The environmental impact of surfing: How can you help reduce it?

Introduction

As the popularity of surfing grows, so does the responsibility of surfers to protect the marine environment. In this lesson we’ll explore the relationship between surfing and the environment, highlighting the environmental impact of surfing and how you can become a responsible surfer and help reduce it.

The symbiotic relationship between surfers and the sea

Surfers have a natural bond with the ocean. The experience of our surfing sessions are deeply influenced by the health of the marine ecosystem. Clean, pollution-free waters and thriving marine life make for better surfing conditions, while polluted waters can lead to health problems for surfers and bad wave quality.

Surfers often witness firsthand the impacts of environmental damage. Whether it’s encountering plastic waste or noticing the decline in marine biodiversity, surfers are uniquely positioned to observe the health of our oceans. This firsthand experience often gives surfers a deep appreciation for the marine environment and a desire to protect it.

What is the environmental impact of surfing?

While surfing itself is a low-impact sport, the associated activities can have significant environmental impact. Traditional surfboards are often made from non-biodegradable materials like polyurethane foam and polyester resin. The production of these materials involves toxic chemicals and generates substantial waste.

Additionally, the surf industry, which includes the production of wetsuits, leashes, and other accessories, often relies on non-renewable resources. The travel associated with chasing waves also contributes to the carbon footprint of surfing. Flights to exotic surf destinations and the use of motor vehicles to reach local surf spots add to greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable surfing:
How to make a more positive impact

The good news is that the surfing community is increasingly embracing sustainability. Here are some ways you as a surfer can reduce the environmental impact of surfing:

1. Opt for sustainable or pre-owned surf gear

Companies are now producing surfboards using recycled foam, natural resins, and organic materials like bamboo. You can also choose wetsuits and accessories made from eco-friendly materials. For example, some brands use natural rubber instead of neoprene and recycled plastics for leashes and board bags.

Or rather than buying new gear, get your gear pre-owned. There are numerous used product websites and Facebook groups out there where you can find pre-loved surf gear.

2. Support green brands

Look for surf brands that prioritize sustainability in their products and operations. For example, some companies make their products from recycled or biodegradable materials, and they power their manufacturing processes with renewable energy sources.

3. Reduce travel emissions

Surf locally whenever possible to cut down on travel-related emissions. If traveling, consider offsetting your carbon footprint by supporting reforestation projects or other environmental initiatives.

4. Participate in or organize beach clean-up events

Beach clean-up events not only help remove waste from the oceans and beaches- they also raise awareness about the importance of keeping our oceans clean.

5. Advocate for policy change

You can use your voice to advocate for environmental protection policies. Support organizations and initiatives that work towards ocean conservation, plastic reduction, and climate action.

Environmental surfing organizations making a difference

Several organizations are dedicated to combining the love of surfing with the mission of reducing the environmental impact of surfing. These organizations are some of which are at the forefront of advocating for cleaner oceans and sustainable practices within the surfing community:

1. Surfrider Foundation

Founded by surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network. They focus on issues such as water quality, coastal preservation, and plastic pollution.

2. Sustainable Surf

Sustainable Surf is a California-based non-profit that works to transform surf culture into a powerful force for protecting the ocean playground. They provide resources for surfers to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainable surf products and practices.

3. Save The Waves Coalition

Save The Waves is dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems around the globe. They use a combination of protected areas, stewardship, and economic incentives to preserve and sustain coastal areas, focusing on regions that are particularly valuable to surfers.

4. Surfers Against Sewage

Based in the UK, Surfers Against Sewage is a grassroots movement that fights to protect oceans, waves, beaches, and wildlife. They focus on water quality, plastic pollution, and climate change, mobilizing communities to take action.

5. Wavechanger

Wavechanger is committed to reducing the environmental impact of surfing through innovation and education. They work with surfers, scientists, and engineers to develop sustainable surfing technologies and practices.

The environmental impact of surfing:
How can you help reduce it?

Post contents

Introduction

The symbiotic relationship between surfers and the sea

What is the environmental impact of surfing?

Sustainable surfing:
How to make a more positive impact