PROGRAM Overview

Since 2006, RERIP has collected thousands of unwanted surfboards, fins, and wetsuits through its partnerships with surf shops and ocean-friendly businesses, dedicated volunteers, and YOU. Here are a few things we do: 

REUSE FOR SURFING

Because so many boards given to the program are in great shape, RERIP works with local ding repair craftsman to ensure boards are watertight before they find their next home. Many of the “better” boards are given away to non-profit organizations, schools, groms or people in need.  Some boards are resold for nominal prices.

SURFBOARD RECYCLING

Once collected, boards are inventoried depending on their current state.  Unrideable and broken boards are saved for artists and do-it-yourselfers needing materials for projects. Creatives and innovators continue to come up with downcycling efforts for old boards - and RERIP always has a few hanging around for them.

ARTIST REPURPOSING

Artists and organizations near and far seek these boards to repurpose them into art pieces, showers, bedframes, benches, fences, displays or signage. Everything from fins and broken bits to complete boards have been salvaged and reused. There are many mixed media works and fine art paintings created out of something that would have otherwise been buried in the dump.

DOWNCYCLE MATERIALS

With most reuse endeavors, there is still some waste.  RERIP has experimented with putting broken boards into concrete for non structural uses, like patios and parking stoppers.  They have also used virgin foam dust as filler in concrete for kitchen counter tops and bars. 

Advocacy

RERIP also hosts annual events to promote sustainability in surfing while giving back to the local community. RERIP started the “Future of Surfing” in 2008 to raise awareness about surfboard materials and construction, while promoting children’s mental health awareness. (All proceeds of the first event were giving back to The San Diego Center for Children - the oldest children’s non-profit in San Diego which continues to serve youth and families behavioral health needs.) After a few years of “Future of Surfing” events, RERIP teamed up with The Solana Beach Lifeguard Association and started “The Iron Mike” Festival - a community paddle, youth surf contest, and board swap, with live art on surfboards, music and libations. (All proceeds from these events were used to set up scholarships for young adults going into life-saving careers.)

Now, as RERIP’s co-founder and President has moved to Northern Baja, Mexico, RERIP now supports local youth in the Santa Anita/La Misión community by helping coach soccer as well as with team sponsorship. RERIP seeks to support ocean awareness and safety, environmental stewardship, and teach surfing within this new community.