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Somewhere in between catching that sweet wave and hauling yourself up onto the shore, your surfboard suffered a quick death. But instead of chucking the board in the nearest dumpster, let Oceanside, CA-based ReSurf Recycling make it into something new.
ReSurf is dedicated to keeping broken polyurethane foam surfboards out of landfills by using the foam as filler in asphalt and concrete for roads and light-weight fireproof roof tiles. They're also using old neoprene wetsuits to make yoga mats.
Co-founders Joey Santley and Steve Cox have partnered with surf shops to create local drop-off locations, and they also have a surfboard pick-up service if there isn't a drop-off location nearby. Plus they've teamed up with manufacturers to recycle manufacturing waste.
Most recently Santley and Cox have been hard at work developing a recycled foam blank (the basic core of the board). In December Green Foam Blanks first recycled foam surfboard was shaped by Matt Biolis, and they launched the new recycled board at the Action Sports Retailer Trade Show in San Diego (January 22-24).
The green surfboards contain 65 percent recycled foam, collected from the shaping machine at Mayhem's factory. Santley explained to Surfing Magazine that some virgin polyurethane is necessary to allow the particles to adhere, but they're working toward a 75 to 80 percent recycled content board.
Santley also told Surfing Magazine the response from shapers has been surprisingly positive, with most wanting to work with the recycled blanks.
While we aren't 100 percent in love with the fact the boards are still made with polyurethane (the foam = greenhouse gas emissions), NaturallySavvy is psyched to ride the wave of this new recycled product.
Cara Smusiak writes on behalf of NaturallySavvy.com about how to live a more natural, organic and green lifestyle.
