Sustainable Surfing: How to Protect the Oceans You Love
Surfers are often passionate about protecting the ocean, making surfing one of the most environmentally aware sports. Cornwall is one of England’s top surfing destinations thanks to its excellent waves.
If you’re heading to the coast, there are plenty of simple ways to enjoy the sea while protecting wildlife and reducing your impact.
Respect Coastal Wildlife
- Keep away from nesting birds, especially during breeding season.
- Never walk on sand dunes, as they are fragile habitats.
- Check beach dog restrictions, learn how to keep dogs safe by the sea.
- Join the campaign to ban flying rings near seals, to avoid injuries.
- If you find an injured or distressed marine animal, contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue for advice.
Choose a More Sustainable Surfboard
Traditional foam and plastic surfboards can shed microplastics into the ocean over time. More sustainable alternatives include wooden surfboards and boards made with plant-based bio-resins.
Otter Surfboards
Otter Surfboards handcraft beautiful wooden surfboards from responsibly sourced timber.
Benefits include:
- Sustainably sourced wood with a lower environmental impact.
- Extremely durable and resistant to knocks and wear.
- Every board has a unique natural wood grain.
- Smooth performance with excellent glide and control.
- Handmade craftsmanship with custom options available.
- Surprisingly lightweight and well balanced.
- A design that celebrates surfing’s traditional roots.
For extra protection during delivery, they can be shipped in Flexi-Hex recyclable surfboard packaging.
Eco-Friendly Surf Wax
Many conventional surf waxes contain paraffin wax and palm oil, both of which have significant environmental impacts. Plant-based alternatives are much kinder to the planet.
Rad Wax
Rad Wax is made from biodegradable, plant-based ingredients.
Benefits include:
- Excellent grip in a wide range of water temperatures.
- Easy to apply and remove.
- Long-lasting performance.
- Biodegradable ingredients.
- Choose fragrance-free option, to prevent chemicals entering the sea.
Sustainable Surf Clothing
Surf Kernow
Cornwall-based Surf Kernow produces organic cotton surf clothing using clean energy. Made in Fair Wear-certified factories in India.
Better Wetsuits (with rental option)
Traditional neoprene wetsuits are made from petroleum-based materials. Although no wetsuit is completely sustainable, some brands are reducing their environmental impact.
Finisterre Wetsuits
Finisterre produces wetsuits (also for men) using natural rubber and recycled materials.
Features include:
- Reduced use of petroleum-based neoprene.
- Warm, flexible designs for cold-water surfing.
- Glued and blind-stitched seams to minimise water entry.
- Ethical manufacturing and transparent supply chains.
- Stylish, durable construction.
- Available in a range of thicknesses for different conditions.
Finisterre also offers a wetsuit rental scheme, extending the life of each suit and reducing waste.
Support Surfers Against Sewage
Founded in Cornwall, Surfers Against Sewage began as a campaign against sewage pollution affecting local beaches. It has grown into one of England’s leading environmental charities.
The charity also:
- Organises beach cleans across the UK.
- Campaigns against plastic pollution.
- Helped secure the ban on single-use plastic cotton buds.
- Lets people to report sewage pollution and illness after swimming.
Spotting Sewage Pollution
Avoid entering the water if you notice:
- Brown, foul-smelling water.
- Toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitary products or other sewage waste.
- Dead or distressed fish and wildlife (call local wildlife rescue)
- Strong sewage odours.
As Surfers Against Sewage says:
“If the water’s brown and smells like sewage, it probably is.”
Why Is Sewage Entering the Sea?
Many sewer systems combine rainwater and wastewater. During heavy rainfall, water companies are legally allowed to release untreated sewage through storm overflows to prevent flooding.
However, environmental groups argue these overflows are now being used far more frequently than intended because ageing infrastructure has not kept pace with demand.
Swimming in polluted water can increase the risk of illnesses such as gastroenteritis, hepatitis and infections caused by E. coli bacteria.
Protecting the Ocean Every Day
Small changes make a big difference.
- Choose ocean-safe sunscreen that avoids harmful chemicals.
- Wash sunscreen off before pets lick your skin, as zinc oxide can be toxic to animals. Same with deodorants and cosmetics (and cocoa butter in skin creams).
- Reduce your use of single-use plastics.
- Use reusable bottles, cups and food containers.
- Fit a microfiber filter to your washing machine to reduce pollution.
- Take part in local beach cleans whenever possible.
Most plastic that enters the ocean eventually sinks to the seabed, making it almost impossible to remove. Preventing plastic pollution is far more effective than trying to clean it up later.
By choosing sustainable surf equipment, supporting responsible brands and helping protect marine habitats, every surfer can play a part in keeping our coasts cleaner for future generations.
