Montclair High School Bio Blog: How to Shred the Waves...And Not the Environment!

Surfing has become a growing sport, and surfers have become more and more particular about their gear. There are thousands of wetsuits, boards, sunscreens, and board waxes to choose from—and the choice is based on preference. But the question has arisen: What makes these products so different? After examining the chemicals in sunscreens and board waxes, the fabrics of wetsuits, and plastics in boards, environmentalists have discovered a cause to the negative effect on sea plants and animals. These materials often leave a large carbon footprint and lead to increased deforestation, taking away habitats and ecosystems. But have no fear! These environmentalists and their teams have come together to create high quality surfing gear that does not harm the environment.

A surfer friend of mine in his natural habitat!

Wet suits made of polychloroprene, or neoprene, are widely used because the synthetic rubbers are flexible for a large range of temperatures. However, because they are synthetic, the toxins eventually become absorbed into the water or skin it contacts, polluting the ocean and potentially harming the marine life. Alternatives to the brands using “neoprene” are Henderson, Patagonia, Matus, and Swish.

Some eco friendly Harmony Surfboards

Boards now are commonly made with known carcinogens—such as toluene diisocyanate—and other harmful chemicals that may harm the environment and ourselves just as the neoprene in the wetsuits can. To get around this, companies like Wave Tribe, Waste to Waves, Pacific Island, Surfboards, Harmony Surfboards, Earth Technologies, Solo Surfboards, and Lost Surfboards began to make boards out of non-toxic, renewable, recycled, and sustainable materials. Surfers now, like myself, are beginning to prefer eco friendly gear rather than the synthetic, harmful materials!

Sunscreen is a necessity as surfers sit on their boards, sun reflecting off of the water and onto their face while it also beats down on their shoulders as they wait for a wave. Luckily, brands like Thinksport, True Natural, and Suntegrity can be used to protect your derma and keep the ocean naturally clean!

Board waxes are used by surfers to keep their grip once the board hits the water, making it slippery. With the eco friendly boards mentioned above, many have surfaces made of cork—eliminating the need for wax. However, for those who love the sticky-board feeling, two brands to try are Surf Organic and Matunas. These companies use renewable ingredients, recycled packaging, and eco friendly products; these ingredients are much safer than the hydrogenated soy bean oil found in many common waxes.