A long history of surfboard production has taken its toll on the Earth. 

 

In the early origins, boards were carved from beautiful trees until humble 20th-century pioneers sought out new methods to carve their own designs.

 

It was never a surfer's intent to cause harm and it took shapers many years before they realised what was being done to the environment and their health.

 

There are new and innovative ways of surfboard design that are becoming popular, with some companies starting up and/or switching to more alternative eco-friendly solutions.

 

Dr Andrew T. Warren of the University of Wollongong created a new method of designing surf fins that’s environmentally friendly and affordable to manufacture. - Surfing the 3D printing wave

 

Arctic Foam is a bio-foam made of oil converted from plant sources, this foam can be algae-based or made with organic soy but this option is a much better replacement for polyurethane foam moulds.

 

Prof. Christopher R. Gibson of the University of Wollongong is trying to educate the community by ‘documenting sustainability issues such as dependence on petroleum products and harmful chemicals, differences in environmental regulation and poor waste management practices’ - Surfboard making and environmental sustainability

 

Aside from the foam moulds themselves, bio-based resins have gained popularity with Entropy Resins. 

They've developed natural substitutes for polyester coatings and epoxy resins. Instead of petrochemicals, they rely on plant resources like pine trees and vegetable oils.

 

The surfing community is finally starting to come together on this issue and the old methods and materials are no longer necessary or desired.

 

A history of environmental damage cannot be erased but an eco-friendly future will certainly heal.

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