A deep paradox lies at the heart of every surfer’s life. By definition lovers of nature and amongst the first in line to see the damages caused by man to the world’s oceans, surfers are and always have been environmentalists (to varying degrees of course).
That love of nature coupled to the fact that the practice of the sport entails producing quite a bit of waste and pollution is a problem that has more and more been addressed in the past years.
Many entrepreneurs are now looking at greener solutions to the production of surf equipment.
Portugal has become the main surf destination in Europe thanks to its rugged coastline offering endless wave options.
As such, the portuguese surf industry is developing very fast and it is taking a turn towards the greener side.
Yoni Surfboards | @Yoni Ecosurfboards
A truly green brand
Coupling modern surfboard design and technology with the roots of the sport, José Antunes handcrafts gorgeous wooden hollow surfboards in Amoreira, a village close to Peniche.
Yoni ecosurfboards not only produces boards with ecofriendly materials, they also work towards replenishing nature and funding education.The wood used for the boards is locally sourced and for each board sold, 20 trees are planted.
They also offer the possibility to shape your own board.
OndaNova Surfboards | @ondanova
Sharing is caring
Between Lisbon and Costa da Caparica, is the Ondanova workshop opened by shaper Antoine.
There he shapes wooden hollow surfboards from the very light paulownia wood. Beyond a shaping room, Ondanova is also a hub for eco-friendly surfboard building.
Antoine organizes workshops both in his Portuguese base and abroad, sharing and spreading ideas and techniques.
Wildsuits | @wildsuits
Respect can be wild
Olivier Boileau and Antoine Pouvreau are originally from France, but it is in Costa da Caparica that they founded Wildsuits in 2016. Their wetsuits are composed of the more environmentally conscious limestone neoprene and carbon black (recycled rubber tyres). Available in 3/2, 4/3 and 5/4, with a minimalist design, black with the logo printed on the leg. Currently only available for men, the female cuts are being tested and will soon be released for purchase.
Deeply | @deeply
A portuguese staple
Deeply is one of the most famous Portuguese surf brand, they suit the line up from north to south.
Born in 2004 in Sagres, Deeply is a wetsuit brand that offers a very wide range of options.
Catering to all budgets, they offer wetsuits made from limestone neoprene and have a range from Yulex (100% natural rubber). Deeply wetsuits are available for male and female and come in various designs and colors.
Marlin Fins | @marlinfins
Made by José Caiado in partnership with Peniche surfshop, Marlin fins are surfboard fins made from recycled plastics.
Affordable and durable, they can also be recycled and come in multiple sizes, setups and colors.
Brusco| @thebrusco
“The atlantic rawness”
A brand founded in 2019 by portuguese big wave surfer Nic Von Rupp producing small surf equipment for big surf. They developed an eco-friendly foam to produce tail pads. The foam contains an additive that helps the biodegradation of the polymers contained in the material. The pads designs are also inspired by nature for their grip and esthetic.
Kiki natural surfwax | Terra&mar surfwax
Natural surf waxes
Two small brands making beeswax-based surf wax.
KiKi is based in Lisbon and Terra&Mar can be found in Baleal.
These natural surfwaxes sacrifice no stick and without petrochemicals, are not causing harm to the ocean both in short and longterm (think oil spills).
Flahica
Highly useful art
Founded by Inês Catarino in Peniche, Flahica upcycles wetsuits into beautiful protective boardbags.
With carefully picked leftover fabrics, she gives the used wetsuit a new life. Handsown, each boardbag is a unique piece of art.
Check out her work
Big Raven| @bigravenportugal
Sustainable ocean style
The ponchos and beach accessories created by Big Raven are produced using only leftover fabrics from the textile industry. Founders Charlie and Rui pick the fabrics in the north of Portugal and design the products in Ferrel, a village a stone throw away from Peniche.
Palm&Pine| @palmpineskincare
Ocean friendly skincare
Founded by surfers, Ross and Sarah are ticking all the boxes. Palm&Pine make natural sunscreen with no plastic packaging.
Check out ..
The surfshop Mothersurf in Ericeira sells a carefully curated collection of international eco-surfbrands.
Made in Portugal, Oysurf is a Swiss surf brand that manufactures female surf apparel such as bikinis and neoprene leggings.
Written by Alissa Tirler
All round splash enthusiast, documenting positive evolutions.
