Green Your Beach Day: Eco Surfboards
Only one word can describe the materials that go into a typical surfboard: gnarly. The polyurethane in traditional blanks creates dangerous chemicals in the manufacturing process and taps limited petroleum resources. Other common materials, including fiberglass laminate and polyester resins, come packed with less-than-green ingredients. Designers have yet to come up with a zero-impact board, but a few companies are making progress. Try one of these next time you hit the waves:
Bamboo Surfboards works with (surprise!) bamboo in a kind of sandwich with epoxy.
Hess Surfboards integrates sustainably-harvested wood, fast-growing cork, and a recyclable foam.
Homeblown uses "biofoam," a material made from soy (grown in the U.S.) in place of oil-based polyols.
If all else fails, eco-minded surfers can offset the impact of boards, boats, and surf-related activities with carbon credits from GreenSurf.
--J.S.
Share your tips and stories about connecting with nature and going green out on the waves.
Greenlight Surfboard Supply is leading the growing movement toward manufacturing and supplying surfboard building materials that are sustainable and which have the least impact on our delicate ecosystems.
We are a grassroots company based on a deep love for surfing and the undefinable connection experienced when surfing a home-shaped board. Greenlight exists for average, everyday surfers to attain complete surfing satisfaction, pride,
and mind-blowing stoke.
We strive to make surfboard building Easy and Fun for all surfers to shape boards at home.
Our complete eco-friendly surfboard building kits, comprehensive instructional videos, and online shaping support free up all surfers of any age or skill level to experience the ultimate stoke from surfing a board created with your mind and own two hands.
Posted by: Brian Gagliana | June 26, 2008 at 01:50 PM
good show!
Posted by: duhenk | June 26, 2008 at 11:26 PM
www.austinsurfboards.com also offers green alternatives. I don't think it's listed on their website, but I know the owner. Austin Surfboards is locally owned and he started selling his fine crafted boards as a teenager. He's now in his early 20's and his business is really soaring! Check him out and use the "contact us" link to inquire about eco-boards!
Posted by: Sara, Norfolk, VA | June 27, 2008 at 08:46 AM
I think we can all make a difference. I want a bamboo surf board. Having withdrawls here in Costa Rica. Need to get out there soon............
Posted by: Debora Edholm | July 29, 2008 at 08:08 AM
Surfing Green is an Australian website offering all kinds of eco friendly surf gear including sustainable surfboards, bamboo surfboards and more.
Posted by: grant | October 04, 2008 at 11:15 PM
www.surfinggreen.com.au
Posted by: grant | October 04, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Thansk for talking about these alternatives. I guess I will have to try out a bamboo board.
Posted by: rashguard | January 16, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Good thing there's "green" way of surfing.Now, we not only enjoy nature, we also help in preserving it.
Posted by: Beach Resort Vacations | March 23, 2009 at 12:44 AM
There's this private beach resort that we've been to in Lian, Batangas. There's too many starfish but the place is nice. I'm not sure what will happen if that resort will be developed for public.
Posted by: Batangas Beach Resort | April 20, 2009 at 09:09 PM
I love beaches and tourist destinations. Here's one great blog if you want to visit philipine beach resorts
Posted by: philippine beach resorts | April 20, 2009 at 09:15 PM