don’t overdo it with the wax. A thin layer with some bumps for grip is all you need.
Check the Temp: Always look up the water temperature before you wax up.
Wax On, Wax Off: When your wax gets dirty or loses its grip, it’s time to scrape it off and start fresh.
Check out our post on surfboard wax combs for a bunch of info on how to use this amazing little tool.
Check out our post on surf wax vs grip pads to get some more surf info!
Where To Buy Surf Wax:
For many surfers, it is as simple as heading into the local surf shop to grab some wax. For those of us who live a ways from the beach, it can be a bit tougher.
Ordering online from Amazon or a ton of different surf sites is easiest for me. The problem is I usually order too much surf wax as well as a bunch of other surf gear.
A Few Surfboard Wax Brand Recommendations:
Sticky Bumps:
Provides excellent grip and is a favorite among performance surfers. My personal favorite.
Available in Original base coat, cold, cool/cold, cool, warm, warm/trop, tropical, and Hawaiian tropical
Plan to spend $3 to $5 per bar. Available at StickyBumps.com and Amazon.com
They also offer high-performance formulas like Tour Series and Super Sticky as well as Specialty Formulas for SUPs and Soft Top surfboards.
For me, Stick Bumps original is my go-to surf wax. Over the years I have used a bunch of different brands and keep coming back to this solid surfboard wax. My advice to you would be try using the commonly available brands of surf wax that you can get about anywhere to find what work best for you!
Fu Wax:
Known as the stickiest surf wax, it’s perfect for surfers who need maximum traction. It’s highly effective and favored by many top surfers.
Available in Original base coat, cold, cool, summer cool, warm, and tropical
If it doesn’t say Made In Brazil, it’s not the real FU.
Plan to spend $6 or more per bar. Available at fuwaxesusa.com
Mr. Zogs Sex Wax:
This is one of the best all-around surfboard wax companies. They offer a great balance between grip and ease of application. An iconic brand and a hugely popular choice for many surfers.
Available in Original in cold, cool, warm, and tropical
Plan to spend $2.50 or more. Available at sexwax.com and Amazon.com
They also offer other formulas like Quick Humps, Sex Wax Dream Cream
Bubble Gum Surfboard Wax:
Another great all-around option, Bubble Gum Surf Wax has a good reputation for its quality and performance.
Available in Original base coat, cold, cool to cold, cool to warm, warm to tropical, and tropical.
Plan to spend $2.50 or more. Available at bubblegumsurfwax.com and Amazon.com
They also offer Premium Blend Waxes, Rob Machado Organic Blend, as well as Log Wax for Longboards.
Matunas Organic Surf Wax:
A gnarly eco-friendly surfboard wax on the market. It’s made with the environment in mind and is a great choice for eco-conscious surfers.
Available in Original base coat, cold, cool, warm, tropical, and Hawaiian competition formulas.
Plan to spend $3 or more. Available at westpath.com/collections/matunas
FAQ: Surf Wax Temperature Guide
What is surf wax used for?
Surf wax is applied to the top of a surfboard to provide grip, helping surfers stay balanced and avoid slipping off the board.
Why does surf wax have different temperature ratings?
Different temperature ratings ensure the wax maintains the right level of stickiness in varying water temperatures. Using the wrong wax can make it too hard (and slippery) or too soft (and messy).
Can I use warm or tropical wax in cold water?
It’s not recommended. Warm or tropical wax will be too hard in cold water, reducing grip. It’s best to match the wax to the water temperature for optimal performance.
Can I mix different temperature waxes?
Yes, surfers often layer waxes. For example, using a harder tropical wax as a base layer and a softer cold or cool wax as a top layer for better grip.
How often should I reapply surf wax?
This depends on how often you surf. Generally, you should refresh the top coat every few sessions and fully strip and re-wax your board every few weeks or when the wax becomes too smooth.
What happens if I use the wrong temperature wax?
If it’s too hard, you’ll have little grip, leading to slips. If it’s too soft, it’ll get messy and rub off easily, reducing traction.
Can I use the same wax for my soft-top surfboard?
Soft-top surfboards typically need a different type of wax designed for their material. Some standard waxes work, but it’s best to use wax specifically labeled for soft tops.
Do I need a base coat with temperature-specific wax?
A base coat isn’t always necessary, but it helps the top coat adhere better and last longer. It’s especially useful if you’re layering waxes for different conditions.
How do I remove old surf wax?
You can use a wax comb, warm sunlight, or a hairdryer to soften the wax. Then, scrape it off and clean the board with a wax remover or coconut oil for a fresh start.
Wrapping Up This Post
If you’re ever not sure what temperature of surf wax is best to use, check with local surf shops for the best wax recommendations. It’s best to do this because water temperatures can vary throughout the year.
Always practice good surfing etiquette by not leaving chunks of wax on the beach and always recycle or throw away wax packaging.
Choosing the right surfboard wax for the water temperature isn’t just about surfing better. It’s about respecting the ocean we all cherish. So next time you’re prepping your board, remember this guide. Pick the right wax, protect the waves, and enjoy the ride!
