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Sustainable surfing: How to be an eco-friendly surfer

Updated: Jun 4

As surfers, the ocean is our playground, which is why protecting it is so important. More and more boardriders are waking up to the reality that our everyday decisions can have a big impact on our marine environment and want to do something about it.


From your choice of surfboard to the sunscreen you slather on, discover how to turn your everyday session into a plug for planet Earth. There are plenty of board makers and brands now riding the sustainable surf wave, together with organisations driving positive change. 


Read on to discover some of the ways you can be an eco-friendly surfer, from your choice of gear to supporting sustainable surfing organisations.


silhouette of female surfer on board at sunset

1. Invest in a sustainable surfboard


Surfboard construction has come a long way since the 1950s. For decades, the standard recipe has been a foam core, fibreglass cloth, and resin—a toxic trio from start to finish. But the tide is finally turning. 


Between innovative technologies and a new wave of eco-conscious surfers, the industry is changing its ways. Sustainable materials like wood, cork, bamboo, and paulownia are revolutionising surfboard design. The days of hazardous materials are slowly being fazed out, replaced by earth-friendly alternatives that offer high performance without sacrificing the planet.


So the next time you’re looking to add to your collection, opt for an eco-friendly board made using sustainable materials. If you’re not sure where to start, certifications like the Sustainable Surf's ECOBOARD Project verify surfboards that meet specific sustainability standards. 


Alternatively, consider buying second-hand and take advantage of the hundreds (if not thousands) of boards available at local surf shops or online marketplaces. Not only will you save some dollars, but you’ll be helping to keep materials out of the landfill.


Want to plan a sustainable surf vacation? Discover 16 of the world's best eco-friendly surf resorts here.


eco-friendly surfboards in rack

2. Opt for a sustainable wetsuit


It’s important to stay toasty warm (and look amazing) in your favourite neoprene suit, but those non-biodegradable, petroleum-based fabrics could be harming the environment. At the end of their lifespan, wetsuits invariably end up landfills where they take hundreds of years to decompose and contribute to the accumulation of synthetic materials. 


So the next time you’re in the market for a new wetsuit, consider a more sustainable option. Today, you can find wetsuits made from innovative materials like Yulex, Ariaprene or recycled plastics that are much gentler on Mother Earth. Many brands are responding to the demands of surfers seeking more eco-friendly attire, including bikinis and board shorts made from recycled materials. 


When it's time to retire your trusty old wetsuit, recycle it wherever possible. Together with TetraCycle, Rip Curl has launched a Wetsuit Recycling Program across Australia, the USA,

France, Portugal and Spain. Simply bring your old wetsuit into a participating Rip Curl store or mail it in and it will be transformed into a new product. 


For an eco-friendly surf vacation in the Philippines, check out these 5 sustainable resorts and hotels in Siargao.


3. Reduce your transport emissions


When grabbing your board and heading to the waves, think about how you can do so in the most sustainable way possible. If your local break is a stone's throw away, pedal your way there or hop on public transport to shrink your carbon footprint. If you’re driving, aim to keep your mileage to a minimum, rather than cruising around for hours trying to find the best spot.


For farther-flung surf explorations, slow travel could be your ticket. Trains, buses, boats - they may take more time but can ease the load on our planet. And when you've got no choice but to fly, pick the airline with the lightest emissions. The greenest rides may not always be the easiest option but they can play an important role in reducing our surf footprint.



sustainable surfing trip by kombi van

4. Discover eco-friendly surf wax


Waxing a surfboard is something we do instinctively and often without considering the environmental cost. Traditional waxes are petroleum-based and result in nasty chemicals being released into the ocean and potentially harming marine life. 


Thankfully, there is a rising tide of eco-friendly alternatives to choose from. Environmentally conscious surfers can opt for plant-based or biodegradable waxes that break down naturally. Some die-hard wave riders are even taking sustainability into their own hands by whipping up homemade surf wax using beeswax and coconut oil.


Heading to Central America on a surf vacation? Check out these 5 sustainable surf camps in Costa Rica.


5. Slather on reef-safe sunscreen


We all know the importance of slathering on sunscreen before paddling out. But did you know some common sunscreen ingredients like octinoxate and oxybenzone can actually harm marine life when they wash off our bodies?


The good news is, there are better, more environmentally friendly options out there. Look for reef-safe sunscreens with zinc oxide instead. These provide just as much UV protection, without the detrimental environmental impacts. Even better, choose ones without microplastics, which can cause genetic damage to marine life.


6. Shop sustainably


Aside from the essentials (board, wetsuit and wax), there’s often a lot of additional gear that comes with being a surfer. From bags to T-shirts and caps, everything we kit ourselves out with comes with an environmental cost. Before making another purchase on a whim, consider the materials and manufacturing process that have gone into the item’s creation. 


Today, there are plenty of eco-friendly companies that are helping surfers ride responsibly by offering greener alternatives. With some mindful choices, we can help to protect our oceans while still looking the part. 


7. Support sustainable surf organisations


Surfing's positive impact on the planet goes beyond just riding waves. Eco-minded surfers are banding together to protect beaches and empower communities worldwide through education and activism. Surfrider Foundation, Save the Waves and Surfers for Climate are among the organisations doing their bit to make a splash for good, although there are plenty of others out there.


If you want to make a difference, look for ways to get involved, either by volunteering your time, donating funds or attending local events. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people while bringing about positive change.



a surfer rides a barrel during an eco-friendly vacation

FAQs


What is sustainable surfing?


Riding waves while respecting the planet - that's what sustainable surfing is all about. Sustainable surfers make it their mission to tread lightly and give back to the places in which they play. From picking up trash to supporting local conservation efforts, these ocean advocates are finding ways to minimise their environmental footprint and make a positive impact. It might mean opting for boards made from eco-materials and gear that avoids plastic or helping communities thrive alongside their treasured waves. 


How can surfers reduce their environmental impact?


Surfers can reduce their environmental impact in lots of different ways:

  • Choose surf gear made from recycled materials to stop plastic pollution at its source

  • Pick up rubbish and trash to keep our beaches beautiful

  • Support green surfboard makers to reduce CO2 emissions

  • Share your stoke for the sea and spread good vibes with sustainable surf organisations


What are sustainable surfboards?


Surfboard construction is being overhauled as consumers demand more environmentally friendly boards. Today, shapers and brands are making boards from recycled and up-cycled materials that include plastics, wood scraps and old boards. They're also using bio-resins crafted from plants instead of nasty chemicals that leak into waterways. 


Whether it's a fish made from up-cycled EPS foam or a retro longboard shaped from fast-growing bamboo, there are now plenty of options when it comes to buying a sustainable surfboard. Certifications like Sustainable Surf's ECOBOARD Project make it easy to shop sustainably and find an eco-friendly board to suit you. 


Are there eco-friendly surf apparel brands?


Sustainable surfwear is on the rise as more and more brands swap out conventional materials for eco-friendly options, such as organic cotton, recycled polyester and non-toxic dyes. These conscientious companies are rethinking their production from start to finish, prioritising ethical practices that reduce environmental impact. 


So when it's time to update your wardrobe, opt to shop with brands that support a cleaner ocean and greener future. With so many options for eco-minded surf apparel, making sustainable choices to protect waves, wildlife and the planet has never been easier.


How can surfers support ocean conservation?


Beyond riding the perfect wave, surfers can give back to the ocean in myriad waves. Grab a rubbish bag and join a beach clean-up, donate to a marine conservation organisation or get involved with your local sustainable surf organisation. 


Supporting ocean conservation can also be as simple as chatting with your fellow surfers about the importance of keeping our marine ecosystems healthy, reducing pollution, and making sustainable choices when it comes to surf gear and apparel. If you find a great eco-friendly brand or organisation, spread the word and get the conversation started in your local community.


Can I travel sustainably as a surfer?


100%! First things first, choose eco-friendly surf lodging that is playing an active role in reducing its environmental footprint. Look for surf resorts, camps and hostels that use renewable energy, reduce their waste, and support local communities.


Next up, try and share rides to the surf or opt to take the bus/train to cut down on CO2 emissions. Less driving means a smaller carbon footprint, so don’t drive for miles if there’s a surfable break nearby. If you’re heading overseas or flying to a surf destination, pay that little bit extra to offset your emissions and encourage others to do so too. 

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