Haven't you heard about bodyboard wax? Well, it's not a marketing stunt. It really makes a difference.
Bodyboards and surfboards are made from different materials and substances and behave differently when the wax is applied on both decks.
The majority of surfboards are made from polyurethane and fiberglass, while bodyboards are shaped using polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or extruded polystyrene (EPS).
Therefore, the same block of wax will not look and feel identical on both boards.
Two questions can be raised: Is bodyboard wax different from regular surfboard wax? And does it make sense to differentiate between surf wax and bodyboard wax, or is it all a marketing gimmick?
According to most bodyboarders, the wax made for boogie boards is stickier and less viscous when applied over the deck.
So, yes, if you're a bodyboarder, it makes sense to buy wax made for bodyboards. But it is also important to underline that there are several hardness grades for different water temperatures.
If you're bodyboarding in a tropical destination, you'll need a harder block of wax. On the opposite side of the spectrum, if you're catching waves in cold water regions, you should always pick a softer formula.
Bodyboard Wax: The Offer
There are many brands developing wax formulas specifically for bodyboards and bodyboarding.
Limited Edition, Miramar, Nomad, Parafinaria, Sex Wax, Stealth, Sticky Bumps, and VS are some of the companies producing wax formulas for boogie boards.
If you can't find specific bodyboard wax near you, get a regular block of surf wax that is tacky enough to hold the movement of your forearms and hands.
Remember that you're only supposed to wax the areas of the board next to the rails and nose bulbs.
If you're a prone rider, do not apply wax on the center of the board. Otherwise, you'll find it difficult to move your body forward and backward while riding waves.
Learn how to remove wax from a bodyboard without damaging your gear.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com