Eco-Boards: Wave Resistance & Durability
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Eco-Boards Conquer Big Waves: Miguel Blanco Silences Performance Doubts
Can lasting surfboards stand up to the world’s most challenging waves? Pro surfer Miguel Blanco just answered that question with a resounding “yes.”
for years,a persistent question has shadowed the growth of eco-friendly surfboard materials: can they truly perform at the highest level? While beginner surfers might not notice subtle differences,professional surfers rely on every detail to push their limits. Now, Miguel Blanco’s latest “Impact Series” episode provides compelling evidence that recycled and bio-based surfboards are not just viable, but capable of handling even the most demanding conditions.
Blanco’s challenge was straightforward: subject a quiver of eco-boards to the ultimate test. ”I’ve always heard people say eco-boards can’t handle heavy waves - that they’re not high-performance or strong enough for big surf.So I decided to test that myself,” Blanco explains in the film. “From nazaré to Jaws, I took my new eco-quiver made from recycled foam and bio-based resin to see if they could perform at the highest level.”
And perform they did. The film showcases Blanco successfully riding waves at iconic locations including Nazaré, the North Shore, Pe’ahi (Jaws), Maui, and Morocco. The boards, built by Polen Surfboards, utilized Polyola blanks and bio-epoxy resin, achieving a Gold Level ECOBOARDS certification.This certification is a key indicator of environmental obligation and performance standards within the surf industry.
– davidthompson
This is a notable moment for the surf industry. The performance question has been a major hurdle for eco-friendly board construction. Blanco’s project isn’t just about proving a point; it’s about building confidence within the surfing community. The use of Gold Level ECOBOARDS is crucial, as it provides a standardized benchmark for sustainability and performance. The film’s exploration of the socio-economic impact of tourism in Hawaii adds a layer of depth rarely seen in surf media, highlighting a growing awareness of the broader implications of the sport.
The Boards: Materials and Certification
Here’s a breakdown of the key components used in Blanco’s eco-quiver:
| Component | Material | Details |
|---|---|---|
| blank | Polyola | Recycled foam. Reduces reliance on virgin materials. |
| Resin | Bio-epoxy | Derived from plant-based sources, reducing the carbon footprint compared to customary epoxy resins. |
| Certification | Gold Level ECOBOARDS | Indicates a high level of sustainability and performance, verified by a third-party assessment. |
Beyond Performance: A Deeper Narrative
Blanco’s project extends beyond simply testing equipment. While scoring waves at world-renowned breaks, he also addresses complex social issues. Specifically, he highlights the frequently enough-overlooked realities of life in Hawaii, contrasting the idyllic tourist image with the challenges faced by local communities. He points to the impact of mass tourism, which can undervalue Hawaiian culture and exacerbate issues like limited land availability and high cost of living. (Further information on this topic can be found here).
The film’s willingness to tackle these themes sets it apart, demonstrating a commitment to responsible storytelling within the surf world. It’s a reminder that enjoying the ocean comes with a responsibility to protect both its environment and the communities that depend on