The BAF wax Story
A little chemistry. A lot of Colorado. Bitch Ass Fast.
The early years were a little fuzzy, but the idea was clear: keep it simple, make it fast, and make high-performance wax accessible to everyone.
2003 — The Idea
On the eve of a powder day, Slayer found himself digging through a toolbox full of different waxes and asking a simple question: Why does ski and snowboard wax have to be so complicated?
With a chemistry degree, a culinary background, and a Coast Guard-inspired K.I.S.S. philosophy, he set out to create one wax for every day. The idea for BAF wax was born.
2005 — BAF wax Is Born
BAF wax officially launches in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. After years of experimenting and refining the formula, Formula 421 (F421) takes shape: an all-temperature, mineral-based wax designed for serious performance without the premium price tag.
The goal? Make some of the fastest wax around and keep it affordable for everyone, from everyday riders to pros.
2006–2010 — Building a Community
The early years brought wax parties, mountain meetups, season-opening celebrations, and the BAF Wax Raft Regatta on the Yampa River. What started with 25–30 friends grew to 90–100 participants the following year and approximately 225 by 2008.
A little off-season fun turned into a full-blown Steamboat tradition, keeping BAF on the map even when the snow melted.
2010–2017 — Growing Beyond the Mountains
BAF expands its reach throughout the snow industry through product development, custom molds, branded wax, and growing relationships with ski and snowboard shops, resorts, athletes, and mountain events.
2017 — A New Home in Colorado
BAF wax moves its headquarters and production to Cedaredge, Colorado, where production continues by hand using all-American ingredients.
Formula 421 expands into both hot-wax and rub-on formats, bringing high-performance waxing to even more riders.
2018–2019 — More Mountains, More Mayhem
From product demos and custom wax to snowboard film premieres, community events, and rail jams, BAF continues making its mark beyond the wax bench.
The BAF Wax Rail Jam at Mountain High brings the brand to another mountain community, while shop and resort relationships continue to grow.
2024/25 — 20 Years of BAF wax
Twenty years calls for a refresh. BAF celebrates its 20th anniversary with a new website and newsletter, reconnecting the community through product updates, resort openings, events, and announcements.
The anniversary season brings custom-branded products and expanded wax events, including community collaborations with Halfdays. BAF also continues its longstanding Monster Energy Wax Party Fuels stops across Colorado and free-waxing opportunities at X Games Aspen.
2026 & Beyond — Keep Dancing
Two decades in, BAF wax is still handmade in Colorado and driven by the same original vision. In 2026, the production facility gets a new name: Vault 421.
With ongoing event partnerships, new collaborations, and an expanding network of shops, resorts, athletes, and mountain communities, BAF continues growing its reach while staying true to its roots.
The People Behind the BAF Bomb Squad
From Mike Cook, part of BAF since 2005, and Jerry Kennedy, who joined in 2013, to today’s growing crew of athletes, mountain professionals, rail riders, and fun-loving snow enthusiasts, they represent the community behind the brand.
Today’s BAF bomb squad includes a US Ski Team member, a Freeride World Tour Qualifier athlete, USASA athletes, the Operations Lead at Frisco Railpark, rail jam competitors, and fun seekers. Different mountains, different backgrounds, one shared love of sliding on snow.
Slayer, Founder Formula 421
Keep it simple. Keep it fast. Keep dancing.
BAF wax — Handmade in Colorado, USA Since 2005.