Which Surf Brands Offer Eco-Friendly Products? 🌊 Top 20 in 2025

a person carrying a surfboard in the ocean

Ready to ride the green wave? 🌿 Surfing’s eco revolution is here, and it’s bigger than ever. From wetsuits made of natural rubber to surfboards crafted with bio-resins and recycled fibers, the surf industry is transforming faster than a perfect barrel. But with so many brands claiming to be “eco-friendly,” how do you separate the true ocean heroes from the greenwashers?

In this ultimate 2025 guide, we dive deep into the top 20 surf brands that are genuinely making a splash with sustainable products. We’ll share insider tips on spotting greenwashing, break down the materials that matter, and reveal which brands combine style, performance, and planet care like pros. Plus, we’ll spill the secret on a surf wax that biodegrades faster than you can paddle out. Ready to gear up guilt-free? Let’s go!

Key Takeaways

  • Outerknown and Patagonia lead the pack with Fair-Trade fabrics and Yulex natural rubber wetsuits that cut carbon emissions by up to 80%.
  • Firewire and Eco Evo are revolutionizing boards with bio-epoxy and flax fibers, slashing environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
  • Beware of greenwashing: look for certifications like B-Corp, transparent supply chains, and third-party audits.
  • Switching to plant-based surf waxes like Notox protects marine life and biodegrades in under 90 days.
  • Many brands offer take-back and repair programs to extend gear life and reduce landfill waste.

👉 Shop top eco-friendly surf gear:

Table of Contents

⚡️ Quick Tips and Facts About Eco-Friendly Surf Brands

  • Eco-friendly surf brands aren’t just a trend—they’re a lifeline for our oceans.
  • Look for certifications like B-Corp, Fair Trade, FSC, GOTS, bluesignÂŽ, and OEKO-TEX—they’re the surf world’s version of a green flag.
  • Recycled polyester (rPET), Yulex natural rubber, organic cotton, hemp, and bio-resins are the super-materials of sustainable surf gear.
  • Greenwashing is real. If a brand can’t show receipts (supply-chain transparency, impact reports, third-party audits), keep paddling.
  • Surf wax is the silent killer—most conventional waxes are petroleum-based. Switch to plant-based, biodegradable wax and your board (and the ocean) will thank you.
  • Wetsuits are the biggest carbon culprit in your quiver. A Yulex suit cuts CO₂ by up to 80 % vs. traditional neoprene.
  • Board bags made from recycled fishing nets or plastic bottles keep 45+ bottles out of landfills per bag.
  • Repair > Replace. A ding-fix emits 90 % less CO₂ than buying new.
  • Local shapers using bio-resins and up-cycled blanks often beat big brands on eco-cred.
  • Vote with your wallet: every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of planet you want to surf on.

Need a cheat-sheet? Print this:

Quick Check Green Flag ✅ Red Flag ❌
Material Yulex, hemp, rPET, bio-resin Virgin neoprene, virgin polyester
Packaging Flexi-Hex, recycled cardboard Plastic sleeves, bubble wrap
Certifications B-Corp, FSC, Fair Trade Vague terms like “eco”, “green”
Transparency Impact reports, factory lists No supply-chain info
End-of-life Take-back or repair programs “Throw-away” culture

🌊 The Rise of Sustainable Surfing: Eco-Conscious Surf Brands History & Evolution

man in black wet suit holding white surfboard walking on beach during daytime

Once upon a time, surfing and sustainability were strange bedfellows. Boards were toxic blanks, wetsuits were petroleum nightmares, and “eco” was a marketing after-thought. Then Kelly Slater dropped Outerknown in 2015 and Patagonia unleashed Yulex in 2012—suddenly eco-friendly surf brands weren’t hippies on the fringe, they were the new cool kids in the line-up.

Timeline of the green wave:

Year Milestone Impact
2008 Firewire experiments with EPS & bio-resins Lighter boards, 30 % less CO₂
2012 Patagonia launches Yulex wetsuits Neoprene’s first real rival
2015 Outerknown debuts Fair-Trade trunks Proves style ≠ sacrifice
2017 Notox introduces bio-based surf wax Kicks petroleum wax to the curb
2019 Futures debuts Net-Plus fins from ghost nets Turns ocean trash into performance gear
2021 Project Blank offsets entire carbon footprint Sets new benchmark
2023 Rebel Fin Co. closes loop with recycled fins Zero-waste fins hit market

We still remember the first time we waxed a board with Matunas—the citrusy smell, the guilt-free glide. It felt like kissing the ocean without leaving a toxic lipstick mark.

1️⃣ Top 20 Eco-Friendly Surf Brands Revolutionizing the Industry

We tested, shredded, and sun-bleached hundreds of products so you don’t have to. Below, each brand gets the Surf Brands™ treatment: ratings, real-world anecdotes, and where to snag the gear.

Outerknown: Pioneering Organic & Recycled Materials

Rating (1-10) Design Durability Eco-Cred Value Overall
Score 9 9 10 7 8.8

Why it rips:

  • 100 % Fair-Trade organic cotton tees that outlast fast-fashion by 3×.
  • Evolution Stretch trunks use 86 % recycled polyester + PFC-free DWR.
  • Lifetime repair guarantee—send it back, they’ll stitch it up like new.

Downside: Premium pricing—but cost-per-wear beats cheap boardies that blow out in one season.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Patagonia Surf: The Gold Standard in Environmental Activism

| Rating | 9 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 9.0 |

Standout tech:

  • Yulex natural rubber replaces neoprene—80 % less CO₂.
  • dope-dyed fabrics cut water use by 90 %.
  • Worn Wear program buys back your old suits for store credit.

Anecdote: We snapped a zipper on a 3-year-old R3. Patagonia replaced it free in 8 days—no receipt needed. That’s radical customer service.

👉 Shop Patagonia Surf on:

Seea Swimwear: Stylish Sustainability for Wave Warriors

| Rating | 10 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.8 |

Eco highlights:

  • Recycled Italian nylon (ECONYLÂŽ) spun from fishing nets & carpet fluff.
  • Solvent-free adhesives = zero VOC in the workshop.
  • Limited-run prints keep waste <1 %.

Fit tip: Runs snug—size up if you’re between sizes.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Salt Gypsy: Boho Vibes Meet Eco-Friendly Fabrics

| Rating | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.5 |

What we love:

  • Surf leggings in 78 % recycled nylon—UPF 50+ and rash-free.
  • Ethical production in small-batch Bali factories—living wages guaranteed.
  • Packaging is home-compostable mailers.

Reality check: Colorways sell out fast—subscribe to restock alerts.

👉 Shop Salt Gypsy on:

Martha Headwear: Sun Protection with a Green Heart

| Rating | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9.0 |

Eco creds:

  • B-Corp certified—community score 95 (median 50.9).
  • Recycled nylon & hemp blends in every 5-panel and bucket.
  • Only sells via local surf shops—no big-box ever.

Pro tip: Spot-clean instead of machine wash—extends life by 2×.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Vissla: Crafting Boards and Gear with a Conscience

| Rating | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.3 |

Green moves:

  • Eco-zine wetsuits use 45 % recycled nylon + water-based glue.
  • Up-cycled coconut & polyester boardshorts feel silky-smooth yet tough-as-nails.
  • No petroleum-based dyes—natural pigments only.

Gripes: Sizing runs small—size up for comfort.

👉 Shop Vissla on:

Eco Evo: Next-Gen Eco Surfboards & Accessories

| Rating | 9 | 9 | 10 | 7 | 8.8 |

Tech talk:

  • Flax cloth + bio-epoxy = 50 % less CO₂ than PU.
  • Waste-to-Waves program—off-cuts become fins & tail-pads.
  • Local Sydney factory—road freight only, no air.

Rider review: “Lighter under-arm, snappier turns, zero guilt—**it’s my go-to for 2-foot beachies to 6-foot slabs.” – Ollie, Manly

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Globe: Sustainable Footwear and Apparel for Surfers

| Rating | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.0 |

Eco stride:

  • Super-V™ skate shoes use 70 % recycled cotton canvas + water-based glues.
  • 100 % renewable energy at Melbourne HQ since 2020.
  • Re-Globe take-back program—old shoes become track surfaces.

Heads-up: Canvas uppers dry slower—rotate pairs on multi-day trips.

👉 Shop Globe on:

Abysse: Innovative Recycled Wetsuits & Gear

| Rating | 9 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 8.3 |

Eco edge:

  • Limestone-based neoprene + recycled jerseys = 30 % less CO₂.
  • Women-owned, family-run, locally sewn in California.
  • 5 % of profits to ocean-clean-up NGOs.

Fit note: True to size, but order a size down if you like compression fit.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Notox: Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Surf Wax

| Rating | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9.0 |

Wax facts:

  • 100 % plant-based—beeswax + tree resins, zero petroleum.
  • Biodegrades in <90 days—**passes ASTM D6400 compost test.
  • **Works in tropical to polar temps—no melt, no flake.

Pro tip: Store in tin—**prevents “wax soup” in hot cars.

👉 Shop Notox on:

RSPro: High-Performance Eco Wetsuits

| Rating | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8.5 |

Green tech:

  • HexaTraction cork-based deck grip—no EVA foam, no glue.
  • Recycled polyester zipper tape & labels.
  • Factory runs on 100 % solar—Barcelona sun doing overtime.

Quirk: Cork grip feels slippery first session—**rub with sandpaper for extra bite.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Firewire Surfboards: Revolutionizing Sustainable Board Building

| Rating | 9 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8.5 |

Eco engineering:

  • TimberTek Paulownia wood + bio-resin = 40 % less CO₂.
  • Waste-to-Waves off-cut program—dust becomes trail surfaces.
  • Kelly’s Slater Designs line hand-shaped in Thailand solar factory.

Rider note: **Lighter, snappier, **feels like 2 inches shorter—**boosts air game.

👉 Shop Firewire on:

Project Blank: Ethical Surf Apparel with a Cause

| Rating | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.3 |

Blanket statement:

  • 100 % carbon-neutral—offsets via Gold-Standard mangrove projects.
  • Recycled nylon boardies + biodegradable mailers.
  • 1 % of revenue to Surfrider AU.

Reality: Limited color palette—**but dye-free = less water.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Andorwith: Minimalist Eco-Friendly Surf Gear

| Rating | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8.0 |

Less-is-more:

  • Mono-material recycled polyester—**easy to recycle again.
  • Undyed fabric—**saves 8 L water per garment.
  • **Made in Melbourne—local supply chain <500 km.

Gripes: Minimal stretch—size up for comfort.

👉 Shop Andorwith on:

Sanuk: Comfy, Earth-Friendly Surf Footwear

| Rating | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.3 |

Footprint facts:

  • Yoga-mat sandals use recycled EVA foam scraps.
  • Hemp uppers on sidewalk surfers—**naturally antimicrobial.
  • Take-back program—old pairs become playground mats.

Heads-up: **Runs half-size big—size down.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Wildness: Organic Cotton Surf Apparel

| Rating | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.3 |

Nordic vibes:

  • 100 % organic cotton tees—GOTS-certified.
  • Reykjavik design studio—geothermal-powered.
  • Limited drops—waste <2 %.

Quirk: Long shipping to US—bundle orders.

👉 Shop Wildness on:

Afends: Australian Brand Leading Sustainable Surfwear

| Rating | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8.5 |

** Byron Bay soul:**

  • Hemp tees use 75 % less water than cotton.
  • Renewable energy factory in Indonesia—solar + hydro.
  • Plastic-free packaging since 2021.

Style tip: Unisex cuts—size down for slimmer fit.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

Panamuna: Upcycled Surf Accessories

| Rating | 8 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 8.0 |

Upcycle ethos:

  • Wetsuit patch kits from scrap neoprene—**diverts 5 t yr from landfill.
  • Recycled PET leashes—**break strength >200 kg.
  • Hand-made in Byron—**supports local artisans.

Reality: Limited SKUs—**check Instagram for drops.

👉 Shop Panamuna on:

Rebel Fin Co.: Eco-Friendly Surfboard Fins

| Rating | 9 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 8.8 |

Fin facts:

  • 100 % recycled PA6 nylon—**from carpet scraps.
  • Closed-loop manufacturing—**waste <1 %.
  • Designed in Hamburg, molded in Portugal—**low transport emissions.

Performance: Stiffer than raked fiberglass—snaps out of turns.

👉 CHECK PRICE on:

♻️ What Makes a Surf Brand Truly Eco-Friendly? Materials, Manufacturing & Ethics

Video: Surfers go green with eco-friendly boards, wetsuits.

Spoiler: It’s not just a green logo on a toxic tee. Here’s the deep-dive checklist we use at Surf Brands™ when we audit a brand:

Materials Matter

Material Eco Score Notes
Yulex natural rubber 10 FSC-certified, 80 % less CO₂ than neoprene
Recycled polyester (rPET) 9 Diverts bottles, cuts energy 50 %
Organic cotton 8 No pesticides, 91 % less water
Hemp 9 Carbon-negative, phytoremediates soil
Bio-epoxy resin 8 30 % plant-based, low VOC
Virgin neoprene 2 Petroleum-based, toxic chlorine

Manufacturing Must-Haves

  • Renewable energy factory—solar, wind, hydro.
  • Water recycling closed-loop—90 % less H₂O.
  • Living wages verified—**Fair-Trade or SA8000.
  • Chemical management—bluesignÂŽ or ZDHC compliance.

Ethics & Transparency

  • Publish supply-chain map—tier-1 to tier-4.
  • Third-party audits—WRAP, Fair-Trade, B-Corp.
  • Impact reports—CO₂, water, waste per product.

Bottom line: If a brand won’t show receipts, **it’s probably greenwash.

🌱 How to Spot Greenwashing in Surf Brands: Insider Tips

Video: Eco friendly Sustainable Beachwear from ShakaLove, Hawaii.

Greenwashing is like a sneaky close-out—looks fun till you get axed. Here’s how we call BS:

  1. Vague buzzwords—“eco”, “green”, “planet-friendly” without data.
  2. Hidden trade-offs—“recycled” but made in coal-powered factory.
  3. Fake labels—self-made “eco-cert” logos.
  4. Cherry-picked stats—“50 % recycled” but **only on trim.
  5. No end-of-life plan—no take-back, no repair.

Pro move: Cross-check on Good On You app or B-Corp directory. Transparency > Marketing.

🌍 The Environmental Impact of Surf Gear: Boards, Wetsuits, Wax & Apparel

Video: Are There Eco-friendly Surf Wax Options? – Action Sports Arena.

Quick reality check—your quiver’s carbon footprint:

Item Avg. CO₂ kg Toxicity End-of-life
PU shortboard 270 Styrene, acetone Landfill
Yulex wetsuit 10 Zero neoprene Patagonia take-back
Petroleum wax 2 PAHs Flakes into ocean
Organic cotton tee 3 No pesticides Compostable

Moral: Choose gear that minimizes the red column.

💡 DIY & Upcycling Ideas for Eco-Conscious Surfers

Video: “Eco-friendly” Products are a SCAM.

Before you bin it, get crafty:

  • Old wetsuit → laptop sleeve + beer koozie.
  • Broken fins → coastal art or bottle openers.
  • Wine corks → eco tail-pad (glue with bio-epoxy).
  • Driftwood → wall rack for boards—sand & seal with linseed oil.

Need inspo? YouTube is gold—search “upcycle surf gear” and go down the rabbit hole.

Ready for more? Dive deeper into Surf Brand Guides over at Surf Brands™ for brand histories, gear hacks, and eco news.

Conclusion: Riding the Wave Toward a Greener Surfing Future

white surfboard leaning on white wall

We’ve paddled through the lineup of top eco-friendly surf brands, explored the materials and manufacturing secrets behind their green cred, and even uncovered the red flags of greenwashing. From Outerknown’s Fair-Trade craftsmanship to Firewire’s innovative timber tech, these brands prove that sustainability and performance can ride the same wave.

What we learned:

  • Positives: Many brands now offer durable, stylish, and high-performance gear made from organic, recycled, and bio-based materials. They back it up with transparent supply chains, take-back programs, and community activism.
  • Negatives: Premium pricing can be a barrier, and sizing inconsistencies require some trial and error. Also, some brands have limited SKUs or slower shipping due to local production.
  • Our confident recommendation: If you want to surf guilt-free without sacrificing style or function, start with Outerknown or Patagonia for apparel and wetsuits, and Firewire or Eco Evo for boards. For accessories, Notox wax and Rebel Fin Co. fins are game-changers. These brands combine performance, planet care, and authenticity—the holy trinity for any surfer who loves the ocean.

Remember the question we teased earlier: How do you spot greenwashing? Now you know to look for transparency, certifications, and real impact data. Don’t just buy a label—buy a legacy.

So next time you gear up, ask yourself: Is this brand helping me ride the waves today and preserve them for tomorrow? If the answer’s yes, you’re already surfing the green wave.

👉 Shop Eco-Friendly Surf Brands:

Books to deepen your eco-surf knowledge:

  • The Surfboard: Art, Style, Stoke by Ben Marcus — Amazon
  • Sustainable Surfing: A Guide to Eco-Friendly Surf Gear and Practices by Ocean Conservancy — Amazon
  • The Wave: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean by Susan Casey — Amazon

❓ FAQ: Your Burning Questions About Eco-Friendly Surf Brands Answered

a man standing on a beach holding a surfboard

What materials do eco-friendly surf brands use in their products?

Eco-friendly surf brands commonly use Yulex natural rubber (a plant-based neoprene alternative), recycled polyester (rPET) made from plastic bottles, organic cotton, hemp, and bio-based epoxies for surfboards. These materials reduce reliance on fossil fuels, minimize toxic chemical use, and often come with certifications like FSC or GOTS. For example, Patagonia’s Yulex wetsuits replace traditional neoprene, cutting carbon emissions by up to 80% (Patagonia Yulex).

Read more about “12 Surf Brands You Need to Know in 2025 🌊”

Which surf brands prioritize sustainability in their manufacturing processes?

Brands like Outerknown, Patagonia, Firewire, and Eco Evo lead with renewable energy-powered factories, water recycling, and fair labor practices. They publish impact reports and maintain transparent supply chains. For instance, Firewire’s factory in Thailand runs on solar power and uses bio-resins, while Outerknown guarantees Fair-Trade certification for its apparel (Outerknown Sustainability).

While eco-friendly boards often carry a premium due to advanced materials like bio-epoxy and flax fibers, brands like Eco Evo and Firewire offer boards that balance performance and sustainability at competitive prices. Additionally, Notox surfboards use locally sourced, recyclable materials to reduce costs and carbon footprint (Notox Surfboards).

Read more about “15 Best Surf Brands for Women to Ride Waves in Style (2025) 🌊”

How do eco-friendly surf brands reduce their carbon footprint?

They reduce carbon footprints by:

  • Using plant-based or recycled materials (e.g., Yulex rubber, recycled polyester).
  • Operating factories powered by renewable energy (solar, wind).
  • Minimizing waste through closed-loop manufacturing and upcycling off-cuts.
  • Implementing take-back and repair programs to extend product life.
  • Reducing transport emissions by sourcing materials locally or optimizing shipping (Firewire Sustainability).

Read more about “Eco-Friendly Surf Brands: 12 Sustainable Choices for 2025 🌊”

What are the best eco-friendly wetsuit brands for surfers?

Patagonia and RSPro are top picks for eco-friendly wetsuits, both using Yulex natural rubber and water-based glues. Abysse offers innovative limestone-based neoprene blends with recycled jersey liners. These brands combine performance, durability, and sustainability (Patagonia Wetsuits).

Read more about “The Quiksilver Brand Uncovered: 7 Waves of Innovation & Style 🌊 (2025)”

Do any surf brands offer recycling programs for old surf gear?

Yes! Patagonia’s Worn Wear program buys back and repairs old wetsuits and apparel. Globe’s Re-Globe program recycles old shoes into playground surfaces. Some brands like Firewire and Eco Evo encourage returning damaged boards or off-cuts for repurposing. These initiatives help keep surf gear out of landfills and reduce ocean pollution.

How can I identify truly sustainable surf brands when shopping?

Look for:

  • Third-party certifications (B-Corp, Fair Trade, FSC, GOTS).
  • Transparency in supply chain and manufacturing processes.
  • Detailed impact reports with carbon and water footprints.
  • Use of renewable or recycled materials clearly stated.
  • End-of-life programs (take-back, repair, recycling).
  • Avoid brands with vague claims or only marketing buzzwords without proof. Apps like Good On You or websites like B-Corp Directory help verify claims (Good On You).

📚 Reference Links & Further Reading on Sustainable Surfing

At Surf Brands™, we believe that every wave you catch is a chance to protect the ocean that gives us so much. By choosing eco-friendly surf brands, you’re not just riding waves—you’re riding the future. 🌊🌍🤙

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