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A statement was made recently by seven times British women’s surf champion Lucy Campbell which claimed surfing should be greener. Ms. Campbell said she would only choose to work with or accept sponsorships from brands with a clear sustainability ethos. Additionally, she spoke about “Greener surfboards and wetsuits.” Link. Archived.
This article examines her views to explore whether green sports are feasible and if technologies exist to keep up with these sustainable trends.
What is Surfing?
Surfing is a water sport that involves riding ocean waves using a surfboard. Surfers paddle into the water, position themselves on their boards, and wait for suitable waves to ride. When a wave approaches, surfers use their skills to catch the wave and ride it toward the shore. The objective is to maintain balance and control on the surfboard while maneuvering along the face of the wave. Surfing is a recreational and competitive sport, with professional surfers participating in competitions worldwide.
Sustainability of Surfing
Surfing itself does not directly contribute to sea pollution. However, certain aspects associated with surfing can impact the environment if not managed responsibly. For example, nearly every other wetsuit on the market comes in neoprene, a bouncy synthetic rubber derived from petroleum or limestone (both non-renewable resources). Unfortunately, Neoprene isn’t biodegrade, and 380 tons are disposed annually. Link. Archived.
While surfboards are only a fraction of the global plastic industry, an estimated 400,000 to 600,000 boards are made and sold annually, which would make up to an industry worth $300 million to $500 million.
The production and disposal of surfboards, wetsuits, and other surfing gear can have environmental implications. The materials used, such as foam, resins, and neoprene, can contain harmful chemicals. However, there is a growing movement towards more sustainable materials and production processes in the surfing industry.
Moreover, surfers may encounter and inadvertently contribute to marine debris, such as plastic waste, while in the water. Surfers need to be mindful of their surroundings and properly dispose of any trash so not to pollute some of the most sensitive ecosystems.
Although, surfing does not directly contribute to marine pollution, surfers must be environmentally conscious, support sustainable practices, and actively participate in efforts to preserve the health of our oceans. Link. Archived
Greener surfboards and wetsuits
A surfer can feel confident when purchasing an environment-friendly wetsuit, knowing that it’s going to hold up, stay warm and look good too while damaging the planet minimally. Manufacturers are looking into using eco-friendly materials in surfboard and wetsuit production. The most eco-friendly wetsuit is made of natural rubbers such as limestone neoprene or yule, a renewable and neoprene-free foam harvested from Hevea trees in Central America, South America, and Sri Lanka. Link. Archived
Alternative materials like bamboo, cork, recycled foam, and bio-based resins are used for surfboards. Eco-conscious brands are minimizing the use of toxic chemicals in the production process. They opt for non-toxic or low-toxic alternatives when selecting adhesives, laminating resins, and colorants. In addition, brands are developing initiatives to responsibly address the disposal of surfboards and wetsuits. Some companies offer recycling programs where old or damaged products can be returned for recycling or repurposing.
Surfing and their eco-friendly benefits
Surfing allows individuals to immerse themselves in the natural environment, fostering a deep appreciation and connection with the ocean and its ecosystems. This connection often leads to an instinct to protect and preserve these environments. Surfers are often at the forefront of environmental activism and awareness. They witness firsthand the impacts of pollution, climate change, and habitat degradation on the ocean and marine life. Surfing communities often engage in initiatives to protect coastlines, advocate for clean water, and raise awareness about environmental issues. Surfers frequently organize and participate in beach cleanup events to remove litter and debris from coastlines. These efforts help maintain the health and cleanliness of coastal ecosystems, preventing harm to marine life and preserving the beauty of beaches.
Surfing depends exclusively on the existence of these natural waters. Surfing brings more balance to the body, in and out of the water, providing a sense of well-being and freedom. Being in nature and physical exercise is proven to be best practices to minimize stress. Surfing teaches one about concentration or focus, persistence, patience, and overcoming obstacles. Additionally, Surfing improves your body’s cardiovascular and respiratory system, endurance, coordination, and balance. Link. Archived
Green surf wetsuit manufacturing countries
There are several companies prioritizing sustainable manufacturing practices and eco-friendly materials in wetsuit production in the US. They focus on using renewable and recycled materials to reduce the energy consumption during manufacturing. Australian wetsuit manufacturers have also made strides in sustainability by using environmentally friendly materials, such as neoprene made from limestone instead of petroleum, and adopting eco-conscious manufacturing techniques. In the UK, some companies produce wetsuits with a focus on sustainability. They use recycled materials and employ innovative manufacturing processes to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impacts.
Thailand has emerged as a hub for sustainable wetsuit manufacturing. Some companies in Thailand produce wetsuits made from natural and recycled materials, implementing eco-friendly manufacturing practices. These are just a few examples, and it’s worth noting that sustainable wetsuit manufacturing practices are not limited to specific countries. Various manufacturers worldwide are embracing sustainability and working towards minimizing their ecological footprint in producing wetsuits. Link. Archived
Additionally, Sri Lanka is known for exporting natural rubber, which can be used to produce surf sport kits, including surfboard components such as traction pads and surfboard fins. The natural rubber produced in Sri Lanka is known for its superior properties, such as durability, flexibility, and resistance to wear and tear. These characteristics make it suitable for various applications in surf sports equipment manufacturing. By exporting natural rubber, Sri Lanka contributes to the global supply chain for surf sports kits, allowing manufacturers to incorporate sustainable and eco-friendly materials into their products. Link. Archived
Sea sports have a significant potential to become sustainable in the future. As awareness of environmental issues grow, there is a growing focus on minimizing the ecological impact of sea sports. Emphasizing on marine conservation and promoting responsible practices among sea sports enthusiasts is essential. This includes educating participants about fragile marine ecosystems, encouraging the practice of “leave no trace” principles and supporting local conservation initiatives. Sea sports often attract tourists to coastal regions. Therefore, promoting sustainable tourism practices that respect the local environment and communities is essential. This can involve regulating visitor numbers, implementing waste management systems, and supporting local businesses that adhere to sustainable practices.
By prioritizing sustainability in sea sports, we can ensure that it will last longer, preserving the health and beauty of our oceans for future generations.
If you have any queries or come across suspicious content related to climate change or the environment and want us to verify them for you, then send them to us on our WhatsApp hotline: +917045366366 With inputs from –Dinesh Balasri–
