Man's relationship with nature in surfing
By its very nature, surfing is a sport dependent on the natural element. Knowing one's environment, knowing how to admire it in order to make the most of it, is part of every surfer's life.
Indeed, to enjoy an optimal session, the surfer must know Reading and anticipating climatic and meteorological events : wind, swell, tide, bottom movements, topography of surf spots, etc. Each surfer therefore maintains a privileged relationship with nature in general and more particularly with the ocean.
Each wave is a unique natural creation, making every moment on the water even more enjoyable for enthusiasts of this special sport. Surfing often transforms into a contemplative experience as surfers sit on their boards, waiting for sets of waves. They take the opportunity to observe the surrounding ecosystem, and it's not uncommon for marine life (seals, dolphins, tuna, seagulls) to join them in these suspended moments. Yet, The surfer contributes to the pollution of this environment that is dear to him…
The surfer's paradox: a sport with an excessive carbon footprint
Surfing equipment: a concentration of polluting products
Indeed, several factors are currently causing surfing's carbon footprint to skyrocket. The equipment First of all, most wetsuits today are made of neoprene, a material derived from polychloroprene, a synthetic rubber made from petroleum and limestone. These wetsuits are therefore very polluting to produce, but also when they are used. Indeed, microparticles of rubber are released into the ocean. Fortunately, more responsible alternatives exist, such as limestone, a neoprene made from limestone and recycled tires. This material is used in Wildsuits suits , partner of Newave.
According to the carbon footprint assessment carried out by our team, the carbon footprint of manufacturing Our mini Malibu emits 105kg of CO2, while our longboard emits 126kg . The manufacturing of the boards themselves is therefore a polluting activity. Indeed, between the polystyrene foam core, the polyester or epoxy resin, and the fiberglass, the carbon footprint of a longboard can quickly escalate.
Finally, the wax and all other accessories ( fins , Leashes and pads are also produced from petroleum: paraffin for wax, plastics for other accessories. That's why Newave has partnered with local and eco-responsible companies to offer you its range of accessories: Simwax, wax handmade from beeswax , of resin from Landes pine trees , and other natural materials. Back Surf , leashes made in France And repairable , with an extended lifespan.
Transportation, the major source of carbon emissions for surfers
Unless you are lucky enough to live in the immediate vicinity of a spot, Surfers must scour their region in search of the best waves (i.e., “checking the spots”). And this quest is often done alone, by car, which greatly increases the carbon footprint of surfers.
Indeed, The 105kg of CO2 emitted to produce one board represents approximately 500km of travel in a combustion engine car . According to researcher Oliver Papin, the carbon impact of car transport represents 1 tonne CO2 eq per year for a surfer living on the coast, and 2 tonnes CO2 eq for a city surfer (from Bordeaux, Nantes).
Moreover, Driving with a surfboard on the roof also increases fuel consumption by 20%, and therefore the financial and environmental cost of surfing sessions . In addition to this... Surf trips and the prospect of surfing perfect waves in warm waters in the middle of winter . These trips, popularized by professional surfers and various influencers, systematically undertaken by plane, have a very heavy carbon footprint. For example, a round-trip flight from Paris to Bali weighs more than 3 tonnes CO2 eq., which is one third of the average annual carbon footprint of a French person.
It's easy to see, then, the appeal of choosing a spot close to home, or a more sustainable mode of transport (train, carpooling, cycling). After all, the emotions and the pleasure aren't proportional to the distance traveled. That's why Newave's innovation allows you to surf more sustainably. Indeed, by avoiding 500km of driving in a conventional car, or 2500km with your boards in the trunk instead of on the roof, your board becomes carbon neutral!
Newave is committed to combining surfing and ecology
As a surfboard manufacturer, Newave has a role to play in the industry's transition. To contribute to raising awareness and promoting more responsible surfing practices, Newave is committed at various levels of the value chain:
- In production: Eco-design is at the heart of our approach. That's why we work with local industrial partners and have chosen a bio-based epoxy resin, 50% less polluting than traditional epoxy resin.
- In choosing its product partners: Wildsuits, Simwax and Back Surf offer eco-friendly and locally sourced accessories.
- In practice: Newave's innovative design allows customers to store their boards in a specially designed bag. This ultra-compact bag makes transporting your board easier, allowing you to reach surf spots by carpooling or cycling. Our boards are also allowed in TGV carriages, which is not the case for traditional boards (under penalty of a €150 fine).
- In his communication: We are fortunate to be located in the Vendée region, where we enjoy beautiful, uncrowded surf spots. We are therefore committed to promoting local surf destinations, or those accessible by train or carpooling. We want to promote ecotourism because we are convinced it's the best way to reconnect surfers with their natural environment.
To conclude, Newave encourages you to pack as simply as possible and explore the surf spots near you , which often boast waves just as exhilarating as those in more exotic destinations; because yes, adventure often begins close to home! 😉