As Surfers we have an intrinsically deep love for the ocean. Its ironic that the majority of equipment we use to ride the waves has a hugely negative impact on the environment that we hold in such high regard.

Our Souls of the Sea is committed to showing you the very best options for a surfer who is genuinely looking for more sustainable options, and this article is dedicated to the humble, but historically toxic, block of surf wax.

Let’s take a quick look at the history of surf wax, it’s highly impactful ingredients, and how ethical and forward thinking brands are evolving the sticky substance into a more eco-friendly product.

Toxic Traction

For decades, a block of surf wax contained paraffin wax, a petroleum based product that is cheap and easy to obtain, making it the go-to choice for most wax brands. It’s terrible to think that just by waxing up your stick for a few waves you could be held responsible for toxins infiltrating delicate ecosystems, harming marine life, compromising the quality of the water, and even poisoning our own food chain.

The big wax brands have known this for years, however, as with many legacy brands their production has been embedded in low cost and high output manufacture.

Eco Friendly Surf Wax

In recent years, we have seen eco-friendly surfboard wax alternatives entering the market, with small brands really shaking up the market. Natural and non-toxic materials, such as beeswax, veggie oils, and tree resins are used to create the new generation of eco surf wax, creating a smaller impact on the planet and allowing surfers to make far more sustainable choices.

There is no reason a surfer should choose to wax their board with a bar of toxic sludge. For one, these alternative products are biodegradable, meaning they break down naturally over time, reducing the amount of waste product that ends up in landfill. Additionally, the best eco surf wax brands support fair trade and organic farming, creating a far more ethical industry.

Matunas

Although several brands are producing eco friendly surf wax, and some legacy brands are changing for the better, the eco wax endorsed by Our Souls of the Sea (as well as Patagonia and The Surfrider Foundation) is Matunas.

Matunas is a premium surf wax company that specialises in eco-friendly and sustainable surf wax. Founded in 2008 by David Matunas in Santa Cruz, California, the company’s mission is to provide surfers with a greener and safer option when it’s time to wax up.

The Company uses only natural and organic ingredients, ensuring their wax is free from harmful chemicals and toxins. Matunas is also entirely biodegradable.

One of the things that sets Matunas apart from other surf wax companies is their commitment to eco-friendly practices throughout the entire production process, from sourcing ingredients to packaging and shipping. For example, they use fully recyclable packaging materials and only work with suppliers who share their values of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Overall, Matunas is a company that puts sustainability and eco-consciousness at the core of everything they do. This commitment to the planet, combined with their high-quality and effective eco friendly surf wax makes them our number one choice at Our Souls of the Sea.