Surf Wax: The Melting Test
Okay, so I have conducted an experiment.
The Problem: My surf wax melting. I know it may sound a little over-exaggerated, but it can be a serious problem. If I surf in the morning, chances are high that my board stays in my car the rest of the day. This becomes a particularly annoying problem when I go to surf either later that day or the next morning and realize my wax has melted off my board. In situations like this I never seem to have a stick of wax in my car… it’s ridiculous really. I am left begging for wax from other people, scanning the ground and car bumpers for spare pieces, or simply getting over it and paddling out without wax and hating that decision the whole time I am out there.
The Experiment: Wax a surf board with 3 separate types of wax, leave it in the sun for an extended period of time and discover which wax withstands the heat best.
The three options:
Sticky Bumps and Mr. Zogs have both been around for as long as I can remember, but Matunas is a newer and greener wax company. Their wax is completely 100% non-toxic, biodegradable right down to the printing on the recycled paper. However, environmentally friendly has its price and this bar of wax is $2 as opposed to the $1 each for Sex Wax and Sticky Bumps.
Variables: None really, it’s a pretty foolproof experiment.
Check out the video:
As you can see from the video, it was conducted in a very fair, be it simple, environment. After 5 minutes Sex Wax was super runny, while the other two were just starting to melt. From there on however, they were pretty even. I mean melted wax is melted wax. In the end, after an hour in the sun, it was pretty clear that Sticky Bumps still stuck the best, followed closely by Matunas with Mr. Zogs Sex Wax bringing up the rear. Now, you may think that the real decision should be based upon which goes on the smoothest and sticks the best, but to me, melt-ability makes a significant difference in my wax purchasing from now on. The less melt-able the better.
The Results: Sticky Bumps works best for me.
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Rad experiment. Good idea. I hate that problem though. nothing worse than paddling out without wax, or wax that has somewhat melted already and when you go to put your foot down or when you sit all the wax slips off and around. ANNOYING.
i found the best is to use those socks and flip your board so the bottom is up while it sits in your car. and try to park in the shade. also, if you have a lot of wax on your board it seems to do better. you know a nice build up of wax. i love a nice thick build up.
Very interesting…
I’m fond of Famous Surf Wax. They used to carry it at the 7/11 in Encinitas, but not anymore, unless they were just out. If your board is warm and the wax is melty, dunk it in the ocean before you apply any fresh wax, makes the melty stuff firm up and gives your fresh wax something to “bite” onto instead of a possibly slick finish. I agree with Pike. A nice build up, 1/8″ to 1/4″ works just fine for me. I’ve got wax on my board that has been there longer than most people have surfed I bet, present company excluded of course.
See you in the lineup!
Oh yeah, having a comb is never a bad idea. If you’ve got some build-up, a comb can really improve the stickiness of a good coat of wax.
Interesting experiment ..I had the same issues with wax melting..
I tryed Waxy Wax , they make all colours and also white. Sticky as too .
This summer I used their black wax and had it in the car and it didnt melt ..I was damn impressed !!! Any wax is gonna melt though if you leave it for a prolonged about a time in heat, nothing is goin to stop that,
I keep towels in my car and always cover my boards.
Surfing can be done in Essaouira city, it si the best destination for surfing in Moroccon and favorite place for surfers.
Ja
You should try the same test with GreenFiX a french new wax wich does not melt.
Yeah I know what you mean about Waxy wax, The stuff works really good in super warm weather, I think its the best tropic wax I have ever used. I have never tried other temps.
I have personally found that Famous Surf wax stays sticky the longest and think I read something about them using a UV inhibitor? Anyway Famous is the best wax i have ever used in my opinion, give it a try and see.
Yer John I use Waxy Wax in cool and warm ..will take tropical to Indo.
My feet a stuck to the board , I find it super sticky. Love Waxy Wax !!
I agree with few of the other posts that Famous Wax last the longest and is probably the best wax I have ever used. Fan for life and will use nothing else. Their green wax is good too!