Surfers love the ocean whether as a playground, social space or a retreat from daily life it is undeniable that surfing requires a connection to your environment, you are fully immersed in reading the oceans movements, tides and catching waves. However, questions still remain over how eco-friendly much of the surf products on the market are, from neoprene wetsuits made from non-biodegradable petroleum based rubber through to suncreams which contain toxic chemicals.
Making a more conscious choice about the products you buy can be one way to lessen the impact of your surfing on the environment. Simple things such as switching out your wax, or swapping your sunscreen for a more environmentally friendly option can make a big difference.
Going green doesn’t mean a compromise in quality so we have put together a list of 6 sustainable surf items we love.
1.WETSUIT MADE FROM NATURAL RUBBER
Wetsuits are an essential piece kit for any surfer however the majority are made from neoprene which is a non-biodegrable, petroleum based rubber. Neoprene was originally used as a lining for landfill sites which should tell you something about its biodegradability.
Patagonia have one of the most sustainable wetsuits on the market and launched the first ever neoprene-free wetsuit line back in 2016, the Yulex collection. Yulex is a renewable plant based alternative to neoprene, the harvesting alone of this natural rubber reduces CO2 emissions by 70%. Not only environmentally conscious, their wetsuits are also made in Fair Trade Certified factories making them also socially responsible to their workers and their working conditions.
We love that Patagonia also stands behind every wetsuit they sell. If it doesn’t perform to your satisfaction, they’ll take it back for replacement, refund or repair.
Online here: www.patagonia.com/yulex-natural-rubber-wetsuits/
2.YOGA MAT FROM RECYCLED WETSUITS
We were stoked to stumble across Suga! This awesome company produces premium quality yoga mats from 100% recycled wetsuits. Traditionally wetsuits have been made from neoprene which is notoriously non-biodegradable and increasingly found clogging up landfill sites. Suga gives old wetsuits a second life! They run a recycling scheme whereby you can send them your old wetsuit in exchange for a discount voucher, as well as partnering with local surf shops to offer wetsuit drop-boxes.
We love how this concept combines the two worlds of surfing and yoga producing a truly unique, conscious and sustainable yoga mat.
Online here: www.sugamats.com
3.LEASH MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTICS
A leash is an essential piece of kit for any surfer but its components leave a large carbon footprint and are non-biodegradable once disposed of.
Introducing Wavetribe! who have produced the Strong Like Bull Recycled Eco Leash made from recycled plastics. This eco leash comes in a wide range of lengths for surfers and SUP boarders and all items include a one year no break guarantee (if you break it, they’ll replace it). Wavetribe is a brand made by surfers who care about the environment and their leashes have passed the test of places like Maverick’s and Teahupoo. We love this eco-alternative and cannot wait to give it a try.
Online here: www.wavetribe.com
4. NATURAL 100% REEF SAFE SURFSCREEN
Did you know that many suncreams are loaded with chemicals which are harmful for the ocean? These toxic chemicals can lead to coral bleaching, stripping the colour from the coral which prevents their development.
Surf Yogis have developed an eco-friendly surfscreen, made from all natural materials and 100% reef safe, meaning you can enjoy the ocean without worrying about whether your sunscreen is releasing toxins into the water. Made in Bali since 2007 by surfers driven to make a natural, plastic-free product that did no harm to humans, animals or reefs. This surfscreen comes stored in an aluminium tin which makes it nice and robust for throwing in your bag, and it also means it’s widely recyclable. We love lathering this surfscreen all over our face before a surf session, and it smells delicious!
Online here: www.surfyogis.com
5. ECO-FRIENDLY SURF WAX
The base ingredient for the majority of surf wax on the market is paraffin a by-product of petroleum which in its sourcing and extraction is already incredibly environmentally destructive. In addition, this petroleum based wax will eventually fall off a surfboard, polluting the ocean as it degrades and enters marine ecosystems.
Luckily, there are now lots of great marine safe alternatives available such as Matunas! Mantunas have created a eco-conscious surf wax which is all natural, eco-friendly, non-soy based, biodegradable and wrapped in recycled paper. This brand ticks so many boxes for a sustainable and more eco friendly choice whilst the quality and pricing remains competitive. A nice side note also, all of the ingredients used in making this surf wax are naturally grown on the Matoon family farm - what’s not to love about this wax!
Online here: www.matunasco.com
6.BAMBOO SURF WAX COMB
Why not switch out your plastic surf wax comb for a beautiful natural bamboo comb like this one from The Bamboo Brush Society? Not only durable and environmentally friendly it is also aesthetically pleasing. Oh, and if it doesn't last a lifetime (which it may well do) it's 100% biodegradable!
Online here: www.thebamboobrushsociety.com