Hunters and poachers, often seen as adversaries of nature, have a unique understanding of wildlife and their habitats, making them surprisingly effective advocates for conservation. This connection to the environment is similarly shared by surfers, who have a deep appreciation for the ocean's power and beauty.

Enter Swellcycle, a delightful new venture that is capturing the hearts of surfers everywhere with its innovative, 3D-printed surfboards. These bespoke boards are crafted from biodegradable plant materials, ensuring minimal waste and a positive impact on our precious oceans.

Traditional surfboards, made from petroleum-based foam, contribute to the environmental burden during both their production and eventual degradation. In fact, the shaping process often results in around 40% of the original foam ending up in landfills. Over time, these surfboards can break down, releasing microplastics into the ocean, which is a concern for marine life.

Tyler James, a big wave surfer and enthusiastic ambassador for Swellcycle, expressed his optimism about the future of surfing, stating, “This is the future, I think, of surfing.” He emphasizes the importance of surfers caring for the oceans, noting, “If we want to keep surfing, we got to care about our oceans, we got to care about the process that’s making our boards.”

Patricio Guerrero founded Swellcycle with a vision of sustainability in mind. The company utilizes materials like corn and sugarcane to create a versatile substance known as polylactic acid. This material is intricately printed into a lattice structure, which is then coated with a 30% degradable epoxy, resulting in a semi-hollow surfboard that is not only eco-friendly but also more durable than traditional foam boards.

Surfers who have tried the Swellcycle boards are filled with enthusiasm. Keaton Mayo, who tested a board during a recent demonstration, described the experience as “really fast” and “really fun,” highlighting the unique thrill of riding something so innovative. Another surfer, Sam, echoed this sentiment, calling it “sensational.”

Swellcycle collaborates with renowned surfboard designers like Spina, Iconoclast, and Tigre Bona, and powers its Santa Cruz factory almost entirely with solar energy. They also thoughtfully reuse any leftover materials from the board-making process, further demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.

This exciting development in the surfing community not only enhances the surfing experience but also fosters a greater awareness of environmental responsibility. Sharing this story with fellow surfers can inspire even more people to embrace a sustainable future on the waves.