Is biking to the beach an option for you?

If it is, then you should really consider it. Like I already explained in the post "How can YOU be an eco-friendly surfer?", biking is one of the greenest way to get to the beach safely with a surf. If you're good at it (make sure you are) you could also skateboard with your surf in hand (but that's quite dangerous, I don't recommend it) or the easiest option: walk. Biking is a great option for people who live farther away from a surf spot but have the opportunity to use an alternative vehicle instead of driving. 

If the bike ride isn't too far for you then get yourself one of these surf racks like in the picture above! I found this one at a bike rental shop so just check similar places out to find your own (you could also order it online but that isn't a very green option). The prices vary from very expensive to cheaper so it might not be in your budget to get yourself one of these racks but you can also find tutorials online on how to make your own. I quite like the one below.

And like it says in the video, the materials you choose in this case are not as important because already just biking instead of driving is more eco-friendly and a great step but if you can, think about how you can make even your surf rack green (it already is on its own) with different materials. Talk to your local surfers or shapers, they might be able to help you out!

Comment below if you have a surf rack and if so which one (brand) or maybe you made your own? Or do you walk? Skate? Take the bus? Link a picture if you like ;)

Video source:
"DIY Surfboard Bike Rack - Surf Sufficient." YouTube. YouTube. Web. 3 Jan. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIYBlokOzIY>.

Is your surfboard GREEN?

First, here is some useful vocabulary you might not be familiar with:

• A blank: unshaped surfboard foam
• EPS: expanded polystyrene foam
• Fiberglass: used to seal a shaped blank with a hard shape
• Resin: adhesive chemical that bonds fiberglass to surfboard foam
• Epoxy resin: an adhesive, plastic, or other material made from a class of synthetic thermosetting polymers containing epoxide groups
• VOC: volatile organic compound

All set?

A bit of background
Surfboards started out as no more than planks of wood. What we know them as today is far from just being wood. It's quite the opposite actually. While wood isn't exactly a sustainable material it wasn't the worst either. So what happened?
In the 1950s, significant progress was made in the field of fiberglass and styrofoam, which threw what everyone knew of the surf industry at the time, into the water. This new technology was cheaper and faster for companies to to put their hands on so before long, wooden surfboards had been completely forgotten. On the other hand, these new innovative materials had a drawback. They were environmentally toxic. "The production of styrofoam [created] massive amounts of toxic chemical waste, which has since been found to then leach those chemicals back into the ocean and air" ("Surf Green with Eco-Friendly Surf Gear").
Hold on a second. Why am I writing in past tense? Believe it or not, the truth of the 1950s applies to today because the modern surfboards, both professionals and amateurs use today, are not that different. A great majority is still made using "blown polyurethane foam, wrapped in fiberglass and coated in polyester or epoxy resin" (Sea change: Surfing used to be an environmental disaster, now it's cleaning up its act"). This combination of oil based products gives off very dangerous and poisonous fumes as well as volatile organic compounds. Although susceptible to breakage, these surfboards do not break down until millions of years once in landfills (because they are not biodegradable), which is part of why they so negatively impact the environment since it means that they cannot be recycled.
Isn't that ironic? Toxic surfboards? Shouldn't surfers form one with nature and protect it rather than harm it? Exactly so. Today a lot of progress has to be made but some critical thinkers are already riding the green wave! Below are just a few examples of some greener alternatives for surfboards.

The Ecoboard
Surfboards made using EPS "glassed with standard epoxy resin" ("How To Be An Environmentally-Friendly Surfer") are one step closer to surfing green. Sustainable Surf, for example, came out with an Ecoboard Project, which certifies that each Ecoboard is made with care, keeping the environment in mind every step of the way.
How are they different? They contain one or more of these characteristics: "a primarily sustainable/renewable structure, such as wood; a blank made of at least 40 per cent recycled or biological materials and epoxy resin with at least 15% biological, low VOC content" ("How To Be An Environmentally-Friendly Surfer"). As you can see not all Ecoboards are the same but they are all still greener than petroleum based surfboards. This means that they don't all use the same resin (for example) but many use Super Sap by Entropy Resins.  It has proven to cause a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions due to its plant-derived white resin. Furthermore, this resin is great because it can be applied without protective respiratory gear which is usually the case because "the shaping process [of traditional boards] produces fine foam dust, which can be harmful if inhaled, and the laminating resin gives off poisonous fumes that harm health conditions." ("Forward thinking surfers seek eco-friendly options for surfboards")
Ecoboards are the way to go; even Kelly Slater has his own. Do you need more proof?

(Figure 1)

Just remember this when the time comes for you to buy a surfboard: "polyurethane is bad for the planet, EPS foam is better and recycled EPS foam is better still" ("How To Be An Environmentally-Friendly Surfer").

The Mushroom Surfboard
Another eco-friendly board is Ecovative's Mushroom Surfboard. Yes, you read that right. A mushroom surfboard!
Their signature product, the Myco Foam is made using agricultural waste from crop production, which is then "inoculated with the vegetative form of mushrooms, called mycelium" ("Mushroom Surfboards"). As a result, this immunized mix can be pressed into molds of any shape and is left for a couple of days untouched in order to grow and harden. Once it has settled and heat treatment is used to limit and control the mycelium growth, the Myco Foam is all done!
These Myco Foams are very practical because they are so versatile and can therefore be made into anything including surfboard blanks, which are "completely sustainable and unlike polyurethane boards, also biodegradable" ("Mushroom Surfboards") so they will break down much faster in landfills than the surfboards we have been using for generations. Like other blanks, they can be glassed using traditional resins (fiberglass and epoxy) but Ecovative is taking it one step further and uses a "bio-based resin to glass their mock-up models" ("Mushroom Surfboards"). And remember, Myco Foam is made from agricultural waste, which means that a lot less energy required as well.
But hold on. Mushrooms? Won't the board break after one session? Well, Ecovative assures that Myco Foam withstands water damage as much as other surfboards so there is no difference for that matter and they are also very sturdy. Still, it is has to prove itself to the surf industry and lovers of the sport to see if it can in fact top the performance level of our toxic but awesome boards because a green board is fantastic but no one will buy it if if it has limitations.

(Figure 2)

The Resurf Project
This project made by a group of French guys and placed on a fundraising website called Ulule, with a goal of raising 14,000 Euros. Ambitious? Very! On the 1st of September 2014, it was successfully financed with an extra 201 Euros.
The Resurf Project's goal is to give a new existence to EPS surfboards. It is one of the few projects in the world to recycle surfboards; whether they are stand-ups, paddle boards, surfboards or even body-boards. Not only will it contribute to the protection of the environment, it will also allow the surf industry to develop more sustainably.
Every year, almost 400,000 surfboards are made in the world. That's a terrific number! Can you imagine? And the majority, if not all, are made using petroleum, which means that at the end of their life cycle they are buried in a landfill or cremated because they cannot be recycled.
This is where the Resurf Project steps in. Although surfboards made with polyurethane cannot be recycled, all the ones made out of polystyrene can (i.e. EPS surfboards).
That is why this project exists and honestly there's not much more to say once you look at the diagram below but feel free to check out the "Eco-List" for more info on this project.

(Figure 3)

As you can see I only focused on three eco-friendly surfboard movement/projects/products for the simple reason that today a lot of organisations are getting to work and changing their ways so if you want to learn about other green surfboards and the ones above then go to "Eco-Links" to be directed to numerous websites!

Sources I used:

1. Dick-Read, Alex. "Sea Change: Surfing Used to Be an Environmental Disaster, Now It's Cleaning up Its Act." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 27 Sept. 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/sea-change-surfing-used-to-be-an-environmental-disaster-now-its-cleaning-up-its-act-403703.html>.
2. Krueger, Cynthia. "How To Be An Environmentally-Friendly Surfer." Mpora. 1 June 2014. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. <http://mpora.com/articles/environmentally-friendly-surfer>.
3. Housman, Justin. "Mushroom Surfboards." Surfer | The Original since 1960. Futures., 6 Jan. 2014. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. <http://www.surfermag.com/blogs/design-forum/mushroom-surfboards/>. (Figure 2)
4. Dandine, Benoit. "The Resurf Project." Ulule. 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <http://fr.ulule.com/resurf-project/>. (Figure 3)
5. House, Laurel. "Surf Green with Eco-Friendly Surf Gear." HowStuffWorks. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/surf-green-ecofriendly-gear.htm>.
6. Siestas & Fiestas. "Forward Thinking Surfers Seek Eco-friendly Options for Surfboards." JMS Reports. 6 May 2013. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <http://jmsreports.org/2013/05/06/san-diego-surfers-discuss-the-idea-of-a-green-surfboard/>.
7.  Bradstreet, Kailee. "THE ECOBOARD PROJECT FOUNDERS ON ECO-CERTIFIED SURFBOARD MATERIALS & NEW SIMA PARTNERSHIP." Transworld Business. Web. 2 Jan. 2015. . (Figure 1)

How can YOU be an eco-friendly surfer?

Although this next phrase might sound cliché, it holds a lot of truth: every individual can make a difference. This includes surfers. The second you leave your house to go surfing, hangout with friends on the beach, buy a new wetsuit or other surf apparel or break your surfboard, there is always a greener alternative than the first obvious idea that comes to your mind. Change requires effort and determination, so these next tips and steps to follow are not going to make your life easier but it will connect you with the people at the heart of the surf industry and with the essential component of surfing: nature.

Surf spot in Indonesia covered in sewage. Photo: Zak Noyles.

1. Surfing isn't an easy sport. It's strenuous and full of surprises, which is what makes it so exciting and fun. The force of the ocean cannot be tamed and surfers can endure nasty falls and accidents, which overtime can seriously damage their boards, even break them! So recycle your surfboard instead of throwing it away or when possible repair it. In other words, sell it as a second-hand surf board or donate it to charities and organisations. (See "Eco Links") If it's broken, your local surf shop or shapers might make use of it and recycle it. 
2. In turn, buy a second-hand surf board. Think about how often you use your board. Do you really need a brand new one? Your wallet will thank you and so will the environment. 
3. On the other hand, if you are indeed a very devoted and passionate surfer then opt for a greener alternative. Look for Ecoboards or others that use environmentally friendly materials. (See "Eco Links" for guidance.) If for some reason, you do not have access to these innovative surf boards then why not talk to the local shapers and surfers? They might be able to direct you onto a greener path and before you know it you'll have your green surfboard in hand!
4. Surfers are stereotyped as being the laid back, carefree and chilled guys on the beach but does that mean they're lazy? Quite the opposite! The physical demand that is required when surfing in the waters of our powerful oceans is tremendous and not being adequately fit can lead to serious injuries. So why not bike to the beach? Or walk? It'll serve as a warm-up and strain nothing other than your muscles. Of couse not everyone has the luxury of living 2 min away from the waves so if you really must drive, at least share lifts with your friends to reduce fuel and emissions or take the bus. 
5. I love traveling, who doesn't? Unfortunately, our pleasure has a cost and it has become too high for the environment to pay. Places like Hawaii, South Africa, Australia, Spain and countless more locations sound like surf paradise but let's get real here. Do you need to go surf there? Are the waves 10 min/1 hour away from your house or in a neighbour town/in the country from where you live in not sufficient? That might in fact not be the case if you live in a country that is surrounded by land or where there are just terrible/no waves but do you need to fly to the other side of the world to get a good session in? Of course not! Sure it'd be amazing but who said you need a picturesque landscape to surf? Not everyone is as as fortunate and some are obliged to surf in dirty beaches full of garbage so if there's a surf spot nearby (if impossible at least in a country nearby) where you can surf then go for it! Surf as close to your house whenever you can! And wherever you end up surfing in the end, keep tip #4 in mind. 
6. When it comes to surfing, the first things that come to our mind are most probably surfers on their board riding waves. At its core, that is essentially what surfing is! When looking at the bigger picture, and we must if we want to make a difference, it is so much more than that. The surf industry is a billion dollar industry, which consists of surf apparel, wetsuits, surf wax, surfboards, bags, fins, leashes and so much more.... So when it comes time to buy your own gear, always look for the greener alternatives even if it's not the first product you find but you need to dig deeper! (See "Eco Links") If you do not have access or cannot buy eco-designed products, think about buying locally produced equipment!
7. This next tip applies to all surf related products and is very closely related with tip #1: donate your outworn or used material to associations! If you are anyways going to get rid of it or get a very low price by selling it, why not donate it instead? You might not be making any money but you are giving to people and in return receiving gratefulness and happiness. I don't know about you but I think it's worth it! 
8. These 7 tips have already covered many things that can be done to be an environmentally friendly surfer as an individual but there's a point when you are not surfing in the ocean and although you might not have thought of it, it has much greater repercussions than the actual act of surfing because like already mentioned it is everything that goes into the surf industry that impacts the environment negatively. The key thing to keep in mind is to take care of your environment. When you are walking to the beach, use coastal access and sidewalks and if you are driving, do not park you car on protected zones and dunes. And because surfing turns you into a starving athlete, be aware of where your snack wrappers and water bottles end up! Make sure you find a garbage or put them in your bag to throw away once home.

All in all, I think if everyone followed these 8 tips then our Earth as it is today would definitely be a lot greener. The key point you have to remember is that whatever you do, (and this actually doesn't just apply to surf) think of the impact it will have on the environment because remember: without the ocean no real surfing is going to take place!

Sources I referred to:

1. Dick-Read, Alex. "Sea Change: Surfing Used to Be an Environmental Disaster, Now It's Cleaning up Its Act." The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media, 27 Sept. 2007. Web. 15 Nov. 2014. <http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/green-living/sea-change-surfing-used-to-be-an-environmental-disaster-now-its-cleaning-up-its-act-403703.html>.
2. Néollier, Marie-Amélie. "Surf Et Empreinte écologique." Magazine Surfsession 1 Aug. 2014: 88-92. Print.

Photo source:

Krueger, Cynthia. "How To Be An Environmentally-Friendly Surfer." Mpora. 1 June 2014. Web. 12 Nov. 2014. <http://mpora.com/articles/environmentally-friendly-surfer>.