Sustainability in the Surfing World

Excellent work  from Kevin Whilden and  Michael Stewart, founders of  Sustainable Surf, one of the principle partners of the Plymouth Sustainability and Surfing Research Group (PSSRG), as they get their second write up in Forbes (Woody 2012).  The article focuses on  SustainableSurfs  Eco-Board programme which aims to transform surfboards from their existing toxic form based on polyurethane to a less harmful and recyclable product known as expanded polystyrene or EPS. 

This was highlighted at their recent Eco Board launch event in San Fransisco where an eco board was glassed in the middle of the party.  Technology has advanced to a stage now where eco boards can match their more toxic cousins in performance and aesthetics which is pivotal in getting them in the hands of the average surfer.  During the course of my own research and having spoken to retailers, initial findings suggest that the time is right and eco boards can compete in practically all areas with traditional boards.  One retailer indicated that given a choice the consumer would opt for the Eco Board even if it was marginally more expensive.

However,  the  Forbes article goes on to highlight the fact that  making an environmentally  friendly surf board is only part of the story for promoting a consumer demand for this product. This supports a great deal of research on the way that consumers respond to ‘ethical purchasing’ and behavioural change more broadly for positive environmental change.   The issues are complex and multifaceted.  As the Forbes article illustrates it is now important to put these ecoboards in the hands of some of the surfing worlds most iconic surfers, Kelly slater and Rob Machardo for example to lead the way  and create a positive reinforcement of the  message.

The transition to sustainability in the surfing world needs to be addressed on a number of fronts. The Center for Surf Research at San Diego State University are making huge strides in promoting sustainable surf tourism for example.  The PSSRG aims to draw together on  an international basis people that are passionate about surfing and making a positive change from both an academic and a practitioner perspective.  The latest project from the research group in collaboration with the Center for Surf Research's director Dr Jess Ponting is a book  that is able to explore multiple areas and perspectives of the transition to  sustainability in the surfing world from surfings leading minds.