Who’s Making Sustainable Surfboards?

“The only thing that separates us from the water is the surfboard you're riding, there’s no reason why that shouldn't be made out of good sustainable products,” said surf legend Rob Machado in a film with reef. 

He’s got a point. 

Machado’s made it a mission to bring reducing, reusing, and recycling to the surf industry—- leading a charge of surfers who want to minimize their footprint. Marko foam, a surf recycling company Machado has collaborated with, as well as several other companies across the industry, are committed to making boards in the lowest-impact way possible.  

These leaders in surf sustainability have taken the initiative to make the sport we all love so much, less harmful for the ocean— the place we love so much. 

The Ecoboard Project

As a super charger in the sustainable surfboard movement, The Ecoboard Project has worked to certify your favorite surf companies as earth-conscious.

They’ve made it as easy as entering your location and desired board type to receive a referral to a list of brands who are certified as ocean and earth friendly. Amongst these you’ll find some of your favorite big names, Channel Islands, Pyzel, Pukas and a hundred others. 

This project allows surfers to buy their desired high performance boards, while  substantially reducing the environmental impact. Find your Next Ecoboard. 

SOLID 

Ever thought you’d ride a surfboard made of hemp?

How about volcanic basalt?

SOLID has reached new levels of innovation amongst the surf industry, creating surfboards from natural materials like these, as alternatives to foams and fiberglass.

This makes their boards 600 times less energy to manufacture in comparison to a traditional board. 

This technology also allows them to save trees and use less water, while still creating high performance boards. 

Marko  

Marko is dedicated to making surfboard blanks out of foam that would otherwise be landfill bound. They are committed to turning old styrofoam packaging, (#6 EPS foam) into board blanks.

In attempting to repurpose as much packaging waste as possible, Marko’s Waste to Waves program allows styrofoam drop off at hundreds of recycling drops across the country.

Support the sustainable surf industry by bringing your styrofoam to a collection point, or buying from one the many shapers that use Marko technologies! 

Almond Boards R Series

Almond’s R series was created with the mission of making great boards while minimizing production waste. When you’ve surfed your Almond R series into the ground, you can return it for a discount on your next one— along with a promise that it will be recycled into a brand new board.

The Bottom Line: Sustainable Surfboards 

The surf industry is entering an exciting new chapter in sustainability with new ocean-friendly board technologies— join the wave!