As surfers we are connected to the ocean and live for our time spent in it. For such lovers of water and waves, the practice and equipment that comes with the sport of surfing, is unfortunately and usually, not environmentally friendly.

Generally, surfboards and their accessories (tail pads, resin, leashes, wax and foam core) are made from petroleum-based products, therefore contributing to environmental pollution and degradation through the combustion of fossil fuels.

What is also less than ideal is the amount of waste that is generated in the process of production, as well as the temporary lifetime of surfboards, and thus the waste resulting from its disposal and lack of recycling.

Even though the situation for environmental sustainability involving surfboard manufacturing is currently quite bleak, there are a number of brands that are emerging with innovative ways of creating eco-friendly boards. Whether it is through the use of organic and natural materials, recycled products, or renewable energy resources, there are many ways in which we are beginning to reduce our environmental impact as surfers. Below are a few of these innovative brands that are taking on the challenge of perfecting eco-friendly surfboards and eco-conscious surf equipment.

Notox

A Notox surfboard “produces around 1kg of waste, 75% of which is recyclable” whilst “traditional surfboards generate around 6kg” according to the website. This is done through the use of recycled EPS (Expanded PolyStyrene) foam cores, bio-sourced epoxy resin, flax fabrics and non-volatile solvents.

Simply put, Notox makes use of naturally derived materials which are recyclable, biodegradable, and safer for the shaper to work with.

Eco Evo Surfboards

Similar to Notox, Eco Evo Surfboards utilises up to 65% recycled EPS foam blanks, flax fibre cloths instead of fibreglass, which is recyclable and compostable, bio-based eco resin that is 100% organic and vegan, as well as a basalt fibre stringer, which is naturally UV resistant, and has stronger impact protection than the more commonly used carbon fibres.

Combined, Eco Evo boards are expected to have double the life expectancy of a regular PU (Polyurethane) surfboard. Meaning that even though it might be a pricier option now, it will save you money in the long run.

Solid Surf

Surfboards made by Solid Surf are also constructed from 100% recyclable EPS cores, plant based resins, basalt stringers, and additionally, are reinforced with organic hemp fibres - A renewable resource that consumes low levels of water, sequesters high amounts of carbon, and is extremely durable.

Earth Tech

Prioritising a zero waste manufacturing process, Earth Technologies builds their custom surfboards from recycled EPS foam cores and bio resins, whilst also recycling or up-cycling everything from fibreglass offcuts, tapes, resin, gloves, foam dust, and sand paper. They also produce cool up-cycled accessories and knick-knacks such as shot glasses, fins and hats.

Spooked Kooks

Specialising in foam boards and surf equipment, Spooked Kooks are well known in Australia by soft top lovers. The entire bottom deck of all their boards are made from recycled ocean plastic waste, in addition to fins, fin keys, and plugs. What’s more, is that they don’t use any plastic packaging, and the purchase of 1 board supports the planting of 1 mangrove tree (one of the most efficient carbon sequestering trees on our planet).

Flama Surf

Speaking of trees, Flama Surf is a brand that is leading the “natural surfing evolution”. Creating hollow wooden boards that only need to be varnished when completed, Flama Surf produces boards with a low energy cost, and that are 99% organic.

This brand uses Paulownia wood for surfboards; a light timber that is water resistant, meaning it does not need to be glassed. Flama Surf additionally uses bamboo veneer, hemp, or flax cloths for board strengthening and flex, therefore levelling up the playing field for eco-surfboard manufacturing.

Timber Surf Co

Producing several different models and constructions of eco-boards, Timber Surf Co makes all their boards using redwood that has fallen naturally in California. This brand is constantly innovating new combinations of technologies and currently sell boards that are semi soft tops requiring no resin or wax, bio-based PU core boards with cork rails and flax fibres, as well as boards shaped with reclaimed redwood decks, cork bottoms, rails and bio-resin.

Tree to Sea Handmade Eco Surfboards

Another expert in wooden surfboards is Tree to Sea Handmade Eco Surfboards. These wooden boards are 100% recyclable. Furthermore, what is also epic is that Tree to Sea regularly conducts 2-day workshops where their professionals teach you how to build your own eco-board!

Grain Surfboards

Based in the States, Grain Surfboards is a small scale production that uses northern white cedar wood to shape their boards. They are also a zero waste facility and therefore all offcuts are recycled or up-cycled. Not only do they produce awesome surfboards, but they also specialise in skateboard construction.

Firewire EcoBoards

Since 2014, Firewire has been producing eco-friendly boards and shipping internationally. All of their boards are either built with plant-based resin, or are made naturally out of wood. Working closely with legends such as Kelly Slater, Firewire is an international surf brand that is pioneering the call for a more environmentally sustainable surf industry.

Written by Kayli Wouters

LinkedIn | Instagram