Surf wax is one of those things you don't think about until you're slipping off your board mid-wave. Get the right wax for the water temperature and apply it properly and you won't think about it at all — which is exactly the point. It's cheap, it matters, and it's worth doing right.

Choosing the right wax for the conditions

• Cold water (below 17°C) — softer formula that stays tacky in cold water. What you need for Victorian surf like Bells Beach and the Surf Coast through autumn and winter
• Cool water (14– 19°C) — the most versatile option for most of the Australian year in southern states
• Warm water (19–24°C) — harder formula for Queensland and tropical conditions
• Tropical (24°C+) — the hardest formula, won't melt off in hot water or direct sun

How to wax your board properly

Always start with a base coat — it's a harder wax that creates the foundation for your top coat to grip onto. Without it, your wax wears off faster and doesn't build up properly. Apply in circular or cross-hatch motions until you've got a good layer of bumps, then apply your temperature-specific top coat over the top. Focus on where your feet actually go — you don't need to wax the whole deck.

Strip and rewax every few months or when the wax starts to feel glassy and smooth rather than tacky.

Complete your surf kit

While you're here, check out the rest of our surf accessories — leashes, traction pads, and fins are the other essentials. And if you're in the market for a new board, browse our full surfboards range or grab a wetsuit for the cooler months.