“Surfing against pollution? No more oil for boards and wetsuits”

Looking for the green wave. If there’s a sport that has full contact with nature, it’s surfing: any self-respecting surfer knows that extreme respect for the sea is needed. Both for the protection of the environment and for one’s own safety, but also in view of the future. For this reason, in times of climate change and plastic pollution, from the world of surfing comes an appeal – directed at the same industry that revolves around this sport – to go greener. For example, she recites a message recently launched on SurfToday, starting to teach environmental education from the very first lessons for those who intend to try their hand at surfing.

“Right from the basic lessons we need to talk about plastic pollution, of algal blooms, of biodiversity loss, of coastal erosion and the effects of climate collapse to create awareness” reads the instructor’s speech Carly Stoennerwho has a degree in environmental sciences.

This change, however, must above all concern the surfing industry. One of the most important British champions, Lucy Campbellseven times on the top step of the podium in national competitions, has recently launched an appeal to this effect, criticizing how his sport too often relies on unsustainable products, from boards to wetsuits produced with petroleum-derived components.

Campbell, in an interview with BBChe invokes a change that starts from the prestigious surf brands because despite the eco-sustainable image of this sport practiced along thousands of coasts, yes he is still too attached to polyurethane boards covered with polluting paraffins and resinsor with neoprene wetsuits that can be contaminating in terms of microplastics.

Waiting for the surf industry to move forward and bring new products to the market, come on wetsuits made with recycled waste up to the boards in new sustainable materials, Campbell explained that to send a signal to the world that those who ride the waves will no longer accept sponsorships from brands without ethics or a sustainable path for the environment.

“It’s often difficult to turn down a large cash contribution, but if it’s a brand that isn’t sustainable in the long run it’s definitely worth it,” he said.

In general, activists and ecologists point the finger at the carbon footprint linked to the materials with which the boards are created, as well as those for wetsuits. Some studies have estimated for example that the production process of a “classic” board can be responsible for around 250 kg of CO₂ equivalent. Other emissions, in surfing, then derive from the many and long journeys necessary for international travel in search of the waves. Campbell herself explains, for example, how to compete in a green way in El Salvador she is forced to later offset her emissions related to the trip.

To these data is then added an estimate, linked to the wetsuits, which indicates how more than 8,000 tons of neoprene wetsuits end up in landfills every year.

The Surf Industry Members Association says it is aware of the environmental problems and challenges to be faced but also recalls the many steps forward made, from those of companies that have donated over 80 million dollars to environmental organizations up to new progress on the search for new less impactful materials. In an attempt to be greener, brands are indeed developing today boards made with recycled material and also natural fibers (from wood to mushrooms), as well as natural rubber suits sourced from certified plantations.

Finally, in the hope that surfing can become ever more attentive to the health of the seas, they are also in place attempts to replace and remedy the problem of abandoned boards, especially the cheaper ones intended for body surfing beginners, which release microplastics into the water over time.