Think Green Live Clean

Photo Credit: Alan L.

The surf community has always been regarded as an eco-friendly culture, but actually how green are the products used for surfing- like, a surfboard?  While tradition stands that about 40% or more of each “surfboard blank” ends up as refuse in nearby landfills, a San Clemente local has found a way to solve, or at least contribute to solving the issue.

The production of surfboards produces a chemical residue called polyurethane powder, which can be found all over areas of surfboard-making business like those of the San Clemente surf ghetto.  This residue piles up and finds a home in the Prima landfill.  But Joey Santley along with partner Steve Cox decided there could be an alternative home for such waste, and began collecting the flakey powder in bags from major surfboard manufacturers like Lost.  And the best part?  They have collected enough waste to provide the raw material for 2,000 surfboards!  Now the question is whether the surf community that places enormous value on custom-made boards specific to each individual will be willing to ride on recycled material.

Already the surf industry has introduced “Green Foam blanks”, a type of foam that is slightly more environmentally friendly.  There has been no claim of major differences in these boards other than a slight variation in physical appearance.  But appearance has never been a concern of the surf community.  So what’s next in terms of ‘green’ boards?  After being told repeatedly not to waste his time with his effort, Santley is now teamed up with major surfboard blank manufacturer U.S. Blanks.  Now we just need to wait and see what the culmination of innovation, a major board manufacturer, and an eco-friendly surf community have the ability to accomplish.

For more detail, check out the full article here.