The Wax That Lasts Longer
One of the best features of Byron Bay Surf Wax is that it seems to last a lot longer than the other waxes I have used and tested. I don't use a wax comb which is used to scrape wax off a board. I also don't wax my board everytime I go surfing. I just apply wax when I develope a bald patch.
Is any surf wax really eco friendly? To make a non toxic and biodegradable wax is quite easy. The process it takes to get there may not be so eco friendly. Anyway, I’m trying, and this is part of the journey. It’s not where you start it is where you finish.
Wax companies are extremely reluctant to tell you what goes into the wax. Reason being it is difficult to make a good surf wax that works. Why tell your competitor how to do it? Secondly what goes into an eco-friendly surf wax is very debatable. No simple solution or easy answer.
The easiest way to make an eco surf wax is just write “ECO SURF WAX” and "100% RECYCLED CARDBOARD" on the box it came in. I think it's important to look at the whole product life cycle.
I'll be experimenting with some eco ingredients. Everything manufactured seems to have some sort of environmental cost associated with it. If anyone can tell me how to make surf wax from plants that can be grown in the Northern Rivers or Australia I'ld be very interested.
Puchased bees wax "From The Bees To You" from the Byron Bay Farmers Markets. The stall and markets is walking distance from the Byron Bay Surf Wax headquarters.
I feel a bit uncomfortable using bees wax since you are destroying a bees home. A commercial bee farm will always sell the wax as a side income. Not sure if making surf wax is the best use for this wax. If you are buying bees wax in bulk for a cheap price then it is probably imported from China and probably not the sort of industry that a normal person would want to support.
Purchased some food grade paraffin off cuts and seconds from the the Nimbin Candle Factory. I feel pretty good upcycling what could be a "waste product".
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is unrefined, extracted from fresh coconut milk with minimal processing and heat, retaining its natural flavor, aroma, and nutrients. I have a soft spot for the smell on my board. Can be purchased from Fundies or Santos Organics and many places walking distance to the Byron Bay Surf Wax headquarters.
There are a few wax companies putting hemp seed oil into their wax. Not sure if's clever marketing or if it actually works. Anyway I am please to be buying some organic hemp seed oil made locally which I was able to buy by walking to my local Santos store.
Solar Power and Home Biogas
When melting down and making surf wax I generally do it during the day on the kitchen stove which in theory should be running off solar power during the day. I do have a "Home Biogas" machine which converts "food waste" and animal manure into methane gas. Will be set up when I get a chance.