At the forefront of environmental stewardship in the surfing world, Sustainable Surf stands as a beacon of innovation and eco-consciousness. Founded on the belief that the ocean is the hero of our story, this pioneering organization is dedicated to harnessing the global appeal of surf culture to create a positive vision for a more sustainable future.
Big Sky Partners, recognizing the transformative potential of Sustainable Surf’s mission, has been a leading supporter of the organization. What began as small donations has evolved into significant funding for larger projects, demonstrating Big Sky’s commitment to nurturing initiatives that make a tangible impact on our oceans and planet.
The seeds of Sustainable Surf were planted in the swells of Ocean Beach, San Francisco, where co-founders Michael Stewart and Kevin Whilden first crossed paths in 2008. Both working in climate change-related fields and sharing a passion for surfing, they found themselves contemplating the disconnect between their professional lives and personal interests during their pre-work surf sessions.
Unsettled by the waning public belief in climate change, Stewart and Whilden recognized the need for a fresh approach to environmental advocacy. They realized that rather than bombarding people with more statistics, the key was to reach them through a medium they loved – surfing. This epiphany led to the birth of Sustainable Surf in 2011, with the mission of transforming surf culture into a powerful force for protecting the ocean playground.
From its inception, Sustainable Surf has focused on making environmental issues relevant to surfers. The organization highlights critical facts that resonate with the surfing community, such as the projected destruction of 90% of coral reefs by 2040 due to human activities. Given that the best surfing spots are often formed over living coral reefs, this statistic serves as a powerful call to action for the estimated 130 million people worldwide who identify as surfers or part of surf culture.
Sustainable Surf’s approach is multifaceted, addressing various aspects of environmental conservation through innovative programs. One of their first initiatives was the ECOBOARD Project, which introduced the surfing industry’s first consumer-facing “eco-label” for surfboards. This program encourages surfboard manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices and materials, transforming the industry’s supply chain towards a model of sustainable manufacturing.
Another cornerstone program is Waste to Waves, which tackles the issue of plastic pollution by recycling expanded polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) into new surfboards. This initiative not only reduces waste but also closes the loop in surfboard production, demonstrating the potential for circular economy practices within the industry.
Recognizing the significant environmental impact of surfing events, Sustainable Surf developed the Deep Blue Surfing Events program. This initiative works with top world tour surfing events to implement sustainable practices, including waste management, the use of organic catering services, and giving back to local communities. By calculating and offsetting these events’ carbon footprints, Sustainable Surf educates a global audience about the importance of environmental stewardship.
As the organization has evolved, so too has the scope of its projects. Sustainable Surf has expanded into large-scale environmental restoration efforts through its SeaTrees program. This initiative focuses on planting and protecting blue carbon ecosystems such as mangrove forests, which sequester significant amounts of carbon while providing critical habitat for marine life.
The organization’s innovative approach extends to the digital realm as well. Recognizing the potential of blockchain technology to bring transparency and trust to carbon markets, Sustainable Surf is developing a pioneering initiative to put carbon credits on the blockchain. This project aims to make carbon offsets more verifiable and tangible, addressing the opacity and skepticism often associated with traditional carbon markets.
Sustainable Surf’s vision is rooted in the belief that the ocean is central to reversing climate change. The organization takes an optimistic, solutions-focused approach, aiming to “hack the system for good.” Their mission is twofold: to reduce the environmental footprint of surfing through initiatives like the ECOBOARD Project and to regenerate the health of our Ocean Planet through programs like SeaTrees.
By 2030, Sustainable Surf aims to have 100 projects worldwide, planting millions of “sea trees” and creating thousands of local jobs. This ambitious goal aligns with the global scientific consensus on the urgent need to reduce our collective carbon footprint to avoid catastrophic climate tipping points.
Big Sky Partners’ involvement with Sustainable Surf has been instrumental in the organization’s growth and impact. What began as small donations from Big Sky’s founder, Michael Schwab, have evolved into significant funding for larger projects over the past decade. This increased support has enabled Sustainable Surf to expand its reach and impact, moving from local initiatives to global projects with far-reaching consequences.
Big Sky’s support has been crucial in helping Sustainable Surf scale its operations and tackle more ambitious projects. The venture capital firm’s expertise and network have also played a role in advancing Sustainable Surf’s blockchain initiative, which aims to revolutionize the carbon credit market.
Looking ahead, Big Sky VC and Sustainable Surf are poised to continue their collaborative growth. By leveraging Big Sky’s resources and Sustainable Surf’s innovative approach, the partnership aims to create new pathways for large corporations to restore marine biodiversity and offset their carbon exposure through investment in ocean-based carbon capture projects.
This symbiotic relationship exemplifies how venture capital can drive positive environmental change, paving the way for a more sustainable future in the surfing world and beyond.