STOKE certification: Battling greenwashing in surf tourism
- EcoOceanEscapes
- Dec 26, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
With so much greenwashing and the word "sustainability" appearing everywhere, it can be hard to know if a business is genuinely eco-conscious. The same applies when it comes to surf resorts - are they really doing everything they can to reduce their environmental footprint or does the word "sustainable" just look good in their marketing content?
That's where STOKED comes in. It's an organisation that's trying to create a demand from within the surf community for the innovation of meaningful and impactful sustainability practices. They want to change the perception of what sustainability actually looks like and encourage surfers to demand better each and every time they travel.
By providing a comprehensive framework for evaluating and certifying the sustainability efforts of tourism operators and destinations, STOKE is helping to ensure that the "stoke" can be kept alive and thriving for generations to come.
In this article, discover exactly what STOKE certification is and how to find a STOKE-certified surf resort for your next surf trip.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
What is STOKE certification?
STOKE stands for the “Sustainable Tourism and Outdoors Kit for Evaluation” and is the world's first sustainability certification designed for outdoor adventure destinations, resorts and events.
The company's founders are committed environmentalists who also happen to be avid surfers and snowboarders. It was this that fuelled their drive to create sustainability certifications for surf and mountain destinations - to help protect the natural playgrounds they love.
Developed over three years in close collaboration with surf resorts and nonprofits such as Surfrider Foundation and Protect Our Winters, STOKE has created a comprehensive surf certification program. It has come up with more than 140 quantifiable metrics and 320 indicators of sustainability to help determine the eco-consciousness of surf resorts.
Each metric includes not just minimum expectations, but two additional tiers that show operators the next steps towards best practices. STOKE's criteria provides resorts with clear guidance as to what they should be working towards if they want to be sustainability leaders in their part of the world.
Flexibility is built in too. If certain metrics don't apply to a resort, the STOKE review board excludes them from scoring so resorts aren't penalised. The criteria evolve every two years, incorporating feedback from resorts, evaluators and the latest research, ensuring the benchmarks stay meaningful.
With STOKE, there are three certification levels - Certified, Sustainable and Best Practice - which resorts can progress through over time. This might be through harnessing renewable energy sources, contributing to environmental conservation or signing contracts that guarantee the payment of fair wages. If a resort is "Benchmarked", that means it is going to undergo evaluation within the next two years.
To date, STOKE has certified over 30 members across nine countries, including big names like Tavarua Island Resort in Fiji and WavePark in Indonesia's Mentawai Islands.
What is STOKE certification?
Why choose a STOKE-certified resort?
When a surf camp or resort dubs itself "sustainable", it can be hard to know what that means in practice or if it's just a term they are throwing around to attract eco-conscious guests. Perhaps they're recycling and encouraging you to re-use your towels while at the same time relying heavily on fossil fuel energies and paying their staff less than a living wage.
When a resort is certified by STOKE, they have undergone a rigorous evaluation by industry experts - there's no greenwashing here. You can see exactly where the resort is on their sustainability journey, whether they're just starting out or at the "Best Practice" certification level, indicating they are a leader in sustainable surf tourism.
By staying at a STOKE-certified resort, you're sending a strong message to the surf community that sustainability matters - that's where you want to spend your dollars! Over time, other surf camps and resorts will see the value in improving their sustainability credentials, not only for the environment but for their bottom line.
5 STOKE certified resorts for a sustainable stay
If you’re trying to plan an eco-friendly surf escape, staying with a STOKE-certified resort is a simple way to avoid any greenwashing. The following properties have all been given the green light by STOKE (or have begun their sustainability journey with the organisation) while offering easy access to some of the best waves around the globe.
Harana Surf Resort, Siargao, Philippines
Overlooking the Sulu Sea on the Filipino island of Siargao, Harana Surf Resort is a paradise for surfers seeking a sustainable experience. The name if this STOKE-certified resort translates as "serenade" and from the moment you step foot on the jungle-like grounds, you'll understand why.
In addition to Harana's thatched roof bungalows (there are private rooms and budget-friendly dorms), there’s an onsite restaurant with a focus on sustainably sourced ingredients. It hosts events and live music nights throughout the week, as well as barbecues on the beach.
Harana Surf Resort offers access to 32 world-class surf breaks catering to surfers of all skill levels. For adventure enthusiasts, it can also facilitate trips to the Sohoton Caves and paddleboarding excursions around the nearby mangrove forests.
This sustainable Siargao resort coordinates a range of volunteer opportunities, from tree planting and beach cleanups to medical missions and art classes for local children. Through their partnership with the non-profit organisation Gawad Kalinga, Harana is able to provide job opportunities for the surrounding villages and support their mission to eradicate poverty in the Philippines.
Want to discover more sustainable stays in Siargao? Check out our detailed article here.
STOKE-certified surf resorts
Olas Verdes Hotel, Costa Rica
Olas Verdes Hotel is a Costa Rican eco-paradise, built from the ground up with sustainability at the forefront. Situated alongside the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, the hotel's owners understood the immense responsibility they had to develop their dream destination with the utmost care and consideration for the surrounding environment.
Two years after breaking ground in late 2013, Olas Verdes Hotel opened its doors as the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum-certified hotel in Costa Rica and the first LEED-certified surf hotel in the world. In addition to preserving 90% of the existing trees on the property, the hotel features solar-powered water heating, rainwater storage and recycling systems. It also boasts native and drought-resistant landscaping and advanced wastewater treatment with greywater recycling for irrigation.
Each of the five buildings at this STOKE-certified resort represent a different region of Costa Rica, showcasing their unique colour palettes, architectural styles and cultural elements. A five-minute stroll through the wildlife refuge leads directly to Playa Guiones, renowned for its consistent year-round swells and waves suitable for surfers of all abilities.
At the end of the day, you can unwind with a yoga session on the resort’s purpose-built deck or enjoy Tico cuisine at the organic farm-to-table restaurant.
Planning an eco-friendly surf trip to Costa Rica? Discover 5 more sustainable surf camps here.
Sustainable surf resort in Costa Rica
Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel, El Zonte, El Salvador
Overlooking the volcanic coastline of El Zonte, the Palo Verde Sustainable Hotel stands as a shining example of eco-friendly luxury. This innovative El Salvador surf retreat was brought to life by a passionate brother-sister duo, who set out to create the most sustainable and socially responsible hotel in the region.
From the moment you step onto the property, the hotel's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings is palpable. The name "Palo Verde" is a nod to the native trees that dot the landscape, a symbol of resilience and regeneration that provide a constant reminder of the hotel’s mission to inspire positive change.
Aside from its easy access to El Zonte point break, Palo Verde boasts an infinity pool where you can relax in between surfs. A highlight of any stay is indulging in local, organic and seasonally-driven Salvadoran cuisine at the onsite restaurant.
At the end of your session, you can relax with a rejuvenating massage or yoga class - the Palo Verde experience is designed to leave you feeling inspired and deeply connected to the natural wonders that surround you.
Planning a surf trip to El Salvador? Discover 5 sustainable stays here.
STOKE-certified surf resort
S-Resorts Hidden Valley, Uluwatu, Bali
Tucked away within Bali's Hidden Valley, S-Resorts is a STOKE-certified hotel on the doorstep of the Bukit Peninsula’s legendary breaks. Towering palms, fragrant flowers and neatly manicured gardens surround the property, creating an immediate sense of tranquility and seclusion.
Just a short motorbike ride away, the famous breaks of Dreamland, Padang Padang, Uluwatu and Impossibles draw wave riders from across the globe - this truly is surfing heaven! Back at the resort, you can choose from 48 responsibly-constructed rooms and suites, each designed to blend seamlessly with the natural environment.
Four sparkling pools, an on-site spa and a yoga studio cater to those seeking relaxation, while the in-house restaurant sources fresh, locally-grown ingredients straight from the resort's gardens. For the ultimate Balinese experience, you can opt to stay in one of the traditionally built Lumbung Village villas, immersing you in the rich cultural heritage of the "Island of the Gods."
Discover more eco-friendy resorts in Bali for surfers here.
Sustainable surf resort in Bali
Maqai Beach Eco Resort, Qamea Island, Fiji
Perched on the idyllic shores of Qamea Island, Maqai Beach Eco Resort is a really special "off the beaten path" destination. It offers visitors to northern Fiji a chance to experience the region's world-class waves, gorgeous natural landscapes and fascinating local culture, all while keeping their environmental footprint to a minimum.
Established in 2006 (after the resort's owners caught wind of the exceptional surf breaks in the area), Maqai has quickly become a must-visit spot for those seeking an eco-friendly island stay in Fiji. Its stunning beachfront bures are nestled amidst swaying coconut palms and offer spellbinding ocean views, with the waves right at your doorstep.
This STOKE-certified surf resort offers so much more than just uncrowded waves, including opportunities to participate in beach cleanups and learn about coral reef conservation efforts. When you’re not doing yoga, kayaking along the coastline or snorkelling on the house reef, you can feast on organic, locally-sourced produce at the onsite restaurant.
With its stunning natural setting, eco-friendly ethos and endless opportunities for adventure, Maqai Beach Eco Resort is one of our favourite sustainable resorts in Fiji.
Sustainable surf resort in Fiji
Staying at a STOKE-certified surf resort
When planning an eco-conscious surf getaway, choosing a STOKE-certified resort is an easy way to ensure your vacation aligns with sustainable practices. These properties don't merely pay lip service to sustainability - they have undergone a comprehensive assessment and been given the green light by STOKE's expert auditors.
With a STOKE-approved resort, you'll not only enjoy easy access to world-class waves, but you'll be supporting a business that prioritises sustainability. Your hard-earned vacation cash will be contributing towards the protection of natural resources and uplifting local communities while minimising your ecological impact.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
