Surfing is not just a sport or a hobby but a way of life for many people. It allows surfers to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the ocean. However, as much as surfing is about enjoying the environment, it’s also important to remember that we are responsible for protecting it.
With climate change and environmental degradation becoming more urgent, surfers must adopt eco-friendly habits and practices. In this article, we’ll share five green tips for eco-friendly surfers who want to minimize their impact on the planet and help preserve the oceans for future generations.
Table of Contents
Engage in Beach Cleanups
Beach cleanups are a great way for surfers to impact the environment positively. Not only do they help remove trash and debris from the beach, but they also raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
Surfers can organize or participate in local beach cleanups to help keep the shorelines clean and prevent plastics and other pollutants from entering the ocean. By taking this simple step, surfers can contribute to a healthier ocean ecosystem and help protect the environment for future generations.
Another benefit of participating in beach cleanups is that it helps surfers to become more connected to the natural environment. Through this hands-on experience, they can gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the ocean ecosystem.
Additionally, beach cleanups can be an excellent opportunity for surfers to meet like-minded individuals and build a community around environmental stewardship. Overall, engaging in beach cleanups is a simple yet effective way for surfers to take action and make a difference in protecting the environment.
Choose the Right Surfboard
The type of surfboard you choose can significantly impact your environmental footprint as a surfer. Surfboards made from unsustainable materials or harmful manufacturing processes can contribute to pollution and other negative environmental impacts.
Surfers should consider purchasing surfboards made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, hemp, or recycled foam to be more eco-friendly. Surfboards made with these materials are more environmentally friendly and often have a longer lifespan than those made from traditional materials like polyurethane foam and fiberglass.
In addition to choosing sustainable materials, surfers should also consider the shape and size of their surfboard. For example, a more miniature surfboard can reduce the material needed for manufacturing and transportation. This, in turn, can help reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. Ultimately, making informed choices about the surfboard you use is essential to being a more eco-friendly surfer.
It’s worth noting that the type of surfboard you choose can also affect your performance as a surfer. Smaller surfboards made from sustainable materials can be just as high-performing as traditional surfboards and more environmentally friendly. Many surfers find eco-friendly surfboards can enhance their connection to the ocean and overall surfing experience.
Additionally, purchasing from surfboard manufacturers that prioritize sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices can help support the growth of a more environmentally conscious surf industry. By choosing the right surfboard, surfers can reduce their environmental footprint and support the development of a more sustainable surf culture.
Buy a Planet-Friendly Wetsuit
Wetsuits are an essential piece of gear for surfers, but they can also have a negative impact on the environment. Many wetsuits are made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber material that is not biodegradable and derived from petroleum. Additionally, the production process for neoprene is energy-intensive and can release harmful chemicals into the environment. To be more eco-friendly, surfers should consider purchasing wetsuits made from alternative materials like natural rubber or recycled materials.
Wetsuits made from natural rubber are more sustainable because they are biodegradable and derived from renewable resources. In addition, they are often more durable and can last longer than traditional neoprene wetsuits. Surf brands like Patagonia, Vissla, and Matuse are leading the way in developing natural rubber wetsuits that are both high-performing and environmentally friendly.
Another option for eco-friendly wetsuits is recycled materials. Brands like Picture Organic Clothing and Soöruz use recycled polyester and nylon to create wetsuits that reduce environmental impact. These wetsuits can be just as durable and high-performing as traditional neoprene wetsuits but are made from recycled materials, reducing waste in landfills and oceans.
Surfers can reduce their environmental impact by choosing a planet-friendly wetsuit and contribute to more sustainable surf culture.
Use Alternative Surf Wax
Surf wax is key in ensuring surfers grip their surfboards well. However, many surf waxes on the market are made from petrochemicals and can hurt the environment. For example, petroleum-based surf waxes can release harmful chemicals into the ocean when they rub off surfboards or when surfers apply them. Surfers should consider using alternative surf waxes made from natural ingredients to be more eco-friendly.
One eco-friendly surf wax option is beeswax, a natural wax bees produce. Beeswax-based surf waxes are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals, making them a great alternative to petroleum-based waxes. Additionally, beeswax-based surf waxes can be as effective as traditional waxes and are often easier to apply.
Another alternative to petroleum-based surf wax is plant-based waxes made from soy, coconut, or other natural ingredients. These waxes are biodegradable and do not harm the environment, making them a more sustainable option for surfers who want to reduce their environmental impact.
By choosing an alternative surf wax made from natural ingredients, surfers can reduce their environmental impact while still enjoying the benefits of a good grip on their surfboard. It’s a small but essential step towards creating a more sustainable surf culture.
Adopt Reef-Friendly Sunscreens
Sunscreens are essential to a surfer’s gear, but some common sunscreen ingredients can harm coral reefs and other marine life. For example, chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate in many conventional sunscreens can damage coral reefs, inhibit their growth and reproduction, and contribute to coral bleaching. Surfers should consider adopting reef-friendly sunscreens that do not contain these harmful chemicals to be more eco-friendly.
Reef-friendly sunscreens use mineral-based active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that do not harm the environment. These sunscreens are biodegradable and do not contain chemicals that can harm marine life, making them a more eco-friendly option for surfers. Additionally, mineral-based sunscreens are often less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, making them a good choice for sensitive skin users.
To ensure you’re using a reef-friendly sunscreen, look for products that are labeled “reef-safe,” “ocean-safe,” or “coral reef-friendly.” Some famous brands that offer reef-friendly sunscreens include Sun Bum, Raw Elements, and All Good. Surfers can protect their skin and the environment by choosing reef-friendly sunscreen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, surfers have a unique connection to the ocean and are responsible for protecting it. Surfers can minimize their environmental impact by adopting eco-friendly habits and practices and contribute to more sustainable surf culture.
Engaging in beach cleanups, choosing the right surfboard and wetsuit, using alternative surf wax, and adopting reef-friendly sunscreens are all simple but effective ways for surfers to be more eco-friendly. These actions can help reduce pollution, protect marine life, and preserve the oceans for future generations. As surfers, it’s important to remember that the ocean is our playground and a precious resource that must be respected and protected.
