Surfboards are undergoing a transformation as eco-friendly materials revolutionize the industry. Sustainable surfboards are now becoming a reality with prominent surfers like Kelly Slater, Michel Bourez, Lakey Peterson, Sage Erickson, and Stu Kennedy all riding certified ECO-boards verified by Sustainable Surf.
For decades, traditional surfboard manufacturing has relied on foam cores, fiberglass cloth, and resin, creating an environmentally and health hazardous process. However, recent advancements in technology and growing consumer awareness of materials and lifecycles have propelled the industry towards a more environmentally conscious approach.
The heart of the sustainable surfboard movement lies in the exploration of alternative materials. Innovations range from recycled EPS foam to unconventional choices like hemp fiberglass, algae oil, agave cactus, and even mushrooms. Surfing icons such as Rob Machado, Cyrus Sutton, and Liz Clark have already jumped on board, while renowned manufacturers like Channel Islands, Firewire, and Slater Designs offer ECO-board options. Sustainable Surf's third-party certifications for ECO-boards provide added credibility and assurance.
1. Expanded (beaded foam, Styrofoam):
Expanded foam, often referred to as beaded foam or Styrofoam, has been a popular choice in surfboard cores for its lightweight and buoyant properties. However, eco-conscious manufacturers are now exploring ways to incorporate recycled expanded foam into their boards, reducing waste and minimizing the reliance on new resources.
2. Extruded (closed cell):
Similar to expanded foam, extruded foam is lightweight and offers excellent buoyancy. The closed-cell structure prevents water absorption, ensuring that the board maintains its integrity over time. By using eco-friendly formulations and manufacturing processes, surfboard brands are creating closed-cell foam boards with reduced environmental impact.
3. Envirofoam:
Envirofoam is a type of foam that is designed specifically with sustainability in mind. It is made from recycled materials and incorporates renewable resources, making it an eco-friendly choice for surfboard cores. Envirofoam combines the desirable characteristics of traditional foam cores with a reduced carbon footprint.
4. Myco Foam:
Myco Foam, derived from mycelium (the vegetative part of fungi), is an innovative and sustainable alternative to traditional foam cores. This natural material offers lightweight and durable properties while also being biodegradable at the end of its lifespan. Myco Foam represents an exciting frontier in eco-friendly surfboard construction.
5. Algae-Based Bio-Foam:
Harnessing the power of nature, algae-based bio-foam is an eco-friendly material that combines algae biomass with traditional foam. Algae not only provides a renewable resource but also helps sequester carbon dioxide during its growth. The resulting bio-foam offers performance characteristics similar to conventional foam while reducing the carbon footprint.
6. Super-Sap Resin:
Traditional epoxy resins used in surfboard construction are petroleum-based and have a significant environmental impact. Super-Sap resin, on the other hand, is derived from plant-based sources such as tree sap or vegetable oils. This bio-based resin offers excellent adhesion and durability while significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with surfboard manufacturing.
7. Wood Veneers and Plank Overlays:
Wood veneers and plank overlays provide a visually striking and sustainable alternative to traditional fiberglass cloth. These materials use thin layers of sustainably-sourced wood to create unique aesthetics while adding strength and rigidity to the board. Wood veneers and plank overlays showcase the natural beauty of wood while reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
8. Hemp Cloth Skins:
Hemp cloth skins offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fiberglass cloth. Hemp is a rapidly renewable resource that requires fewer pesticides and water compared to other crops. Hemp cloth skins provide excellent strength and flexibility, ensuring optimal performance while contributing to a more sustainable surfboard construction process.
9. Agave:
Agave, a plant native to arid regions, has gained popularity as an eco-friendly material for surfboard construction. The long, fibrous leaves of the agave plant are used to create strong and lightweight boards. With its rapid growth and minimal water requirements, agave represents a sustainable choice for surfboard enthusiasts.
10. Wood:
Wood has been used in surfboard construction for centuries, and it continues to be a sustainable option today. Sustainably-sourced wood, such as paulownia or balsa, offers natural strength and beauty. From hollow woodencores to solid wood surfboards, wood provides a timeless and eco-friendly alternative to traditional foam cores.
Incorporating these eco-friendly materials into surfboard construction brings a host of benefits. Firstly, using recycled and renewable resources reduces the demand for new materials, helping to conserve natural resources and minimize waste. Additionally, these materials often have a lower carbon footprint compared to their conventional counterparts, contributing to the fight against climate change.
Many of these eco-friendly materials offer unique performance characteristics. Whether it's the lightweight buoyancy of expanded and extruded foam, the biodegradability of myco foam, or the natural flex and aesthetics of wood, surfers can enjoy the benefits of sustainability without compromising on performance.
Several surfboard brands have embraced these eco-friendly materials, pushing the boundaries of sustainable surfboard construction. Companies like Firewire, which incorporates sustainable EPS foam and bio-resins into their boards, and Solid Surf Co., known for their innovative use of wood veneers, are leading the way in eco-conscious surfboard manufacturing. Other notable brands include Spooked Kooks, Organic Dynamic, and Earth Technologies, all dedicated to crafting high-performance surfboards using sustainable materials.
The rise of eco-friendly surfboard materials has transformed the surfboard industry, offering surfers a range of sustainable options without compromising performance. From expanded foam to wood veneers, these materials showcase innovation and a commitment to sustainability. As surfers continue to prioritize eco-conscious choices, the future of surfboard construction looks bright, with a harmonious balance between riding waves and protecting our precious environment.