FAQ
Can I apply van der waal surf grips on a foam surfboard?
As long as it’s a soft-top style board — think Mick Fanning foams, Beater boards, or anything in that category — you’re good to go. The grip sticks nicely to that kind of surface and gives you way more traction without messing with the board’s vibe. Just make sure the deck’s clean and dry before you slap it on, and you’re set to surf.
How do I remove Van der Waal surf grips?
Super easy — just lift a corner and peel each hexagon off one by one. They come off clean without leaving a sticky mess. If you want a quick demo, check out this video: How to Remove Van der Waal Surf Grips
Will it damage my surfboard?
Nope. As long as you peel the hexagons off with a little care, your board’s totally safe. Sometimes you’ll get a bit of glue residue left behind, but that wipes right off with a rag and some alcohol.
Does it work on any kind of surfboard?
For sure. We’ve tested it on epoxy, fiberglass, and even wood boards — works like a charm. Some riders even throw it on hard-top soft boards like MF Soft Tops or Beaters, and it holds up fine there too.
Can I surf with it without a wetsuit or rashguard?
I’ve gone out shirtless on hot summer days for shorter sessions and had no issues. That said, just like wax, it can rub a little on your skin, so I usually roll with a rashguard.
How long does it last?
Honestly? Probably longer than your board. We’ve tested it hard — if you’re surfing 2–3 times a week, you can expect it to last at least 2 years. Martim’s first board has had Van der Waal on for over 6 years now, and it’s still grippy.
Why is it more eco-friendly than surf wax?
Most wax bars are made with petroleum and aren’t biodegradable. Van der Waal, on the other hand, goes on once and basically lasts the lifetime of your board — way less waste, way better for the ocean. Read more here
Does it work in any water temperature?
Yep. Warm, cold, tropical, you name it. Just a heads-up: in near-freezing waters, the material stiffens up and you might feel a slight drop in grip.
Can I apply it to a used surfboard?
Absolutely. Van der Waal is flexible enough to settle over all the little bumps and dings your board’s picked up over time. 😉
Can I peel it off and reuse it on a new board?
Nah, once it’s off, the glue’s gone. If you’re moving to a new board, you’ll need a fresh set.
Where’s it made?
100% Portugal, baby. Created by Martim and Afonso. You can check out more about our story [here].
Do I need a pro to apply it?
Not at all. You’ve got this. Each pack comes with simple step-by-step instructions, so you’ll nail the install on your own — no pro required.
How to apply Van der Waal traction pads?
Van der Waal surf grips are extremely easy to apply: just peel of a corner of a hexagon and apply it on a clean surfboard. You can check more here.
Does wax melts into the ocean?
Yes, it does. The fact is that surf wax melts into the ocean. Even though it's not in huge quantities, every surfboard with wax will leave residues of it in the ocean. More info on this study here.
How to remove surf wax from a surfboard
It’s really simple and despite the work, remember, after changing to Van der Waal probably it’s the last time you will be doing that Daniel San wax on-wax off job. Check how to remove surf wax from your surfboard here.
What alternatives do I have to surf wax?
Of course, our traction pads will be the reference. Tested by lot of people and some major surf magazines (check reviews here) Van der Waal surf grip is the best (for us) alternative to surf wax. If you really want to keep loyal to wax, we advise ReSurfWax, a really cool project.