By Kai Lani | WAHA Surf Shop
Surfers as Ocean Stewards
We spend more time in the ocean than just about anyone. We notice when the water quality changes, when there is more trash on the beach, when the reef looks different than it did last year. That puts surfers in a unique position to both see the problems and do something about them. The ocean gives us so much. Returning the favor is not optional at this point.
The good news is that making your surf life more sustainable does not mean giving up performance or breaking the bank. Small changes add up. Choosing better products, adjusting a few habits, and being more mindful about waste can make a real difference without changing the way you surf.
Eco-Friendly Gear
Surfboards
Traditional surfboard manufacturing is not exactly clean. Polyurethane foam blanks and polyester resin release toxic chemicals during shaping and glassing. But the industry has come a long way in recent years with greener options that do not sacrifice performance. Many top shapers now offer eco-friendly construction as a standard option, not just a specialty product.
- Recycled EPS foam blanks as an alternative to polyurethane
- Bio-resin and plant-based epoxy options
- Buy quality boards that last years instead of seasons
- Repair dings promptly rather than replacing the whole board
- Donate old boards to learn-to-surf programs or buy/sell used
Wetsuits
Neoprene production relies on petroleum, and old wetsuits are notoriously hard to recycle. Several brands have stepped up with limestone-based neoprene or natural rubber alternatives. Patagonia's Yulex suits use natural rubber from sources certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and they perform just as well as traditional neoprene. Taking care of your wetsuit properly, rinsing it after every session and hanging it correctly, can double its lifespan.
- Limestone or plant-based neoprene alternatives
- Yulex (natural rubber) suits from several brands
- Proper care extends wetsuit life by 2-3 years
- Wetsuit recycling programs from brands like Vissla and O'Neill
Wax and Accessories
Standard surf wax is petroleum-based and contains paraffin, which washes off into the ocean every session. Organic wax brands use beeswax, coconut oil, and tree resin instead. They grip just as well and smell better too. For other accessories, look for products made from recycled materials when you can.
- Organic, palm-oil free wax
- Avoid petroleum-based products
- Brands like Matunas, Sticky Bumps Eco, and Bubble Gum offer clean formulas
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
This one is not negotiable if you care about the ocean. Traditional chemical sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to damage coral reefs even in tiny concentrations. Hawaii and several other regions have banned these ingredients, and for good reason. Mineral-based sunscreens using zinc oxide provide solid protection without the coral damage. They leave a slight white cast on your skin, but that is a small price to pay.
Wearing a rash guard or long-sleeve surf top also cuts down on how much sunscreen you need in the first place. According to the National Ocean Service, an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen enter coral reef areas each year.
- Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate completely
- Use mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide
- Check labels carefully, not all "reef-safe" claims are regulated
- Wear UV-protective clothing to reduce sunscreen usage
Beach Clean-Ups and Daily Habits
You do not need to organize a formal event to make a difference. Just bring a small bag with you on every session and pick up whatever trash you see on your way in and out. It takes two minutes and it keeps your local break looking clean. If everyone in the lineup did this, our beaches would be spotless.
Organized beach clean-ups are great too. Groups like Surfrider and local surf clubs run them regularly, and they are a good way to meet other surfers who care about the same stuff. Bring your kids or friends along. It builds community and gets more eyes on the problem.
Reduce Plastic in Your Surf Life
Take a look at how much single-use plastic shows up in your typical surf day. The water bottle you grab on the way to the beach, the plastic wrap around your snacks, the packaging on new gear. It adds up. Switching to a reusable water bottle and bringing your own bags might seem small, but it cuts out hundreds of plastic items per year. When you are shopping for new gear, pay attention to packaging. Some brands ship everything in recycled or compostable materials now.
- Reusable water bottles and coffee cups
- Say no to single-use plastic bags and straws
- Bring your own bags for groceries and gear
- Choose products with minimal or recycled packaging
Travel Responsibly
Surf travel has a carbon footprint, there is no getting around that. Flying halfway across the world to score waves burns fuel. But you can make smarter choices within that reality. Carbon offset programs are available through most airlines now. Choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local businesses instead of international chains, and being respectful of local environments all matter. When you visit a spot, leave it better than you found it.
- Offset carbon from flights when possible
- Choose locally-owned accommodations
- Support local shapers, restaurants, and guides
- Never take shells, coral, or natural souvenirs
- Respect local customs and environments
Support Ocean Conservation
There are some fantastic organizations doing real work to protect the coastlines and oceans we depend on. The aloha spirit that defines surf culture naturally extends to taking care of our environment. Consider donating your time or money to groups that are making measurable progress on issues like water quality, marine habitat protection, and coastal access.
- Surfrider Foundation
- Save The Waves Coalition
- Sustainable Surf
- Ocean Conservancy
- Local marine conservation groups in your area
Leading by Example
The surf community is tight-knit. When your friends see you making greener choices, it rubs off. You do not need to lecture anyone or post manifestos online. Just swap out your wax, rinse your wetsuit in a bucket instead of running water, pick up trash when you see it. People notice. And when someone asks about the organic wax you are using or why you brought a bag to the beach, that is your chance to spread the word naturally. Every surfer who makes even a few of these changes multiplies the impact across the whole community.