Can business be a force for good? Many organizations are rethinking the impact they have on all stakeholders, rather than focusing purely on the bottom line. We believe that sustainable business models can guide us towards better products, better pay for workers and a positive ripple effect out into the communities that support manufacture, distribution and the corporate back office. Personally, we’re happy to pay more for clothing and surf gear if it is built with longevity in mind. The fast fashion and apparel industry has been a disaster both for communities who produce the gear and for the rubbish tips that all-too-soon host mountains of rotting threadbare junk.
At surfd.com, we have always been committed to supporting the best surf brands. In this article we feature the most sustainable surf brands, ranging from fashion to hardware. Supporting brands like these might mean your kids, or theirs, inherit a slightly cleaner planet.
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Outerknown
Outerknown, founded by Kelly Slater, is undoubtedly one of the best surf brands to emerge in recent years. With an activist feel, the brand focuses on quality, craftsmanship, and fairness in the supply chain. Their fashion is understated yet super cool, and Outerknown garments are built to last for years, if not decades.
We look at our sustainability commitment like the North Star. We will never actually get there, but the North Star is always reminding us what direction we should be going. Our commitment as a brand is to keep learning, exploring, and innovating. With every decision we make, we will always choose the most responsible path.
Based in: California, USA
Visit Website: outerknown.com
Patagonia
As an activist brand, Patagonia has always been at the forefront of environmental campaigns and sustainability efforts in the surf industry. They have pioneered innovative solutions like Yulex technology, which replaces neoprene in wetsuits, inspiring other brands to adopt ethical supply chains and minimize harm. Not only are they environmentally conscious, but their products are also top-notch.
Everything we make has an impact on people and the planet.
Based in: California, USA
Visit Website: patagonia.com
Seea
Seea wetsuits are not only the epitome of style but also made in the most environmentally friendly and responsible way possible. The brand utilizes recycled polyester and solvent-free adhesives to create soft and colorful linings on their wetsuits. When you wear Seea, you can feel good about both your fashion choices and your impact on the planet.
We connect women to themselves, their community and the planet. Our mission is to inspire women to be their best self. We provide products and stories that instill confidence, growth, and a love of imperfection for every phase of a woman’s journey to self discovery. Surfing is our platform.
Based in: California, USA
Visit Website: theseea.com
Salt Gypsy
Salt Gypsy is an independent surf company dedicated to responsible and fair manufacturing while empowering women in the ocean. Their focus on developing stylish and sustainable products allows everyday ocean women to feel good and surf better. Salt Gypsy’s commitment to both ethical production and style sets them apart in the industry.
Sustainable textiles x responsible manufacturing is the new normal and a business imperative for all fashion, surf and swim brands in this modern economy.
Based in: Byron Bay, Australia
Visit Website: saltgypsy.com
Martha Headwear
Martha Headwear has a simple but powerful mission: to inject life into retail and help local shops thrive. They’ve chosen a unique path, deciding not to sell online. Instead, they only offer their headwear in physical stores. This choice is all about supporting neighborhood shops and helping them grow.
Each product at Martha Headwear is made with love and care, using materials and methods that are kind to our planet. That’s why they’re proud to be a B-Corp Certified company. It means they’re really good at looking after our world and being transparent in how they do business. When you choose Martha, you’re picking a brand that cares – about the earth and about local communities.
I’m proud to work for Martha Headwear because of our commitment to retailers and the environment. Every time you make a small purchase from Martha, you are making a big investment in a better future.
Mike Vavak, Martha Headwear Sales Manager
Based in: United States
Visit Website: marthaheadwear.com
Vissla
Representing creative freedom and a forward-thinking philosophy, Vissla provides cutting-edge technical equipment and surfwear to a generation of creators and innovators. They push the boundaries of sustainable wetsuits, constantly striving to minimize their environmental impact. With Vissla, you can enjoy high-performance gear while knowing that sustainability is at the core of their brand.
We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact and protect the oceans and waves that raised us.
Based in: Byron Bay, Australia
Visit Website: vissla.com
Eco Evo
Eco Evo Surf has developed a unique combination of eco-friendly and performance-driven components to bring you the highest performing sustainable surfboards on the market. By up-cycling waste products and using materials like flax and bio-resins instead of traditional fiberglass cloth, they reduce chemical impact and create environmentally conscious surfboards that don’t compromise on performance.
At Eco Evo Surf, we are on a mission to slash carbon emissions created from surfboard production. Already with our current design (which continually improves), each board generates half the carbon emissions of a regular 6’0 performance short board.
Based in: Sydney, Australia
Visit Website: ecoevosurf.com.au
Globe
Globe is committed to sustainability, making great strides towards becoming an eco-friendly business. From using renewable energy sources to investing in green technologies, they prioritize reducing their environmental footprint. Globe also actively engages in community initiatives and partners with local organizations to create a better future. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their everyday practices and operations.
At Globe, as skateboarders, surfers and snowboarders, we spend a lot of time doing what we love outdoors, so we are conscious of our environment.
Based in: Melbourne, Australia
Visit Website: au.globebrand.com
Abysse
At Abysse, the choice is to make a difference. The brand defines itself as sustainable, embracing several key aspects: being a small family business, women-owned, locally produced, and using recycled materials throughout their value chain, from packaging to production. Additionally, Abysse actively supports charities that resonate with its core values. Through these efforts, the brand aims to create a lasting impact and establish its own long-term trend in the fashion industry.
The core Ethos of Abysse is to align fashion with function.
We aim to create a garment made out of the highest sustainable materials that will follow you along your journey, while causing less harm to our Planet.
Based in: California, USA
Visit Website: abysseofficial.com
Notox
NOTOX Surfboards Australia: NOTOX Surfboards Australia is determined to tackle the issue of sustainable surfing head-on by introducing innovative, ecologically-friendly surfboard technology to Australian shores. Their boards generate less than half the waste of conventional boards, with 75% of that waste being recyclable. NOTOX sources materials as locally as possible to minimize their carbon footprint, ensuring a more sustainable surfboard manufacturing process.
Thinking ethically doesn’t mean we don’t care about technology and performance. It’s the other way around.
Through a decade in development and production, design and materials bring our boards improved capacities, not just for the sake of statistics, but to seek the best surfing experience possible.
Lighter and easier to handle whilst providing more resistant and better absorbing vibrations, our boards are designed for fun.
Based in: Sydney, Australia
Visit Website: notoxsurfboards.com.au
RSPro
For consumers seeking a wax alternative without the need for a front deck traction pad, RSPro offers a series of environmentally-friendly products. They prioritize creating sustainable, high-quality products that are mindful of the environment. RSPro also takes great care in maintaining an ethical, fair, and responsible supply chain. By doing so, they reduce their environmental impact while providing customers with top-notch products.
We want to make surfing, and watersports in general more planet friendly by giving you alternatives to unsustainable wax and EVA pads
Based in: Barcelona, Spain.
Visit Website: rspro.org
Firewire
Firewire is dedicated to enhancing the surfing experience through innovative design, new materials, and advanced construction methods. Whether it’s surfboards, traction pads, or leashes, their goal is to improve the surfing experience while minimizing the impact on the environment. Firewire’s commitment to eco-friendly practices ensures that surfers can enjoy high-performance gear while minimizing their ecological footprint.
Based in: Queensland, Australia
Visit Website: firewiresurfboards.com
Project Blank
Project Blank is a community of environmentally-conscious ocean lovers united in their mission for a happier planet. They demand high-quality products that are ethically produced without compromising on functionality or performance. Project Blank’s passion lies in constantly striving for progress, innovation, and positive change. By supporting Project Blank, surfers can align their values with their gear and contribute to a more sustainable surfing community.
As surfers we demand high quality products that are ethically produced without compromising on functionality or performance. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at Project Blank. That means cleaner manufacturing, bio-degradable packaging, and tangible partnerships that positively impact the environment & communities we live in. Our passion lies in the constant pursuit of progress, innovation and positive change
Joshua Small, Marketing – Project Blank
Based in: Australia
Visit Website: projectblank.com.au
Andorwith
Andorwith embraces the challenge of making the world a better place, and their name encapsulates their mission: Together. This brand offers a wide range of sustainable surfwear products for all genders and kids, from head to toe. They continuously increase the use of recycled and organic materials in their products. Many of their items are printed, embroidered, and sewn in Australia, supporting local industry and creating local jobs. With Andorwith, you can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying stylish and sustainable surfwear.
When you support a 100% independent, family owned and run brand like ours – we do a little dance behind the scenes because your shopping choices are not only making a difference to our little family but to the environment too!
That’s why our number one priority is ‘premium quality’ and there is two main reasons for this- 1; the longer something lasts the better for the environment that piece of clothing is. 2; The feeling of getting a cheap deal quickly disappears. Its the quality of the product that remains with you long into the future.
So next time make a kinder wardrobe decision and support a brand like ours and be apart of a large family if you like, making the world a better place to live one 100% recycled board short at a time!
Based in: Australia
Visit Website: andorwith.com
Sanuk
Sanuk is a company dedicated to sustainability, putting it at the forefront of their operations. From the materials they use to the processes they employ, sustainability is a core value for Sanuk. They strive to minimize their environmental footprint by creating products made from recycled and renewable materials. In addition, Sanuk actively collaborates with suppliers who share their commitment to sustainability. By choosing Sanuk, you support their efforts in creating a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.
We are committed to getting out and giving back – both at the local and global level. Alongside Surfrider’s Santa Barbara and Isla Vista Chapters, Sanuk is helping to provide local educational sessions and spearhead beach cleanups to protect clean water, reduce plastic pollution, and defend this beautiful coastline from offshore drilling.
Based in: California, USA
Visit Website: sanuk.com
Wildness
From its inception, Wildness has prioritized building the company on a sustainable and ethical foundation, adhering to strict and regulated standards at every step. They create outdoor clothing using recycled fishing nets, plastic waste, and organic materials. Wildness products are not only stylish and comfortable but also suitable for all weather conditions. In a world filled with fast fashion, Wildness stands out by producing clothing designed to last for a long, long time.
Based in: Reykjavík, Iceland
Visit Website: wildnessbrand.com
Afends
Afends is an Australian fashion label deeply committed to sustainability. They believe that fashion should be created with respect for the environment and the people involved in its production. Afends strives to use recycled materials, employ sustainable production methods, and ensure fair labor conditions throughout their supply chain. They actively collaborate with local organizations to reduce their carbon footprint and support their communities. With their initiatives, Afends is making a positive impact on the world of fashion.
Sustainability through innovation,action and positive change. Be defined by what you create, not what you destroy.
Based in: Byron Bay, Australia
Visit Website: afends.com
Panamuna
Panamuna is dedicated to sustainability and strives to create products and services that are both high-quality and environmentally friendly. They have made significant progress in reducing their carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy sources. Panamuna also prioritizes fair treatment and growth opportunities for their employees. With a focus on benefiting customers, employees, and the environment, Panamuna is committed to creating a more sustainable future.
Each and every Panamuna product upholds the belief that when we create something from pure intent and with our impact in mind, then the benefits spread far wider than to just the person wearing our gear.
Based in: NSW, Australia
Visit Website: panamunaproject.com.au
Rebel Fin Co.
Rebel fin Co. is an innovative and sustainable company that is dedicated to forging a more sustainable future. They prioritize creating products that are not only better for the environment but also enhance the experience of their customers. Through the use of innovative materials and manufacturing processes, Rebel fin Co. ensures the highest quality while minimizing their environmental impact. Their commitment to sustainability sets them apart in their industry.
Our connection to the ocean has led us to develop a more environmentally friendly alternative to common surf fins. We focus on a closed economic cycle, recycled materials and local production to avoid long transport routes.
Based in: Hamburg, Germany
Visit Website: rebelfins.com
These brands exemplify the best of sustainable surfwear, combining style, performance, and a strong commitment to the environment. By choosing products from these brands, you can enjoy your surf adventures with a clear conscience, knowing that you are supporting a more sustainable future for our planet.