Sustainable Surf Wax: Introducing TheGoodWaxCo
Environmental-friendly surf wax that is also good for your skin
Before you go in the water, you probably apply a layer of surf wax to your board to avoid any slippery situation whilst your catching the waves. Did you ever think about the impact of surf wax on the environment or your skin? (That is if you’re lucky enough to surf in warm climates that don’t require a wetsuit.).
The main ingredient in surf wax is paraffin which is a by-product of petroleum. The involved petroleum processing technologies can hardly be mentioned in the context of environmentally friendly processes. In the next step, the wax gets bleached whereby dioxins are emitted that are known to be carcinogenic. Further substances (that are equally unhealthy) are added to achieve the desired texture. This makes it dangerous for the human body, but it also affects the marine ecosystem because even the stickiest wax will eventually wash off the board and end up in the ocean.
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In 2019, Rory had an idea that would solve those issues and he created an eco-friendly surf wax that can easily hold up with the biggest non-eco-friendly brands. TheGoodWaxCo was born!
How it started
We all know this – some days we just have enough of our daily routines, and we look for something new. Leaping seems to be a very surf-like attitude in order to dedicate our time to something we love. Rory had the desire to combine a niche product with something charitable and environmentally friendly. His own passion for surfing drew his attention to surf wax as a product with a quick turnaround. Next to sunscreen, it is one of those products surfers frequently need to stock up on.
At the same time, he acknowledged the fact that surfing in itself leaves a significant ecological footprint. By travelling around the world and using plastic based equipment, we certainly leave a mark on this planet.
To give something back to the environment, Rory wanted to create a surf wax that allows us to reduce that footprint and to protect the oceans. He wasn’t happy with the quality of already existing eco-wax and nobody seemed to have a good alternative. There was only one solution: He had to create the wax himself. In his kitchen at home.
Do it yourself!
His wife supported him along the way – as long as he cleans the kitchen after his experiments. That sounds totally reasonable, but it can be a tricky task if you think about the stickiness of surf wax. If you ever had to remove it from the seats of a rental car at the end of a surf trip, you’ll know what we’re talking about!
For the sustainable surf wax, Rory is using locally sourced, organic ingredients, for example bees wax and coconut oil. We aren’t giving away his secret formula, but he has put a lot of time and effort into the recipe to ensure the wax has the right texture, sticks to the board and won’t smear, and is suitable for different conditions such as cold and warm water or sun exposure. It took ten months and surfers around the world to test it, to achieve those results. Charlie hasn’t had the chance yet to test the wax herself (because we’re still in COVID-19-lockdown), but surfers around the world can’t be all wrong with their test results.
Get it yourself!
If you want to give it a try, you can order it directly from the website of TheGoodWaxCo or from surfshops like Groundswell in Brighton or East Coast Surf in Cornwall. Rory is currently only shipping to the UK and Ireland to reduce the environmental impact of transport. He is looking into more cooperations with wholesale retailers around the world to ship the wax to in bigger amounts. Watch this space for updates!
Use code 25ONTHEMOVE for 25% discount!
If you’d like to order it from anywhere else, why not get together with fellow surfers and place a bigger order or have a chat with your local surf store? Maybe they are interested in working with Rory.
The good news is, by purchasing this eco-friendly surf wax, you too can do something for the environment because 10% of the profits are donated to charities – mostly those dedicated to the protection of sea turtles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is traditional surf wax not eco-friendly?
Surf wax is made of paraffin, a by-product of the processing of petroleum. During the bleaching process, dioxins are emitted. To achieve the right texture, other carcinogenic products are added that are not only bad for your skin but also end up in the ocean and disturb the eco system.
What is eco-wax based on?
The main ingredients used by TheGoodWaxCo for their eco-surf-wax are bees wax and coconut oil.
Where is the eco-wax produced?
Rory produces the eco-wax in his own kitchen at home in Liverpool.
Where can I get the eco-wax?
You can order it online from within the UK or Ireland or get it in surf shops in Brighton and Cornwall (more to come!).
images: TheGoodWaxCo
