Surf Wax

Composition

Paraffin wax is a component of surfboard wax, ski wax and skateboard wax. Paraffin wax consists of a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules containing between 20 and 40 carbon atoms. Petroleum jelly can be added to surfboard wax to make a softer wax. Natural alternatives use only organic substances: beeswax, vegetable oils such as coconut or hemp oil, pine resin, tree pulp and natural essential oils. Pure beeswax can also serve as an organic surfboard wax. Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. Chemically, beeswax consists mainly of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols.

Use

Surfboard wax is used to increase grip on the paddle of a surf kayak or dragon boat. There are formulations designed for various climates and water temperatures. Most surfboard wax comes labeled with a water temperature range for which it is ideal. Wax used in water colder than its rating becomes hard and does not give the stickiness needed to stay on the board, while wax used in water warmer than its rating may melt. Wax is applied by first putting a base coat onto the clean board. This harder base coat forms a bump pattern to which the surfer sticks. The base coat is then topped with a coat of wax of an appropriate temperature.

Product types

Mr. Zog's Sex Wax is made in four types for surfing: original Sex Wax, Quick Humps, Really Tacky and Navel Wax, which is a body-boarding wax. The waxes come in an assortment of aromatic fragrances and in formulas for different water temperatures.

History

Mr. Zog's Sex Wax is a brand of surfwax produced in Carpinteria, California. Paraffin wax was first created in 1830 by the German chemist Carl Reichenbach.

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