It is a well-known fact that there is increased interest and usage of recycled surfboards made from green foam blanks (60% recycled foam), eco friendly surf wax such as Matunas Surf Wax, green surf products like the Pickle Wax Remover, and even electric modes of transportation (from bicycles, scooters, and cars!) to your favorite surf break. Recycling and going green has definitely injected itself into the surfing world, and rightfully so! A group of surf and watersports enthusiasts would do well to protect their very own playground from the hazards of waste.

However, even before we get into a heated debate about who saves what and how we leave massive “footprints”, let me say that I am not even remotely close on being on a soapbox on this sensitive issue. I will not throw dye on you for wearing fur, nor will I condemn you for not recycling that $2 bottle of water you have in your surf bag … it’s a choice that we all must willingly make. I will not force people to follow the three Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle), or nag them into reducing their carbon footprint … I only follow what my grandmother taught me long ago: you don’t have to help clean up, but you also don’t have to make more of a mess.

The consensus is that as lovers of nature and the oceans, we as surfers should be more aware and proactive in actions and activities that prevent pollution of our resources, and reduce the waste footprint that we leave behind. Sure, I get that. I also get that there are surfers that just don’t have the energy to go through the effort of finding recycled surfboards, recycled wet suits, environmentally friendly surf wax and wax removers … it gets expensive and at times difficult to buy! I truthfully understand that. In following my grandmother’s advice, to those not inclined to help the surfing green movement, you don’t have to help … but don’t add to the mess!

It all seems simple and rightfully intuitive, but at times we as surfers simply need to pause and consider the little things we do … and then act in a way that doesn’t hurt the green movement any further. Start with your quiver of surfboards … and I know you all have a quiver, even if it is just two! At the top of the purchasing chain, you have the super duper brand-spanking-new boards that can articulate each twist and turn of the wave … and at the bottom are the used and abused surfboards that crowd Craiglist’s ‘for sale’ pages. When you need to, buy new … but throw your older unwanted boards into the chain and recycle them down to other surfers. And when you need a different board, see what is out in the ‘new to you’ market – there are a lot of great used surfboards out there!

Surf wax? This should be a no-brainer if given a choice between green eco-wax versus oil-based petroleum non-biodegradable wax. Hardcore wax companies like Sexwax have even given way to eco friendly biodegradable wax in step with Matt Mattoon and Matunas Surf Wax. I know it’s easy to pick up whatever wax is available at the shop, but you can also remind them to stock eco friendly wax every time you buy wax.

Rash guards and wet suits are not being recycled for other uses – laptop bags, cell phone cases, motorcycle gear – as well as for surf use as well. Billabong has a recycled wet suit program, OVNY uses wet suits for surfboard coasters, and some creative entrepreneurs have adopted swet suits for insole and mouse pad use as well!

Simply picking up loose trash as you walk back from the beach to your car helps too! One or two pieces of trash after every surf session adds up for all the surfers out there. There are countless other things, but I’m sure you get the point my fellow surfers! You don’t have to go out of your way or be totally GI Joe on going green, just help or don’t add to the issues.

Here is how wise old grandma explained it: You don’t have to help row the boat, but at least get your freaking oar out of the water while the rest of us row!