Sustainable Surfing: Changing the Tide
Surfers tend to be a pretty eco-friendly bunch anyway, so will be interested in any zero waste alternative. The sport is particularly popular in Cornwall thanks to wave formations (if visiting Newquay, mankinis are banned!
Always check tide times and warning flags, and read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside.
Eco‑friendly Surfboards
Surfboards made from plastic (including recycled plastic) can leach microplastics into the sea, so biodegradable wood is a better choice, or at least plant-based bio-resins. Otter Surfboards are made from wood. You can order these to be sent in Flexi-Hex Surfboard Packaging.
Radical Wax is made from plant-based biodegradable ingredients (choose the fragrance-free version, again to avoid leaching fragrance oils into the ocean). Most other brand are made with paraffin wax and palm oil (which is causing deforestation in Indonesia).
Surf Kernow (Cornwall) designs organic cotton surf t-shirts, made with green energy. Made Fair Wear certified in India.
Finisterre rents out wetsuits made with natural rubber that contain less synthetic material than most brands (also in versions for women). Not perfect, but the best option for now.
Why Clean Water Matters to Surfers
Surfers are very aware of sewage, litter and chemicals in the ocean, so are involved in the campaign for clean safe swimming waters.
Surfers Against Sewage is a Cornish charity that campaigns for better sewage treatment. You can report water pollution to them. If you get ill, you can submit a sickness report.
Use ocean-safe sun creams to avoid polluting oceans with nano-particles. Wash off before pets kiss you, due to toxic zinc oxide.
