Ride the Wave, Reduce the Drain: Sustainable Surfing Practices to Help Keep our Oceans Healthy

As we paddle out into the ocean for a morning surf session, we often take it for granted. The waves are in, the sun is shining, and the thrill of riding them high is all too easy. But have you ever stopped to think about the impact your surfing habits are having on our planet? From water consumption to shower time, every small change can make a big difference.

Let's consider an example. Let's say we're surfers at the popular beach break in California, and we decide to spend the entire morning out there. We paddle out, catch some sick waves, and then head back to shore for a refreshing lunch break. After our meal, we take off our wetsuits, grab our boards, and hit the waves once more.

That's where things can get interesting – or not so much. Did you know that surfers like us are responsible for generating around 1-2% of global carbon emissions? That's right; every single one of us is contributing to climate change in some way. And it all starts with our water consumption.

The Cost of Surfing

According to a study by the Surfrider Foundation, the average surfer uses up to 4,000 gallons of water per year. That may not seem like a lot, but when you consider that many surfers are also responsible for significant amounts of waste and pollutants in our oceans.

But there's more to it than just water consumption. Surfing itself is a relatively low-carbon activity compared to other forms of transportation or recreation. However, the carbon footprint of surfing can add up over time.

Here are some rough estimates of the carbon emissions associated with different aspects of surfing:

• Paddling to shore: 0.2-0.5 kg CO2e per person
• Surfing itself (on a short session): 0.1-0.3 kg CO2e per person
• Wearing out surfboards and equipment: 0.05-0.15 kg CO2e per person

These numbers may seem small, but they add up over time.

Ride the Wave, Reduce the Drain

So what can we do to minimize our water consumption and reduce our carbon footprint? Here are a few sustainable surfing practices to get you started:

1. Paddle smart: Try to paddle out during less crowded times or opt for shorter sessions to avoid generating as much heat from your muscles.
2. Be mindful of water levels: When possible, try to surf at lower tide levels to reduce the amount of energy needed to generate waves.
3. Take a refreshing break: Instead of rushing back to shore after every wave, take time to cool off and recharge with a refreshing swim or shower.
4. Use eco-friendly surfboard wax: Choose a surfboard wax that's free from harsh chemicals and is made from sustainable materials.

The Power of Small Changes

Every small change counts, and making these sustainable surfing practices a habit can have a significant impact over time. By adopting these habits, we can reduce our carbon footprint, conserve water resources, and help keep our oceans healthy.

So next time you hit the waves, remember to take it easy on the ocean – and on yourself. With a little creativity and a lot of heart, we can ride the wave, minimize our drain, and help create a more sustainable future for all surfers and sea creatures alike. Here is the information presented in a table view for easy comparison:

Note: The estimates provided are approximate and may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Here's a brief explanation of the carbon footprint for each aspect:

• Paddling to shore: generating heat from paddling and using energy sources like engines or motors.
• Surfing itself (on a short session): generating some heat from muscle activity and using energy sources like batteries or electronics.
• Wearing out surfboards and equipment: generating energy costs associated with manufacturing, shipping, and storing these materials.

The total carbon footprint for surfing is estimated to be between 0.25-0.8 kg CO2e per person per year, which adds up significantly over time.

Join our community on Discord: