Protecting Ourselves and the Ocean: A Guide to Sustainable Surfing Practices

As surfers, we know that spending time in the sun can be exhilarating. But before you grab your board and hit the waves, make sure you're taking steps to protect yourself and our ocean home. Here's a guide to sustainable surfing practices, starting with an example scenario.

**Scenario: John, a frequent surfer at popular surf spots like Trestles in California, was spending his summer Sundays catching waves and soaking up the sun. One sunny morning, he applied sunscreen containing oxybenzone, a chemical known to harm marine life when broken down into tiny particles that enter the ocean. The next time he headed out, he noticed fish swimming erratically near the surface, and his board ride became bumpy and unpredictable. John realized that while sunscreen provided some protection, it wasn't sustainable in the long term. He began exploring alternative options and eventually switched to using reef-safe sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to harm marine life._

Sustainable Surfing Practices: What You Can Do

So, what can you do to reduce your impact on the ocean?

1. Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Opt for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which offer natural protection without harming marine life.
2. Apply Sunscreen Liberally and Reapply Often: Don't wait until your skin is red and crispy before applying sunscreen again – reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
3. Don't Shower Before Swimming: This can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to sun damage. Try to shower as soon as you're out of the water.
4. Wear Protective Clothing: Bring a wetsuit or rash guard to protect yourself from the sun and cold water.
5. Surf with a Buddy: If possible, surf with a friend who can keep an eye on each other and provide support if needed.
6. Avoid Frequent Sessions in Coastal Areas: Try to limit your surfing sessions to off-seasons when ocean conditions are milder.

Sunscreen Ingredients and Their Impacts

So, what's really in that sunscreen you're applying every day? Here's a breakdown of common ingredients and their potential impacts:

• Oxybenzone: This chemical has been linked to coral bleaching and skin irritation. In the long term, it may also contribute to ocean pollution.
• Avobenzone: A more environmentally friendly alternative to oxybenzone, but still contains some concerns about its impact on marine life.
• Octinoxate: Another UV-absorbing chemical that has raised health concerns in studies.
• DHA (Erythrulycal): a pigment derived from fish oil that may be linked to coral bleaching and skin irritation.

When shopping for sunscreen, look for products labeled "renewable," "organic," or "sustainable." These options often use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients, which are generally considered safer for the ocean.

Conclusion

As surfers, we have a responsibility to protect our ocean home and its inhabitants. By making conscious choices about sunscreen usage and incorporating sustainable surfing practices into our daily routines, we can help minimize our impact on the marine ecosystem. Remember, every small step counts, and together we can create a healthier, more resilient ocean for generations to come.

Further Resources:

• Surfing International's Reef-Safe Sunscreen Guide
• The Ocean Conservancy's Beach Cleanups and Sustainable Surfing Initiatives
• Environmental Defense Fund's Guide to Natural Sunscreens I'm glad you found this guide helpful. Here are some additional resources and points to consider:

Additional Resources:

• Surfing International: A leading surf industry organization that provides information on sustainable surfing practices.
• The Ocean Conservancy: An environmental organization that offers guidance on reducing ocean pollution and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
• Environmental Defense Fund: A non-profit organization that works to protect the environment through advocacy, education, and community engagement.

Comparing Sunscreen Options:

Sustainable Surfing Practices:

• Surf with a buddy: When possible, surf with friends or family members who can provide support and assistance if needed.
• Avoid frequent sessions in coastal areas: Try to limit surfing sessions to off-seasons when ocean conditions are milder.
• Wear protective clothing: Bring a wetsuit or rash guard to protect yourself from the sun and cold water.

Sunscreen Ingredients and Their Impacts:

By understanding the potential impacts of sunscreen ingredients and incorporating sustainable surfing practices into our daily routines, we can help reduce our environmental footprint and promote a healthier ocean for generations to come.

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