Surfing connects us to the ocean in a way few sports can—but many surfers don’t realise their love for the sea might be harming it. From petroleum-based wetsuits to toxic surf wax, traditional surf gear and habits can leave a serious mark on the environment. But this is not to say that you should be worried or feel that you need to move completely away from your traditional surf gear. That's part of it and it has served many generations of surfers but we can look to make little changes that help the planet in the long run.
At Nuala Australia, we’re building a community of surfers who care. If you’re looking for ways to make your surf cleaner and join the sustainable surfing movement, you’re in the right place. Here are a couple of the little things you can easily do:
🏄 1. Choose Sustainable Surf Gear
One of the biggest impacts you can make is upgrading your equipment. The surf industry is slowly shifting toward more eco-friendly surf products, and your choices matter.
✔️ Eco Wetsuits
Traditional wetsuits are made from neoprene, a petroleum-based material. Eco wetsuits made from natural rubber like Yulex are a lower-impact alternative. They’re durable, flexible, and kinder to the planet.
Try this: Look for brands like Patagonia or simply search Yulex wetsuits - this is the go to material for more ocean friendly wetsuits.
✔️ Eco-Friendly Surfboards
Standard boards are built with polyurethane foam and polyester resin—both toxic and non-recyclable. Instead, look for:
- Boards made with recycled foam
- Bio-resin alternatives
- Reclaimed or sustainably sourced wood
✔️ All-Natural Surf Wax
Most surf wax contains paraffin, a byproduct of crude oil. Natural surf wax is biodegradable, reef-safe, and better for your health and the ocean.
Clean surf tip: Stock your kit with plastic-free organic surf wax!
✔️ All-Natural Sunscreen
Standard sunscreens often contain chemicals like oxybenzone that harm coral reefs and marine life. As surfers, what we wear in the water matters.
Choose reef-safe, all-natural sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide. It protects your skin without polluting the ocean.
- No harsh chemicals
- Plastic-free or recyclable packaging
- Safe for sensitive skin and sea life
Tip: Apply 15 minutes before paddling out so it stays on your skin, not in the sea.
🧳 2. Surf Travel, But Sustainably
We all love surf trips, but eco surfing doesn’t stop when the swell’s pumping somewhere new. If you want to surf sustainably, how you travel matters.
✔️ Keep it Local When You Can
Short trips reduce emissions—and help you discover hidden surf gems closer to home. Bonus: fewer crowds.
✔️ Support Local Over Big Resorts
On your next surf trip, think beyond big-name surf resorts. Choosing to support small, local businesses helps keep money in coastal communities and reduces your travel footprint.
Here’s how:
- Book local surf stays or homestays run by families or surf crews
- Eat at small cafes or food trucks that use local produce
- Hire local surf guides who know the break—and respect it
- Buy from local makers: surf wax, art, crafts, and gear
Eco surf travel isn’t just about the environment—it’s about giving back to the people who live where we play.
Every dollar you spend with a small business on the road strengthens the global surf community and supports a more sustainable surf trip culture.
✔️ Pack Smart
- Reusable water bottles
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Zero-waste toiletries
- Multi-use surf gear
✔️ Offset Flights
If you must fly, choose airlines that offer carbon offset programs, or use third-party platforms like Sustainable Travel International.
Clean surf story: Gemma, a member of the Nuala Australia community, travelled to some of the highly sort after surf breaks in Central American countries like Nicaragua and El Salvador. She shared with us that every now and again she would take the time to help clean up the local beaches from plastic that had washed down onto the beach from the river ways to help support the local area. It really is the little actions we take that count!
🧘 3. Mindful Surfing: Connect with the Ocean, Protect It
Mindful surfing isn’t just about finding flow and getting that feeling we all chase —it’s about becoming aware of your impact and your place in the madness. Here’s how to integrate sustainability into your mindset:
- Pre-surf pause: Ground yourself. Take 3 deep breaths before paddling out or do some stretching and really feel into it.
- Be present, not perfect: Don’t just chase the biggest wave (although you should) — connect with the ocean's rhythm, notice the birds flying by or the way the headland is shaped by the wind and sea.
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Gratitude: After each session, say thank you to the sea or just think about how grateful you are to have been able to catch a couple of waves. It can build a deeper bond with the ocean, a stronger will to protect it and a more joyous experience overall.
- Be kind, help others: It's easy to get carried away hunting for your wave of the day but if there's an opportunity to help a learner, teach them the way of the waves. Greet a drop in as a bit of play or an honest mistake rather than an act of revenge (easier said that done I know) but it makes it more enjoyable for everyone. That's what it is all about in the end of the day.
Try this monthly ritual: Sit on your board and name 5 things you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. It’s a mindfulness tool that brings your awareness back to the moment—and the environment.
🌿 4. Give Back to the Ocean
If you’re serious about eco surfing, giving back should be part of your routine. Here’s how to build a sustainable surfing lifestyle that protects your playground.
✔️ Beach Cleanups
- Spend 5 minutes before or after your session cleaning the beach or even better join local beach cleanup groups and head out for a surf after with some new mates.
We are blessed to have relatively clean beaches in Australia, let's keep that going!
✔️ Educate Your Surf Crew
The best way to spread change is to share it. Show friends where you get more eco friendly surf gear, talk about sustainable wax, or share your ideas on ways we can be doing better. We'd love to hear it!
✔️ Support Ocean Causes
- Donate to Sea Shepherd, Surfrider Foundation, or Take 3 for the Sea or simply just find out what they are all about, it may give you some great ideas on how to live more aligned with the way you want to be in this world.
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Shop with businesses that give care (like us, SunButter Skincare, Native Dog Surf Co. or BoardSox!)
✅ Your June #CleanSurfChallenge
This month, we’re challenging our community to switch one item in their surf setup to something more sustainable.
🌱 Action step: Replace your current surf wax with a plastic-free, reef-safe alternative.
📸 Snap a pic, tag @nuala.aus on Instagram or TikTok and use #cleansurfchallenge to be featured in our story.
Let’s ride cleaner waves together.
📅 Coming Next Month
"When You Can’t Surf: Staying Connected to the Ocean When Life Keeps You Dry"
Whether it’s injury, work, or a long flat spell, we all go through times when we can’t do what we love. Next month, we’ll explore ways to stay connected to the ocean, keep your surf spirit alive, and find stillness in the downtime.