Tech info | Van der Waal Surf Grip

r.Evolution Series

The lighter, thinner & softer
version of our
surf grip

After changing the standards of surf industry by developing an alternative to surf wax back in 2016, and driven by our customers’ feedback on our surf grip and by our aim to produce a more eco-friendly alternative to surf wax, we started to research new materials.

After a lot of tests, we achieved a softer material, lighter and thinner, with high grip levels.

The new texture allowed us to develop a thinner version of Van der Waal with the same grip levels: less than 1mm thick.

Tech data

Weight: 3gr (0.10 oz) per hexagon
Dimensions (per hex): 111.7 x97.9 mm (4.3 x 3.8 inches)
Thickness: <1.0mm (0.039 inch) textured profile
Material: Transparent non-abrasive polymer with plasticizers
Adhesive: Animal-free, pressure-sensitive acrylic formula
Life spam: ~2 years (surfing 2–3x/week)

Inside the box

All hexagons you ordered
Guide piece: to guide you in installation. This guide piece creates a 10mm (0.39 inch) gap between hexagons for water drainage
Instructions: on how to apply
Plus: Free stickers

How it works

The strategic 10mm spacing between hexagons facilitates optimal water drainage, reducing hydroplaning and enhancing contact with the board. T

The hexagonal configuration is not only visually distinctive and highly modular, but functionally essential for delivering consistent, high-grip control in all surf conditions.

Versions comparison

Note on Legacy Versions: Early r.Evolution batches in late 2019 encountered adhesive failures under specific water conditions. This prompted a complete overhaul of the production line and adhesive formulation. All r.Evolution series produced from 2020 onward utilize a revised animal-free adhesive engineered for long-term bonding.

	PS 1.0 2016	PS 2.0 2018	Evo 2020 forward
Properties
Thickness	1.4 mm	2 mm	1.2 mm
Weight (per hexagon)	5 g	8 g	3.5 g
Glue	Animal free	Animal free	Animal free
Material	Plasticisers	Plasticisers	Plasticisers
Grip levels
Wetsuit (Dry)	-	+60% vs 1.0	+45% vs 2.0
Wetsuit (Wet)	-	+55% vs 1.0	+45% vs 2.0
Bare Skin (Dry)	-	+40% vs 1.0	+15% vs 2.0
Bare Skin (Wet)	-	+55% vs 1.0	+10% vs 2.0
Compatibility (5 = Super Friendly)
Wetsuit	4	3	5
Bare Skin	4	2	4

PS 1.0 Refers to our version Performance Series 1.0, the very first version of our grip.

PS 2.0 Refers to Performance Series 2.0, released in the end of 2017.

Evo refers to our current version, r.Evolution Series, released in early 2020.

COMPARISATION

7 Realities of Switching
from Surf Wax to Van der Waal

Zero Wax Melt in Cars or Board Bags: The board remains clean at 40ºC (104ºF)
Initial Feel vs. Wax: Wax feels soft and sticky underfoot; Van der Waal feels like a firm, micro-textured friction layer. Traction increases once wet.
Wetsuits Grip Better Than Bare Skin: Neoprene engages with the texture exceptionally well; bare skin requires a short adjustment period.
The Board Design Remains Visible: White/transparent hexagons allow stringers, resin tints, and logos to show through cleanly.
No Sand or Debris Sticking: Eliminates sandy wax build-up that damages wetsuit chest panels.
Long-Term Cost Math: Comparing 2 years of wax bars ($30–$50/year) versus a one-time shortboard pack purchase.
Preparation Matters: Installation requires absolute deck degreasing; skipping dewaxing will lead to pad edge lift.

User guide

How Many Hexagons Do You Actually Need?

Shortboard Pack (21 Hexagons): Designed for standard performance boards (+5'0" - 6'0").
Hybrid / Step-Up Pack (25 to 30 Hexagons): Ideal for wider chest placement or boards ranging from 6'0" - 7'0".
Mid-Length & Longboard Pack (70 to 120 Hexagons): Full-deck coverage allowing cross-stepping and nose riding without sticky wax buildup along the rails.
Custom Packs: You can use our Pack Builder to make your own pack.

Doesn't melt

Because it doesn’t melt in the sun, it won’t stain other surfaces it comes in contact with, such as your surfboard bag, your car or your clothes.

Lasts for ages

Depending on how regularly you surf, Van Der Waal may last the same amount of time as your surfboard. One purchase of Van Der Waal will last at least 1 year if you surf 2 or 3 times a week.

Temperature independent

No matter whether you are surfing in cold or hot water, the traction Van der Waal is indifferent to the temperature of the water or the environment.

Surfboard Friendly

Your surfboard will look great! Van Der Waal is white transparent. So it won’t cover your board design or logos and your board will look exactly like it did when you bought it. Plus, protects your board from UV.

Greener than surf wax

Most surf wax bars are made with high environmental impact components such as oil. Since a surfer needs at least 1 bar of wax every month, Van Der Wall is a much “greener” solution than wax

Doesn't get sticky

Although it has the same traction as wax, Van Der Waal doesn’t get sticky or dirty, wether gather sand, hair or other debris, so your board is always clean.

Lightweight

When applied, it is lighter than wax (3gr / hexagon), so do not make your board heavier and does not compromise your surf.

Affordable

If you surf 2 or 3 times a week, you would need at least 1 bar of wax per month, at a average cost of 2-3€ each bar. With Van der Waal you wont need anymore wax and it will last for at least 2 entire years.