When you're talking about industries that optimise the green movement, you would think that the surfing industry should be leading the way. And why wouldn't you? Practically every surfer in the world has an appreciation for the ocean and our environment. Most of the big names are involved with conservation and green organisations in some form or another. Slater, Rasta & Occy are affiliated with Sea Shepherd. Rasta started Surfers for Cetaceans. Most are involved with the Surfrider Foundation and there's a lot of other smaller organisations.
With all of these big name ambassadors you would be forgiven for thinking that the industry should be a stand out when it comes to eco friendly products in the consumer market. The case however could not be further from reality. Shamefully the big name brands continue to pay lip service about eco friendly products but flood the market with unsustainable, crude oil dependant rubbish. Big name surf shops look more like fashion stores with little to no effort given to their eco friendly range and it's about time they took a good hard look at themselves.
I believe the heart of the industry is in the right place, but given the nature of the beast it should be pushing harder for a deeper more meaningful eco stance rather than a superficial perspective and become a leader and inspiration for other industries to follow.
As a bodyboarder / surfer I am pleading the big companies to develop their product range from a measly few products to atleast 75% eco friendly products. I have little to no option for some of the products I require, boards, rashies, wetsuits, fins, shorts, leashes, etc. I'm currently on the hunt for a new wetsuit but there are no green options, which is a bloody disgrace. With all the money these companies make they should be putting a lot more effort into developing wetties from recycled rubber or plastic and free us from our dependency of crude oil.
In this current situation I cannot bring myself to pay for another expensive product from a company that is not willing to make any significant effort and I will continue to use my ragged old wettie, holes and all.
Here's something to think about... There are 17 million surfers around the world... think about the impact that something as simple as board wax can have. Surf wax is created from a mix of petroleum by-products, harsh chemicals and synthetic materials... basically everything we shouldn't be leaving in the water and on the beach.
Thankfully, however dim it might be, there is a light at the end of the tunnel... well kind of. There are a few small companies striving to make a positive impact by developing products from recycled, less oil dependant materials for the environmentally conscious surfer.
I've found a handful of products to get the ball rolling. Hopefully everyone starts buying these in droves and the big four finally realise that environmentally friendly surfwear and surf products are what surfers demand.
Treehugger Wax is a great alternative to normal petroleum based wax. It's made from sustainable and biodegradable ingredients like bees wax. And in all honesty is the best wax i've used in 14 years of surfing. I rave about this stuff and now all my mates are too. You can buy it online and from a few stores around the country. It comes in 4 temperature types and is made locally in Noosa. There is absolutely no reason why any surfer in the world should not be using this wax! As an added bonus, even the packaging is made from recycled paper and printed with soy ink.
http://www.treehuggerwax.com/
For my American friends, there is also an eco surf wax for you. I haven't tried this before but I know a few people who have. Look up
Matunas http://www.matunasco.com/
West Wetsuits unfortunately don't make eco friendly wetsuits but have a small range of rashies made from bamboo and recycled PET plastic (Plastic water bottles). I'm due for a new rashie and will definitely be investing in one of these. They are priced the same as any other brand but are a much lighter burden on the environment. Win.
http://www.westsurfing.com/wetsuits/lycra
Billabong has started a green initiative to recycle 5 million plastic water bottles and turn them into boardshorts. This is a good start, but not good enough. This is just a few shorts in their whole range which is quite extensive. I'm my opinion is not nearly enough when it comes to eco friendly items in their product range. This is a massive company that should be leading by example and bringing the industry to the top of the green consumer food chain. I haven't supported Billabong in more than 10 years and will continue to avoid their products until they make a responsible change in their way of thinking.
Surf Green - Exactly what it sounds like, eco boards, products and articles.
http://www.surfinggreen.com.au
Flexcomb - Recycled plastic wax combs -
http://www.flexcomb.com/home.html
Surf Rider Foundation -
http://www.surfrider.org.au/
Surfers for Cetaceans -
http://www.s4cglobal.org/
Famous - Cork traction pads -
http://www.famouswax.com/ (they also have an eco wax but not all of their range is eco)
Phoresia - Eco surfing website -
http://www.phoresia.org/
Although none of these products and companies claim to be saving the world, they are atleast making a difference in their own way and are forging the first steps towards a completely environmentally friendly surf industry.
The photo is by my mate Paul Collins
