sustainable surf – Misryoum reports on eco-minded surf gear, including improved wetsuits, comfortable boardshorts, and plant-based sun and traction essentials.
A colder swim no longer has to mean compromises in comfort or sustainability, and Misryoum’s latest look at surf gear shows how quickly the category is evolving.
Patagonia’s wetsuit lineup is a prime example.. Misryoum notes that recent years have brought major improvements to fit and feel. with better flexibility and seals that help keep water from flushing down the neck.. This fall. the brand is set to introduce a new U-Zip design that uses a long zipper spanning across the chest. aiming to improve warmth and reduce flushing.. In Misryoum’s own winter testing. the suit delivered strong insulation and stayed comfortable throughout longer sessions. though it sits at the premium end and is positioned as a durable long-term buy.
For shoppers who want a more budget-conscious route without giving up eco materials, Misryoum highlights Billabong’s Upcycler line.. In particular. the men’s 3/2 Furnace Natural Upcycler was described as highly flexible and comfortable. using natural rubber sourced through Hevea rather than Yulex. plus recycled polyester and elastane.. Misryoum also points out a trade-off: seams can start to leak sooner than with top-tier options. but the suit remains appealing for less-frigid days.. There’s also a limitation on the women’s thickness range.
The takeaway here is simple: sustainability in surfwear is moving from vague marketing to measurable comfort improvements, especially where water sealing and long-wear durability matter most.
Boardshorts are also getting the sustainability makeover, and Misryoum found a standout in Hurley’s Phantom-Eco Block Party.. The fabric uses four-way stretch for a light, flexible feel, while the build incorporates recycled polyester and ocean-bound materials.. Meanwhile. Outerknown’s Apex Evolution Trunk leans into pure sustainability by relying on a high percentage of recycled-net-derived nylon and a design that helps shed water and reduce drag.. Misryoum adds that while the trunk is well made. the texture can feel a bit scratchy over extended sessions. and the price reflects its materials and construction.
On the women’s side, Misryoum points readers toward brands focused on surf-first function and eco-friendly sourcing.. Carve Designs. founded by female surfers. is described as offering a broad range of practical. attractive surf wear built largely from recycled and/or organic materials. with additional certifications intended to reassure buyers about the supply chain.
Meanwhile, sun protection remains non-negotiable for many surfers, especially in hot climates and while traveling.. Misryoum notes that rashguards are increasingly the go-to solution. both for reducing skin friction and for avoiding the hassle of waxed boards.. Patagonia’s surf shirts are positioned as a lighter. recycled-material option with Fair Trade Certification. and Outerknown’s hooded rash guard sits in the same sustainability-forward performance category.
Misryoum’s overall message is that “better for the planet” and “better in the water” can overlap, but buyers should match the product to conditions, since warmth, leak resistance, and skin feel all vary by design.
Finally, traction is where small material changes can have a big impact.. Traditional surf wax often leaned on paraffin tied to oil refining. but Misryoum highlights alternatives that aim to keep performance while reducing reliance on harsher chemicals.. Matunas Surf Wax is cited as a longstanding option in the space. made from locally sourced ingredients and described as organic. biodegradable. and non-toxic.
For surfers building a more sustainable kit, the value is in choosing systems that work together: warmth where it’s needed, mobility where it counts, and grip that holds without turning your board into a chemical surface.