In the beginning of this IGNITE journey, I set out to answer the question: "How can we use more sustainable resources to reduce the environmental impact of commercial surfboard production?"

 

I have spent time researching the traditional manufacturing methods, learnt about the history of surfboards, where the individual components of the modern-day surfboards originated from and the environmental impact that the surfboard industry has on our planet. 

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In the beginning of this project, I thought I knew the answer - yes, of course we can make a more sustainable surfboard. What I didn't realise is just how economically unsustainable a sustainable surfboard would be. 

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The main reason that an Eco board would be economically unsustainable is that the cost of the materials is significantly greater than a traditional surfboard.  The construction of the board was more labour intensive and took more time. 

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These two factors would be seen as a deterrent by any industry, and the surfboard manufacturing and retail industry would be no different. 

 

In todays society we are constantly searching for more sustainable substitutes for things we use every day. However it will take a global shift away from the use of petrochemical products across all industries to make the production of Eco boards more sustainable to business. 

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Surfing began in Hawaii as a spiritual activity and has evolved into a $1.4 billion industry. Its ironic that a sport that connects its participants with the ocean can have such a negative effect on our planet. 

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It's encouraging to know that we can reduce the environmental impact of commercial surfboard production, but while Governments and industry choose profits over sustainability we may not see this happen. 

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Can we really put a price on our environment?

 

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