Save Our Seas: How to Become a More Sustainable Surfer

Donna Fowles writes about how we can Save Our Seas and become a more Sustainable Surfer.

When was the last time you surfed that you didn’t see some form of trash floating around on a wave or sticking out, half-buried in the sand? …That’s what we thought. Unfortunately, our beaches are in grave danger and it’s obvious that something needs to change. In addition to pollution, the oceans face global issues like overfishing, acidification, and erosion due to climate change. 

As a surfer, you know how precious the oceans are and why it’s so important to protect them. However, you might be at a loss as to how to tackle this seemingly massive problem. Luckily, you’re not alone. There are lots of organizations, surf gear companies, and individuals just like you who are helping in the fight to protect our oceans with offerings like Fahlo’s shark bracelet. 

Here are some simple ways to start small and drive a big change for the health of the oceans and our planet.

1. Organize a Community Beach Clean

You don’t have to tackle beach pollution on your own! Gather your friends, neighbours, and community together for a once-a-month beach clean. You can meet at a pier and walk down the beach picking up litter along the way. It’s not only a great way to get rid of pollution, but it also fosters a sense of community awareness around the issue and will remind volunteers to pick up trash when they are on their own. Plus, it’s a fun day at the beach that can start with surfing — what could be better?

1. Cut Your Carbon Emissions

Take some time to audit your purchases and lifestyle choices, seeing where you might be able to cut carbon emissions. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so don’t feel overwhelmed in thinking you have to make your shopping 100% eco-friendly in the beginning. You can reduce your carbon footprint by doing some of the following things:

• Turn off lights when you aren’t using them
• Take public transportation or bike rather than driving yourself
• Shop locally and buy seasonal food from farmer’s markets
• Reduce your meat intake
• Take shorter showers
• Consider switching to green energy sources
• Switch light bulbs to LED versions

1. Boycott Single-Use Plastic

Plastic is the top pollutant you’ll find cluttering up the beach. It makes up 80% of marine debris and is responsible for the deaths of over a million marine animals each year, including fish, dolphins, whales, and sea birds. As a surfer, you probably see trash littering the ocean every day. Plastic isn’t biodegradable, which means that it can take up to 500 years for it to break down. Don’t contribute to the problem — instead, look for plastic-free products wherever you go. Some of the most common single-use plastic products that you can find alternatives for include bottles, bags, straws, cups, plastic wrap, and chip packets.

1. Invest in Eco-Friendly Gear

There are plenty of surf gear companies who care just as much about protecting the ocean as you do. From sustainable swimwear brands like allsisters and Outerknown, to eco-surfboard companies like Sine Surf, you can find high-quality gear that won’t damage the environment. Be sure to invest in eco-friendly surf wax as well, because regular paraffin wax is incredibly harmful to the ocean as well as toxic to surfers.

1. Volunteer for Marine Conservation Organizations

If you want to get inspired and involved with like-minded people on the same mission to save our seas, then consider joining a marine conservation organization. There are some that are focused on protecting one particular species, like the Sea Turtle Conservancy, and some, like Oceana, who do it all. If you aren’t able to volunteer, you can always donate and spread the word about the cause on social media. Or, instead of donating, you can purchase products that directly benefit marine conservation.