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December 2006 Issue
Tiki Waxx
Tikiwaxx—the latest and greatest in surf wax from Santa Barbara local Ramon Hernandez (you're gonna love it)
I heard from a friend who got second degree burns that life in the wax business can be rough--how is it treating you?
I have heard the same thing that it's a difficult biz to do well
in. Wax is a low margin/high volume business. What I'm trying to do is
tell surfers that surf wax can be more than just a bar of wax to rub
on your board. It can look cool and also help the environment.
Tikiwaxx will actively give back to the surfing community through
programs like 1% for the Planet and Surfrider Foundation once it is
widely distributed. Since every surfer needs wax, it is my
responsibility to give back to surfing and the ocean. Also, I will be
donating my time in different areas to help with beach clean up &
with some of the groms to talk about being responsible for their piece
of beach, don't let anyone disrespect it! If other brands can do it
through SEX, Tikiwaxx can do it with art, creativity and a
responsibility to our environment.
You are obviously a surfer with an affinity for Polynesian culture--tell me about the beginning, the seed that started it all?
It all started on a trip to Maui I took with my family after my
step-father passed away. I wanted to get a really
cool Tiki candle, but couldn't find one. Like anybody, I thought
'somebody really should make those things' So on the
way home from LAX to Santa Barbara I had the inspiration to use the
Tiki image in something I could use instead of just look at--a bar
of surf wax!
My friend JW says Tiki wax is the 'goopiest' wax he's ever used. He said it's like squeezing goo out of a tube on to your board-- can you tell me about the differences between your wax and some other brands?
Yeah, Tikiwaxx is definitely VERY sticky and goes on well, everyone who has used it swears its the stickiest they've ever used. The Cold Coconuts is designed to go on easily over any wax you might have gobbed up on your board, and will stay on. When used on its own or with a Base coat, it provides excellent traction. If you forgot to bring wax to the beach and you're already using Tikiwaxx you'll probably be okay just scratching your wax up a bit, it will still be extra sticky.
How old is Tikiwaxx?
The idea of Tikiwaxx is a few years old, and after a lot of
research & development the first batch became available this past
June, when I introduced the Cool Vibes and Cold Coconuts temperatures.
Now I'm working on my marketing and distribution as well as the
web-site. As far as Team Riders go, I call them 'Tribal Riders'. I'm hooking up a ripper from South Africa on the WQS named Ricky Basnett, and an insane surfer from Hawaii named Tomhenry Coletti, also Clay Wagner, JP Garcia, Joey Camacho, all from Ventura, and twin Santa Barbara High School groms
Shane & Tyler Millhollin
Where else can we buy your wax besides The Beach House and A-Frame?Tikiwaxx is also available online at tikiwaxx.com and in Santa Barbara at Clyde Beatty Products and Santa Barbara Ice, also at Wave Front and Bad Ass Coffee in Ventura, shops that have been supportive since before you could wax
up your slippery stick with a Sticky Tiki!
Posted December 2006 Blue Edge Magazine. All rights reserved.
