The Guest: Kate Richards
Founder of Radical Wax | Tennis Coach | Former Lifeguard

The Chat

Cornish Roots and a Life Outdoors
Kate grew up in Cornwall, always outside, always moving. Early passions included cricket and running, spurred on by a supportive primary school and a few stand-out teachers. Later, she transitioned into tennis, drawn to its inclusivity and long-game appeal.

A Lifelong Love of the Ocean
From childhood swims to teenage surfs with her friend Hannah, the sea has always been part of Kate’s rhythm. Surfing stood out for its lack of pressure and its playful, restorative nature, a contrast to competitive sport.

From Cornwall to the World and Back Again
Kate travelled extensively: lifeguarding and surfing in New Zealand, coaching tennis in China and Thailand, and exploring surf spots across the globe. A decade abroad gave her fresh perspective, but Cornwall always pulled her home.

The Spark Behind Radical Wax
Back in Cornwall, Kate linked up with spa product company Lemongrass House. A curiosity about what was really in surf wax led her to lab test the top-selling brands. What she found was alarming: 90% of surf waxes are made with paraffin, a petroleum by-product, even those marketed as “eco”.

Creating a Cleaner Alternative
After two years of development and setbacks (especially in getting cold-water wax to work), Radical Wax was born. Made from natural ingredients and using waste resin from essential oil production, the wax performs across all conditions. Ben Skinner’s early feedback helped shape the final product, as did input from Surfing England’s junior team.

Sustainability Meets Performance
Kate is clear: a product must work or it won’t get used. Her aim is to make sustainability practical and affordable, not a luxury. She also points to the deeper problem of manufacturing systems that hold back progress, rather than brands or individuals.

The Role of Community and the Next Generation
Whether it’s the inquisitive groms of today or her own young son with his first surfboard, Kate finds hope in the new wave of ocean lovers. For her, sustainability isn’t just about product swaps, it’s about mindset, responsibility, and action.

Kate’s Top Achievable Tips

1. Get informed – You don’t need a lab, just a curious mind. Dig into what’s behind the brands you use.

2. Anything is better than nothing – Inspired by the 2 Minute Foundation, small steps can lead to real change.

3. Get outside – Even five minutes of fresh air helps reset your mind and body.

4. Get moving in any form – Forget the pressure, just find what you enjoy.

5. Think about your choices – Especially how they affect future generations. It all adds up.

Kate’s Evidence

1. The Cigarette Surfboard Film – A powerful surf-led campaign showing how community action can lead to real policy change.

2. The 89% Project – Most people want change but think they’re alone. This project shows we’re not.

3. BBC Short: Can Surfing Ever Be Sustainable? – Covers surf industry’s environmental impact, but tellingly omits wax.

4. Sustainable Stoke by Greg Borne – A deep dive into the challenges and ethics of surf sustainability.

5. Into the Blue Report (The Wave) – Research into blue health and how controlled surf environments can support wellbeing for all.

Contact Details
Website: radicalwax.co.uk
Instagram: @RadicalWax
Facebook: Radical Wax
LinkedIn: Kate Richards

What One Thing Can We Do Today to Make a Better Tomorrow?
“Think about how your decisions today affect tomorrow.”