Eco-Friendly Surfboards Paving the Way for Revolution in Sustainability

Originally posted on Outdoors on SI | By Brad Repka | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 3:15 PM ET

Surfing is a sport that's deeply symbiotic with the ocean. The sport is seeing a big green push, leading to eco-friendly surfboard technology that's revolutionizing the industry. Recent advancements in technology are revolutionizing the production of surfboards using sustainable materials and environmentally friendly processes. These advancements reduce the ecological footprint without sacrificing overall performance.

Traditionally, surfboards are made using polyurethane foam, polyester resin, and fiberglass. Polyurethane foam is toxic to the environment, and these chemical compounds contribute to pollution, releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-biodegradable waste. The move to green technology in the surfing industry is a heartfelt one.

The big development is the shift to recycled and bio-based materials. The creation of Expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam has become a staple component in surfboard production for brands like Channel Islands Surfboards and Firewire. EPS is often blended with up to 60% recycled content. EPS is recyclable, which reduces landfill waste.

Eco-Friendly Surfboards to Improve Sustainability and Performance

Another fantastic product is Marko Foam's Envirofoam, which mixes polystyrene with virgin EPS to create durable, high-performance blanks certified by the ECOBOARD Project. To replace petroleum-based options, bio-based epoxy resins, derived from plants such as algae and soy, reduce VOC emissions by up to 75% and offer comparable strength and performance.

Natural fibers, such as flax, hemp, and bamboo, are beginning to replace fiberglass, offering a lightweight, durable alternative with a lower carbon footprint. Eco Evo Surf utilizes flax cloth, a material that mimics the flex of fiberglass and is biodegradable.

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Innovative construction methods are also gaining traction in the eco-friendly market. Wyve utilizes 3D printing to craft custom surfboards with precision. The process is highly efficient, reducing waste. The French company's surfboards are made of cork and balsa, both of which are sustainable and high-performing woods.

KANOA Surfboards uses Polyola Blanks, a 100% recyclable polyurethane foam. The product was introduced in 2020 and manufactured in Europe with a mission to reduce transport emissions. Cork is also another fantastic product harvested sustainably from oak bark that offers flexibility and buoyancy. Brands like Timber Surf Co. source local redwood for hollow wooden boards.

Spooked Kooks' boards are made from recycled plastic waste. The key here is that every avenue is being explored with all eyes on one big goal: reducing the impact of surfing on the environment.

Sustainable Surf launched the ECOBOARD Project in 2012, which certifies boards that adhere to strict criteria: 15% bio-resin, or 40% bio-based or recycled foam. Pyzel and Pukas carry this label with pride. The ultimate goal is to minimize the environmental impact of surfing. Despite the higher costs associated with many of these processes, these advancements require time to evolve. These evolutions in the sport ultimately preserve the oceans for future generations of wave riders to enjoy.

This article first appeared on Outdoors on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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