It's a hot topic at the moment, high profile surfers have been calling on the industry to clean up its act and for surfers to start being more selective when buying equipment. Most recently Lucy Campbell (7 x National World Champion) recently hit the news as she spoke about the BBC documentary she featured in 'Surfing's Dirty Secret'. The time when surfers used to awkwardly avoid the tough environmental challenges posed by the sport has gone. We take a little look at the various aspects of surfing's environmental footprint, examining both the negative impacts and the positive steps taken by surfers and the industry to ensure a sustainable future.
Contents:
Surfboard Production The Core The Resin
The Environmental Footprint of Surfing
1. Surfboard Production
Focus is almost always drawn to the materials and production techniques of surfboards, so this is where we will start. Since the 1960s surfboards have typically been made from polyurethane (PU) foam, and a fibreglass/resin skin. The three materials bond together to create the strength/weight ratios which have been desirable by surfers over the past half a century. Unfortunately, despite them being great to surf, all three have a significant ecological footprint.
Assessments have shown, however, that since very little fibreglass is used the biggest environmental impact comes from
a) the PU core, and
b) the resin.
The core
The production process releases harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases into the environment, contributing to air and water pollution. There is also a lot of waste seen from cutting out the surfboard shape from a block of foam, some estimates have found that this can be up to 50% straight to waste on short boards.
The core: What is the surf industry doing about this?
There are a few new companies, such as us at Vol.Surfboards, who have started making cores by 3D printing (see the boards here). Printing the exact shape desired means there is no cutting away of excess material. There is also a larger range of materials to chose from, the most popular being PLA (polylacticacid). This is a non-toxic, lower carbon alternative and Vol.Surfboards are the only company who have developed an end of life solution which degrades the PLA back into simple lactic acid.
Another option is to used the recycled foam core blanks (ask your shaper!). Although the carbon cost of extraction and reprocessing has not yet been calculated, getting some extra use out of the petrochemical materials is definitely of benefit!
The resin
This is actually the highest contributing factor to the carbon footprint of a surfboard, and is big toxic nasty when it enters the environment. Although there are a couple of options, choosing which is best is not as simple as it seems. The two main types are polyester resin and epoxy resin. Now Polyester actually has a lower footprint than Epoxy, by almost half! However, the Cradle to Grave Study in 2013 showed that epoxy boards last an estimated twice as long... so essentially the impact of the two is the same!
The resin: What is the surf industry doing about this?
Perhaps you've heard of bio-based epoxy resins? Well these are increasing in popularity due to their reduced toxicity and higher bio content BUT, and it is a big but, at the moment the processes to make these resins have a significantly higher carbon footprint, and are currently much higher in price (over 4x in most cases). This means unfortunately until this can be improved they probably aren't as good of an alternative as we all hoped.
At Vol.Surfboards we are very interested in finding a greener solution to the resin challenge, so if you hear or see anything that you think may be a good alternative please let us know!
As surfers, we can choose sustainable board options, and make sure we support companies that prioritize eco-friendly materials and production methods.
2. Carbon Footprint
As part of the paper by Schultz which looked at the carbon footprint of surfing, he found the biggest producer of carbon in a surfers lifestyle was the travel too and from their local break. If the break is just 5 miles away, throughout the lifetime of the board the carbon produced driving too and from the beach is between 5 and 10 x more than the surfboard.
We also can't ignore the significant surf-travel side of the lifestyle. Long-distance air travel is one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transportation. Additionally, surfers often rely on personal vehicles or rental cars to reach remote surf spots even once in location, further increasing carbon emissions.
There are some obvious ways we can reduce our impact as surfers: living close to a break is of course the best solution, but other options such as carpooling or using public transportation to reduce their individual impact should be utilised wherever possible. Supporting local surf communities and exploring nearby surf breaks can also minimize the need for long-haul travel. Moreover, verified carbon offsetting programs is well known to be like sticking a band aid on an open wound but is still better than nothing when it comes to trying to mitigate the ecological consequences of travel.
3. Waste and Pollution
The issue of waste and pollution in surfing extends beyond production and transportation. Beach goers can unintentionally contribute to marine pollution through their actions. Littering on beaches and in the water, disposing of broken boards irresponsibly, and leaving behind non-biodegradable items like sunscreen can harm the marine ecosystem.
As surfers we must take responsibility for our impact by following the "leave no trace" mentality. This means cleaning up after ourselves, properly disposing of waste, and using properly researched eco-friendly products whenever possible (make sure not to be green-washed!). Participating in beach clean-up initiatives and supporting organizations dedicated to marine conservation are also crucial steps toward reducing pollution and preserving coastal environments.
Preservation Efforts in the Surfing Community
A) Environmental Education
Various organizations and initiatives are working to educate surfers about the impacts of their actions and empower them to make sustainable choices. Surf schools, competitions, and events often incorporate environmental workshops and campaigns to promote responsible surfing practices.
By equipping surfers, especially beginners, with knowledge about the environment and the importance of sustainability, we can foster a sense of stewardship and a deeper connection with the oceans.
B) Sustainable Surf Tourism
While it provides economic benefits to coastal communities, surf tourism can also exert pressure on fragile ecosystems and local cultures. To counteract these negative impacts, surf tourism operators are increasingly adopting sustainable practices by:
- Partnering with local communities
- Investing in infrastructure that minimizes environmental impact
Surf tourism can become a force for positive change. Additionally, surf travellers can choose accommodation providers and tour operators that have implemented sustainable measures, such as minimizing water and energy consumption and supporting local conservation initiatives.
C) Beach and Reef Conservation
Surfers, as frequent visitors to beaches and reefs, are well-positioned to play an active role in conservation efforts. Surfers Against Sewage, Save The Waves, and other organizations are dedicated to protecting surf spots, coastlines, and marine ecosystems. These groups engage surfers in campaigns, beach clean-ups, and advocacy work to safeguard the environments that provide us with waves to enjoy.
Surfing for a Sustainable Future
Surfing, like most human activity, has its environmental impacts. However, we as Vol.Surfboards, along with much of the surfing community and industry leaders, have recognized the need for sustainability and therefore we prioritise sustainability in our practices. By embracing eco-friendly materials and new manufacturing methods, reducing carbon footprints, practicing responsible waste management, and supporting conservation efforts, we can along with your help create a more sustainable surf future.
Conclusion
As surfers, we have a responsibility to preserve and protect the oceans and waves we love. While the environmental impact of surfing cannot be ignored, there are increasing technological and material advances which we must embrace as a community. By understanding the environmental challenges, adopting sustainable practices, and supporting organizations committed to ocean conservation, we can ensure the longevity of surfing while safeguarding the very environment that sustains us. Let us ride the waves with respect and become stewards of our precious marine ecosystems for generations to come.
Want to see our range of degradeable and recyclable surfboards?
Leave no trace: Click here
To view the referenced paper: Schultz, 2013. Cradle to Grave