The Best Sustainable Surf Brands

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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.

Outerknown

Outerknown is without a doubt one of the best surf brands to emerge in recent years. Founded by Kelly Slater, the brand has an activist feel, focusing on quality and craftsmanship in addition to fairness in the supply chain. The fashion is understated yet super cool and garments made by Outerknown will last 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

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Patagonia

As an activist brand, Patagonia have always campaigned for the environment and focused on sustainability so that we can enjoy our sport with less impact on the planet.

An innovative collective, Patagonia found new ways to develop wetsuits, creating Yulex technology to replace neoprene. They inspired many other brands to create ethical supply chains and minimise harm. Their products are pretty damn good, too.

Everything we make has an impact on people and the planet. 

Based in: California, USA

Visit Website: patagonia.com

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Seea

Seea wetsuits are the most stylish you’ll find, made in the most environmentally-friendly and responsible way possible.

The soft and colorful linings on the studs are made out of recycled polyester and bonded with solvent-free adhesives.

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

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Salt Gypsy

Salt Gypsy is an independent surf company who are committed to responsible and fair manufacturing while championing everyday ocean women to feel good and surf better. They focus on developing stylish and sustainable products.

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

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Vissla

Vissla represents creative freedom and forward-thinking philosophy. The brand provides cutting-edge technical equipment and surf wear to a generation of creators and innovators.

They are pushing the boundaries of sustainable wetsuits, constantly striving to minimise their environmental impact.

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

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Eco Evo

Eco Evo Surf have developed a unique combination of eco-friendly and performance-driven components to bring you the highest performing sustainable surfboard on the market.

The mix of materials not only helps up-cycle waste products but the swap from traditional fiberglass cloth to flax and the use of bio-resins cuts out heaps of chemical nasties.

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

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Globe

From using renewable energy sources for their operations to investing in green technologies, Globe has taken great strides towards becoming a more eco-friendly business. They are also actively involved in community initiatives and have partnered with local organizations to help create a better future for our planet. Globe’s commitment to sustainability is evident in their everyday practices and the way they operate their business.

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

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Notox

NOTOX Surfboards Australia is determined to tackle the issue of sustainable surfing head-on by bringing innovative, ecologically-friendly surfboard technology to Australian shores. NOTOX boards produce waste for less than half their weight, 75% of which is recyclable.

Materials are sourced as close as possible to the NOTOX lab to ease the carbon footprint.

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

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RSPro

Consumers looking for a wax alternative without having to apply a front deck traction pad will be delighted with a series of products created by RSPro. They believe in creating products that are made with the environment in mind, and they strive to make sure that their products are both sustainable and of the highest quality.

They also take great care in ensuring their supply chain is ethical, fair, and responsible. By doing so, RSPro is helping to reduce environmental impact while providing customers with high-quality 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

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Firewire

Firewire is dedicated to elevating the surfing experience through innovative design, new materials, and advanced construction methods. Every surfboard, traction pad and leash they build is designed with a single goal in mind – to improve the surfing experience as much as possible while impacting the environment as little as possible.

Based in: Queensland, Australia

Visit Website: firewiresurfboards.com

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Project Blank

Project Blank is a community of green-minded ocean lovers, unified in the pursuit of a happier planet. They demand high-quality products, that are ethically produced without compromising on functionality or performance. Their passion lies in the constant pursuit of progress, innovation and positive change.

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

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Andorwith

‘How can we make the world a better place?’ This question was the ultimate challenge for Andorwith. The name ‘andorwith’ might sound complicated, but it’s not, it simply means; Together.

The brand makes an entire uni-sex and kids range of sustainable surf wear products from head to toe, with an ever increasing percentage of products made from recycled and organic materials. Many of these same products are printed, embroided and sewed in Australia, supporting local industry and local jobs!

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

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Sanuk

Sanuk is a company that is dedicated to sustainability. From the materials they use to the processes they employ, Sanuk puts sustainability at the forefront of their operations. They strive to reduce their environmental footprint and create products that are made from recycled and renewable materials. Their commitment to sustainability also extends to their supply chain, where they work with suppliers who share their values and strive for a more sustainable future.

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

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Wildness

Wildness have set out from the very beginning to build the company from a sustainable and ethical foundation, ensuring that each and every process is set to exacting and regulated standards. Wildness create outdoor clothing from recycled fishing nets, plastic waste and organic materials. Their products are stylish, comfortable and suitable for all weather conditions. Too many items of clothing are “throw away fashion”. Wildness clothing is made to last for a long, long time.

Based in: Reykjavík, Iceland

Visit Website: wildnessbrand.com

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Afends

Afends is an Australian fashion label that is committed to sustainability. They believe that fashion should be created with respect for the environment and for the people who make it. To achieve this, Afends strives to produce clothing made from recycled materials, use sustainable production methods, and ensure fair labor conditions. They also partner with local organizations to reduce their carbon footprint and support their communities. With these initiatives in place, 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

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Panamuna

Panamuna is a company that is dedicated to sustainability. They strive to create products and services that are not only high-quality but also environmentally friendly. The company has made great strides in reducing their carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy sources. They have also taken steps to ensure that their employees are treated fairly and given the opportunity to grow within the company. Panamuna is committed to making sure that their customers, employees, and the environment all benefit from their work.

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

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Rebel Fin Co.

Rebel fin Co. is a sustainable and innovative company that is committed to creating a more sustainable future. With their commitment to sustainability, they are striving to create products that are not only better for the environment, but also for their customers. They use innovative materials and manufacturing processes to ensure that their products are of the highest quality while also minimizing their environmental impact.

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

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