Sex Wax: Our Guide to Surfing's Most Iconic Wax Brand
Jul 11, 2025
When you paddle out into the lineup, there's nothing more crucial than the connection between you and your board. That thin layer of wax beneath your feet can make the difference between riding the wave of your life and taking a trip over the falls.
Among all the surf wax brands available today, one name stands above the rest in terms of recognition, performance, and sheer personality: Sex Wax
Sex Wax (Mr. Zog's) is surfing's most recognisable wax brand, offering superior grip and performance across all water temperatures.
With its unique coconut scent and reliable formula, it's been the go-to choice for surfers worldwide since 1972.
No matter if you're braving the chilly surf of South Wales or chasing waves in the tropics, Sex Wax provides reliable grip to keep you locked in with your surfboard.
The Story Behind Sex Wax
Mr. Zog's Origins
Sex Wax was born in 1972 in Goleta, California, when surfer Nate Skinner partnered with chemist Frederick Charles Herzog III (known as "Mr. Zog") to create the perfect surf wax formula. What started as a small operation in a garage quickly grew into a global phenomenon, but the brand never lost its grassroots surf culture authenticity.
The original formula was developed through countless hours of testing in Southern California's varied surf conditions. Mr. Zog's scientific background combined with Skinner's intimate knowledge of what surfers needed resulted in a wax that offered superior grip, longevity, and ease of application.
The Controversial Name That Stuck
Let's address the elephant in the room – the name. "Sex Wax" was chosen deliberately to grab attention and spark conversation. In the conservative 1970s, the provocative name caused quite a stir, with some surf shops initially refusing to stock the product. However, this controversy only fueled the brand's popularity among surfers who appreciated its rebellious spirit and anti-establishment attitude.
The name became part of surfing folklore, and today, the iconic pink and black logo is instantly recognizable worldwide. It's a testament to the brand's confidence in its product that they stuck with such a bold name choice.
Is Mr Zog a Real Person?
Yes - Mr. Zog isn’t just a fun name on the label. “Mr. Zog” is the real-life persona of Frederick Charles Herzog III, born in 1945, who co‑founded Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax in California back in 1972 alongside chemist Nate Skinner (en.wikipedia.org).
Herzog (a.k.a. Zog) grew up surfing in Orange County, studied economics at UC Santa Barbara, ran a surf shop and shaped boards locally before teaming up with Skinner to formulate the iconic wax.
He remains involved in the brand, still surfing and connected to the product today.
So yes - Mr. Zog is very much real, and essentially the Zog behind Sex Wax’s legacy.
What Makes Sex Wax Different
Formula and Ingredients
Sex Wax's secret lies in its carefully crafted formula that combines natural and synthetic ingredients to create optimal tackiness. The base typically includes paraffin wax, beeswax, and coconut oil, which gives Sex Wax its distinctive tropical scent that surfers have come to love.
The formula creates a unique texture that provides excellent grip without being overly sticky. This balance is crucial – too sticky and you can't move your feet around your board, too slippery and you lose your footing on critical maneuvers.
Temperature Ranges and Varieties
Sex Wax offers different formulas designed for specific water temperatures:
- Cold Water (Below 14°C): Softer formula perfect for UK and Irish waters
- Cool Water (14-20°C): Ideal for spring and autumn sessions in South Wales
- Warm Water (20-26°C): For summer surfing and travel to warmer destinations
- Tropical (Above 26°C): Hard formula for hot climates and heated sessions
Performance Benefits
What sets Sex Wax apart is its consistency. While other brands might work well initially but quickly lose their grip, Sex Wax maintains its tackiness throughout long sessions. The wax doesn't ball up or become patchy as easily, ensuring reliable performance when you need it most.
How to Use Sex Wax Properly
Base Coat Application
Proper application starts with a clean board. Remove any old wax completely before applying your base coat. Using firm, diagonal strokes, apply your base coat in a crosshatch pattern. This creates small bumps that will hold your topcoat effectively.
The base coat should be applied with a harder wax formula than your topcoat – many surfers use tropical wax as a base regardless of water temperature, then apply the temperature-appropriate formula on top.
Maintenance and Reapplication
Before each session, rough up your existing wax with a wax comb to restore grip. Apply a thin layer of fresh wax, focusing on areas where your feet will be positioned. Like painting a wall, the key is building up layers gradually rather than applying one thick coat.
Removal and Cleaning
When it's time for a fresh application, leave your board in the sun to soften the wax, then scrape it off with a plastic scraper. Use wax remover or warm water to eliminate any residue before starting fresh.
Sex Wax in South Wales Conditions
Best Formulas for Welsh Waters
South Wales' waters typically range from 6°C in winter to 18°C in summer, making cold and cool water formulas your best friends.
The cold water formula is essential for winter sessions at spots like Llangennith and Rest Bay, while the cool water formula works perfectly for spring and autumn surfing.
Seasonal Considerations
Welsh surf conditions can be unpredictable, with rapid temperature changes throughout the year. Many local surfers keep both cold and cool water formulas in their kit, adjusting based on recent weather patterns and water temperature readings.
The consistent Atlantic swells that hit the South Wales coast combined with Sex Wax's reliable grip make it an ideal choice for tackling everything from gentle summer peelers to powerful winter storms.
Professional Tips and Tricks
Storage and Care
Store your Sex Wax in a cool, dry place to prevent melting and maintain its consistency.
Many surfers keep their wax in a small cooler bag during summer transport to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid applying wax in hot conditions where it will immediately melt.
Try to avoid putting your board in direct sunlight - especially in Summer - once your wax gets seriously melty, it never really goes tacky again once it cools donw.
Never use a wax designed for warmer water in cold conditions, as it will become too hard and provide poor grip.
The Sex Wax Community
Cult Following and Brand Loyalty
Sex Wax has cultivated one of the most devoted followings in surfing. Surfers often become brand loyalists, sticking with Sex Wax throughout their entire surfing careers. This loyalty stems from consistent performance and the brand's authentic connection to surf culture.
Environmental Considerations
Modern Sex Wax formulas are increasingly environmentally conscious, with the brand working to reduce harmful ingredients that could damage coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
They've maintained performance while adapting to environmental concerns, showing their commitment to preserving the oceans we all love to surf.
To Sum Up
Sex Wax has earned its place as surfing's most iconic wax brand through decades of consistent performance, distinctive character, and unwavering connection to surf culture.
From the cold waters of South Wales to tropical paradises around the world, Sex Wax delivers the connection between surfer and board that makes every session a good one.
The brand's commitment to quality, combined with its rebellious spirit and distinctive coconut scent, ensures that Sex Wax will remain a surf bag essential for generations to come.