How to Recycle Old Surfboard Wax

Cover image: waxbuddy.com

If you don’t feel like spending the extra guap on new surfboard wax and you’re interested in helping the environment, recycling old surfboard wax is the ultimate money-saving, earth-helping, way to keep your stick sticky. New wax can cost between $3 and $5 and is typically petroleum-based. Following this simple guide can help you keep some dollars in your pocket and old wax out of the waste stream. 

Supplies

Before we get started, here is what we need: 

1. Wax Scraper  

2. Old Wax 

3. Wax Pot (can be an old tin can)  

4. Thick Silicon Wax Mold (easiest option is cupcake baking mold) 

Steps

1. Find a sunny spot and place your board in direct sunlight, wax side up. Wait until the wax becomes soft. 

2. Use the wax scraper to remove all the wax from your board. It is the most helpful to start at the ends and scrape towards the middle to prevent any extra wax from falling on the ground. 

3. Collect the wax into the wax pot 

4. Fashion a double boiler: 

   • If using tin can, place into a pot filled ¼ - ½ with water  

   • If using normal pot, place into a larger pot filled with ¼ - ½ with water 

5. Boil the water and stir the wax until it is completely melted (it can be helpful to add a little bit of coconut oil to the mixture). 

6. Pour melted wax into the silicon mold and let harden 

7. Remove your wax from the silicon mold and wax up your surfboard! 

Here is a YouTube video guide to help you through every step of the way! 

Now that you know how to recycle old surfboard wax, it’s time to hit the waves. Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.  

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