Green Surfboards, The Future of Wave Riding
Photo Credit: Di Sanders
For decades now, surfboards have been made out of hazardous materials such as high density foam and fiberglass. These materials have created hazardous waste for too long and ‘Green Foam Blanks’ has been working on creating less hazardous surfboard materials and shaping recycled polyurethane blanks. Based in San Clemente, California, the heart of the California surf world, Green Foam is on the right track. They are trying to change not only the materials but also the culture. Surfers have always been on the greener side of the spectrum, I mean, who really wants to surf in dirty water? But now more sustainable surfboards look to further decrease surfer’s footprint and offer a better alternative. “The surfboard industry does not produce the tens of millions of tons of waste annually as municipalities do, but it has significant impact with toxins,” said Gary Petersen of the California Integrated Waste Management Board. These new foam ideas could really reduce the amounts of toxins that are released through the manufacturing of surfboards.
I have never personally tried a “sustainable foam” surfboard, but from what I have heard in the past they have not been up to par with the normal foam boards. I’ve heard they feel soft and are not as responsive, but with more and more companies, like Green Foam, taking the challenge of creating a sustainable surfboard that works just as good as one with normal foam the product is only going to get better. Green Foam is at the forefront of this movement and they are marketing their product at the highest level to not only push a product but sell a movement. “I think sustainability represents a really perfect opportunity to tap that core rebellious tendency of surfers,” said Frank Scura, the executive director of the Action Sports Environmental Coalition. I agree Mr. Scura, making sustainability “cool” and convenient is the only way to pass it on.
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I like this place! I love the idea and wish there was a place like this in Astoria, Queens. I am a surfer and found a “real surfer bar” in Point Break NYC. I am kinda jealous ;0PIts filled with surfers, people who like surfers, people who like the beach and people who don’t want to live close to town. I really like this place. You know what they have these real Proctor and Channel One surfboards on the wall. It’s nice for coming any day of the week and eating a late brunch. The food was outstanding. The brunch and sides were prefect and tasty. It is a perfect “escape” from city living. It is probably one of the only places where you can get a nice frozen pina colada or margarita. The service was on hit. They came up and checked on us so many times and made sure everything was up to par. It gets very active and the bartenders keep everybody having a good time. The bartender was very accommodating. He was nice enough to make a drink, that wasn’t on the menu, for me :0) Did I mention the bartenders are nice eye candy. It was amazing to see their “das boot” which is shaped like a boot filled with beer. Don’t get me wrong, I am not drunk…it’s an actual boot shaped beer container ready to be emptied. Try it ..You will love it!! Oh. How can I forget, they even have a wheel o’ shots where you just have to spin it and have to drink whatever shot it lands on!! Now call that bar creativity at its best!!! And when I spill a tray full of shots on myself, the bartender so kindly remakes them for me? Good music, too, and the decor helped us weather an otherwise overcast and rainy day. You know that old song “Brandy”? It goes, “Brandy, you’re a fine girl, what a good wife you would be. But my life, my lover, my lady is the sea.” I believe Brandy works here. No reason, I just do. And that song happens to be a guilty pleasure of mine, so that’s a plus in my book. You can simply waltz over to this colorful and warm establishment, enjoy some drinks with friends, and walk home. The bar is right at the center, so you can walk to either side for drinks, and the bartenders are friendly and at your service. There is a variety of seating, good music, and friendly neighborhood people to make your time more enjoyable. Not pretentious, very cozy, I think Point Break is a fabulous place to spend some time with friends.