Eco-Friendly Surf Wax
Biodegradable options that help protect the ocean
Image: helivideo on Adobe Stock
“I think when a surfer becomes a surfer, it’s almost like an obligation to be an environmentalist at the same time.” - Kelly Slater
What is surf wax made from?
Traditionally, surf wax is created from paraffin wax. Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum, which is hard on the environment in a number of ways throughout its lifecycle, including releasing concerning levels of carbon emissions and polluting marine environments. Paraffin waxes have been found in the ocean, on beaches and in the digestive systems of marine wildlife and some scientists are calling for a stricter regulation of the substance.
The good news is that many surfers are indeed environmentalists (I would argue it would be hard not to be after spending so much time immersed in the deep powers of the ocean), and as such some of them have created surf wax from natural, biodegradable materials such as beeswax and coconut oil.
While surf wax is by no means the largest polluter of paraffin wax, there are many other less damaging options, so why not give them a try.
Here are some of the best eco-friendly surf waxes out there:
Matuna’s Surf Wax
Matuna’s Surf Wax is made from organic, biodegradable, non-toxic ingredients harvested from a farm in Santa Cruz. This eco-friendly surf wax is also packaged in 100 percent recycled paper printed with recycled ink. Matuna’s makes surf wax for a variety of temperatures and conditions.
Wave Tribe Eco Wax
Wave Tribe’s Eco Wax is made with non-toxic ingredients like coconut oil and beeswax. Their packaging is designed by a surf artist, so you can support the ocean, local artists and your board all at the same time.
Sticky Bumps
Sticky Bumps is a top mainstream surf wax brand who says their products are made from non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients. While Sticky Bumps does not list its ingredients online, WaveArcade has listed Sticky Bumps ingredients as: Calcite, Natural Mineral Waxes, a Proprietary Blend of Tackifiers, and Meadowfoam Seed Wax. They also include a recipe for making your own non-toxic surf wax at home.
Bubblegum x Rob Machado Organic Surfwax
Surfer Rob Machado collaborated with Bubblegum Surf Wax to create a line of waxes that they say are eco-friendly and made from vegetable and plant-based ingredients. Sweet.
If you love the oceans in which you surf, it’s time to turn your back on products made from petroleum and plastic. The good news is that there are great environmentally friendly options out there for everything from surf wax to wetsuits to surfboards.
