As surfers, we are deeply connected to the ocean, relying on its beauty and power to fuel our passion. However, our playground is under threat from pollution, climate change, and other environmental issues. Adopting eco-friendly practices not only protects the environment but also ensures the sustainability of the sport we love. Here are simple yet impactful steps every surfer can take to help preserve the ocean for future generations.
Choose Sustainable Surf Gear
One of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact is by choosing eco-friendly surf gear. Traditional surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories often contain non-biodegradable materials and chemicals that can harm the environment. Instead:
- Opt for eco-friendly surfboards: Look for boards made from recycled or sustainable materials like bamboo or plant-based resins.
- Invest in a green wetsuit: Choose wetsuits made from natural or recycled neoprene alternatives such as Yulex.
- Repair instead of replace: Fix dings and tears rather than buying new gear. This reduces waste and saves money.
Reduce Plastic Use
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to our oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems. As surfers, we can make a difference by minimizing our plastic consumption.
- Bring reusable bottles and bags: Always carry a reusable water bottle and shopping bag to avoid single-use plastics.
- Pack snacks sustainably: Use beeswax wraps or stainless steel containers for your beach snacks.
- Say no to straws and cutlery: Refuse plastic straws, forks, and spoons when eating out and carry your own reusable alternatives.
Participate in Beach Cleanups
Beach cleanups are a fantastic way to give back to the ocean. They not only remove harmful debris but also raise awareness about the impact of pollution.
- Join local events: Many communities organize regular beach cleanups that you can participate in.
- Host your own cleanup: Gather friends and fellow surfers to clean a local beach.
- Make it a habit: Spend a few minutes picking up trash each time you visit the beach. Small actions add up!
Support Eco-Friendly Brands
The brands we choose to support have a significant impact on the environment. By purchasing from companies that prioritize sustainability, we encourage positive change.
- Look for certifications: Brands with certifications like Fair Trade, B Corp, or 1% for the Planet demonstrate a commitment to sustainability.
- Buy less, but better: Invest in high-quality gear that lasts longer, reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.
- Support local artisans: Buying from local businesses reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping.
Respect Marine Life and Ecosystems
Surfers are often in close contact with marine life, making it essential to minimize our disruption to their habitats.
- Avoid stepping on coral reefs: Corals are delicate and can be destroyed by a single touch. Stick to sandy areas.
- Dispose of trash properly: Never leave any litter behind, and remove any debris you see in the water.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen: Many sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to marine life. Choose mineral-based sunscreens instead.
Educate and Inspire Others
One of the most powerful ways to protect the environment is by spreading awareness and inspiring others to take action.
- Share your knowledge: Talk to fellow surfers about the importance of eco-friendly practices.
- Use social media: Post about your sustainable efforts to reach a wider audience.
- Lead by example: By adopting these practices yourself, you can inspire others to follow suit.
Minimize Your Carbon Footprint
Travel is a big part of the surf lifestyle, but it can contribute significantly to carbon emissions. Opt for carpooling to the beach, use public transportation, or choose nearby surf spots over international destinations. If you do travel, consider offsetting your carbon footprint through verified programs.
Reduce Water Waste
The freshwater rinse after a surf session is refreshing, but it doesn’t need to last forever. Conserve water by taking shorter showers and using a bucket to rinse your wetsuit instead of letting a hose run continuously.
Embrace Eco-Friendly Surf Wax
Traditional surf wax often contains petrochemicals that can leach into the ocean. Switch to eco-friendly surf wax made from natural ingredients, which are biodegradable and less harmful to marine life.
Taking Action Together
Surfers have a special connection to the ocean, giving them a strong platform to inspire change. Harness this influence by initiating local projects that highlight the importance of ocean conservation and eco-friendly habits. Partner with surf schools, shops, or community groups to host events like workshops or beach festivals focused on sustainability. Collaborate with environmental organizations to tackle pressing issues such as plastic pollution or habitat protection. Expand your efforts globally by joining international networks and campaigns dedicated to ocean preservation, amplifying the voice of the surfing community and fostering a healthier, more sustainable planet.
Top Eco-Friendly Surfboard Brands
The ECOBOARD Project by Sustainable Surf
This initiative empowers surfers to make environmentally conscious choices by offering high-performance sustainable surfboards. Certified under the ECOBOARD Project label, these boards minimize carbon emissions and use eco-friendly materials like plant-based resins and recycled foam. Surfers can enjoy high-quality boards while reducing their environmental footprint.
Spooked Kooks
Based in Bondi, Australia, Spooked Kooks makes soft-top surfboards using recycled post-consumer plastic waste. Their fins, fin boxes, and leash plugs are all crafted from recycled materials. They also offer incentives for customers to recycle their old boards, ensuring fewer surfboards end up in landfills. If you’re in Sydney, you can visit their local shop.
Verdure
A bespoke surfboard brand, Verdure uses locally sourced and sustainable materials to craft each board, ensuring minimal waste. Their boards are made to order, reducing overproduction. In addition to their eco-conscious design, Verdure donates 1% of their revenue to Sustainable Coastlines, an organization focused on protecting beaches and oceans.
NOTOX
Located in the Basque Country, NOTOX produces surfboards certified as Gold Standard by the ECOBOARD Project. They prioritize locally sourced materials like cork, recycled EPS foam, and upcycled carbon fiber. Their toxin-free boards are not only sustainable but also deliver top-notch performance, making them a favorite among eco-conscious surfers.
Firewire
Owned in part by legendary surfer Kelly Slater, Firewire focuses on using sustainable technologies and materials like entropy resins and reclaimed wood. Their boards maintain high performance, lightweight design, and durability while significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Firewire also supports ocean conservation projects, furthering their commitment to the environment.
Wasteboard
Although not a surfboard company, Wasteboard deserves a mention for its innovative skateboards made from recycled bottle caps. Based in Amsterdam, the brand collects caps from festivals and schools, transforming them into unique, handcrafted boards. This highlights how creativity can turn waste into something valuable and functional.
Cardboard Surfboards by Sheldrake
Sheldrake has revolutionized surfboard design with cardboard blanks, eliminating the need for traditional foam. These boards are finished with eco-friendly epoxy to make them waterproof. They also sell DIY kits, allowing customers to shape and finish their own boards while staying environmentally conscious.
Paradoxal Surfboards
Hailing from Brittany, Paradoxal Surfboards uses harmful algae blooms—cleared from local beaches—to create 3D-printed surfboards. These boards not only tackle the issue of algae pollution but also contribute to a circular economy. Their innovative process turns a harmful waste product into durable and sustainable surfboards.
Otter Surfboards
This Cornish company crafts stunning wooden surfboards, paddleboards, and handplanes using timber from local, sustainably managed forests. Otter Surfboards also hosts workshops where participants can learn to build their own wooden boards, combining craftsmanship with environmental stewardship.
