Surfing and environmentalism are intertwined by a shared love for the ocean. As the detrimental impacts of climate change become increasingly evident, the surf industry has embarked or will have to really soon, on a journey toward sustainability. Ocean is our playground, and despite there is a lot of simple things that we, as individuals, can do to embrace this journey, surf companies must have a major role in the environmental impact that the surf industry has in the ocean.
While surfers are often seen as environmentally conscious, the ugly truth is that we contribute to pollution by using harmful products and processes in the practice of our loved sport.
In this context, the rise of sustainable surf gear and environmentally safe surf accessories represents a major change in the industry. More and more surfers, brands, and shapers are turning to ecological materials and production methods to create surf gear combining performance with environmental respect. We have seen this week the launch of PROTO, from Creatures, and that is just an example.
Luckily we see some things changing.
Sustainable surf is about cultivating a deep connection with the ocean and living a lifestyle in harmony with environmental values. It is a call to action for surfers to become responsible stewards of the ocean, leading by example and inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices in and out of the water. By committing to sustainability, we can help protect the ocean and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy surfing clear waves in a green environment.
Environmentally friendly surfboard brands are turning to sustainable and recycled materials for their manufacture. Indeed, the rise of eco-responsible surfboards has been accompanied by a veritable explosion of technological innovation. Shapers are constantly finding new ways to create more sustainable boards without sacrificing performance. Gero, from Fatum Surfboards (which I use since 2020), has a great example on their blog.
Traditionally, surfboards have been manufactured using non-renewable materials like polyurethane foam and fiberglass, which have adverse ecological footprints. However, in recent years, there has been a paradigm shift towards sustainable alternatives. Shapers and manufacturers are exploring innovative materials such as bio-based resins, recycled foam cores, and organic fabrics. Not only small or niche companies, like Evo Evo or Ertha, but also major companies are at the forefront of this movement, developing boards that minimize environmental impact without compromising performance.
(Quoting Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia: "Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want.")
As well as eco-friendly surfboards, choosing eco-friendly surf accessories not only reduces the environmental impact of your surfing activities but also supports companies and brands that are committed to sustainability. By making conscious choices, surfers can help protect our oceans and foster a greener surfing community. From leashes to wetsuits, there is a huge range of eco-friendly options. Last but not least, our product: our surf grips represents a clearer alternative to surf wax. These traction pads will stay on your surfboards for at least 2 years if you surf 2-3 times a week. This means not only that you will not be melting wax into the ocean, beaches and your car, but also that with a long lasting solution to give traction to your surfboard you will be consuming less, reducing transportation (more here).
It is important to recognize that sustainability often comes at a price and is not available to everyone. Eco-friendly surf equipment and accessories can be more expensive than traditional surf equipment and accessories. However, despite the costs, it's important to recognize the long-term benefits and value of investing in sustainability for the planet and future generations.
Sustainable options are hard to find for everyone, but there are ways to make a difference. The key is to make conscious decisions and pay attention to your spending habits. Proper maintenance and repairs can extend the life of your current surf equipment, rather than constantly looking for new gear.
"Every time you spend money, you're casting a vote for the kind of world you want." - Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia
Surfers play a key role in promoting a sustainable and responsible surf culture by choosing sustainable surfboards and eco-friendly accessories. We can protect our oceans, maintain the beauty of coastal environments and inspire others to consider sustainability in all aspects of their lives.
We need to change the way people see and consume surfboards. Even a high-performance surfboard doesn't have to be completely white. Knowing that your foam is 100% recyclable and supporting the circular economy is the right choice.
Because our oceans deserves better ;)
“Everything we personally own that’s made, sold, shipped, stored, cleaned, and ultimately thrown away does some environmental harm every step of the way, harm that we’re either directly responsible for or is done on our behalf.”
— Yvon Chouinard
