Which Rad Wax Do I Need?
Rad Wax is designed to do two simple jobs brilliantly:
Keep you gripped to your board whilst not damaging the environment.
Choose your wax based on water temperature, not guesswork.
Base Coat
Best for: All surfers, all conditions
Water temp: All temperatures
Use when: You want longer-lasting grip
Creates a durable foundation that helps your top coat stick better and last longer. Apply once to a clean board, then layer your chosen temperature wax on top.
Advantage: Stronger grip, fewer rewaxes.
Cold Wax
Best for: Cold water sessions
Water temp: Under 16°C
Use when: Wax feels hard or slippery underfoot in freezing conditions
Stays tacky in low temperatures, keeping your feet locked in when cold water makes other waxes lose grip.
Advantages: Confidence in cold water.
Cool Wax
Best for: Mild, everyday conditions
Water temp: 16-20°C
Use when: You want reliable, all-round grip
Perfect for typical UK surf and shoulder seasons, European summers. Balanced tack that performs without clogging or feeling sticky.
Advantages: Consistent, no-thinking grip.
Warm Wax
Best for: Warmer water and sunny sessions
Water temp: 20-26°C
Use when: Wax starts to feel greasy or soft in hotter conditions
Maintains structure as temperatures rise, delivering controlled grip without melting or mess.
Advantages: Stable grip in warmer waters.
Tropical Wax
Best for: Surf trips and hot climates
Water temp: 26°C+
Use when: Other wax melts or fails
Designed for heat. Stays solid in tropical water and high air temperatures, grips reliably, and won’t melt in your bag or drip on your gear.
Advantages: Top performance in tropical conditions, won't melt.
Still Not Sure?
Cold hands? Go colder
Wax melting? Go warmer
Travelling somewhere hot? Go tropical
Want it to last longer? Always start with Base Coat
Ultra-grippy. Ocean-friendly. Tried and tested.