Surf wax, a surfers best friend… have you ever wondered what exactly is surf wax made of of and is it even good for our eco system? Well surf wax happens to be a very important arsenal in a surfers toolbox.

Unfortunately there is a toxic side to wax. Paraffin is one of the main ingredients in wax which is a byproduct of Petroleum. With that being said you have to process the Petroleum first to make paraffin. When petroleum is processed it gives off a large amount of particulate pollution.

The substance which starts out as a grayish- black sludge then must go into the bleaching process that emits dioxins. Dioxin are enviromental pollutants that are dangerous and highly toxic. After these chemicals are added that solidify the wax into solid paraffin. Not only will this affect the surfer’s health it will also pollute the ocean since eventually it will rub of into the marine ecosystem.

As surfers, we need to not have such a negative impact on the places we surf and visit… We wear wetsuits made of neoprene, a petrochemical by-product, we ride waves on a petroleum derived polyurathane board, and on top of that we then coat the boards with petroleum extract. And when we are done with all of our gear we throw it away, which not only will endanger others but also the marine environment which is already swamped with a massive plastic pollution problem.

You might be wondering now, “ What can I do to help and make a difference?” Well, you can start by buying an eco-friendly, organic wax. These companies are endorsed by eco-organizations such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). You can also make your own wax and substitute the paraffin for beeswax, and tree resin and add coconut oil for a tropical smell.

http://www.mothersurf.com/surf-organic/

https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/how-to-make-your-own-surf-wax