Looking for a more environmentally responsible, long-lasting surfboard brand? The Eco Evo surfboard line might be just what you’re looking for…
It’s no secret that modern surfboards are far from environmentally friendly.
However, as the environmental impact becomes more of an issue, manufacturers such as flax fabric and bio resins are promoting more environmentally friendly alternatives.
We got my hands on an Eco Evo sustainable surfboard to investigate if sustainability and performance could coexist…
Eco Evo Surfboard Review – The Sustainable Surfboard Brand
Who Are Eco Evo?
Eco Evo Surf, based in Sydney, Australia, wants to open up the market for eco-friendly sustainable surfboards, with a variety of solutions to suit all abilities and styles of surfer.
So, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned surfer, there’s an environmentally responsible option for the next position in your quiver!
What Makes Their Board Sustainable
We’ve already talked briefly about Eco Evo in my sustainable surf brand guide, but there are a few important things that truly distinguish Eco Evo from the mainstream surf business in terms of the eco credentials of their manufacturing and material process.
- 1. Their 6’0 board emits HALF the CO2 emissions of a standard PU board.
- 2. 5 trees were planted to offset your board’s emissions.
- 3. Flax cloth inlays are made of plants.
- 4. Bio-resin glasses that are even vegan friendly
- 5. Blanks made from recycled foam
Another important aspect of their more environmentally friendly construction process is that the eco alternatives they use are friendlier to both the people who make the boards and the planet, with bio-resins and flax cloth emitting far fewer toxic fumes and irritants than their traditional counterparts, which is always a good thing.
The combination of flax fabric and bio-resins also results in a considerably more durable surfboard, which means your sustainable surfboard should last much longer and be in much better condition than a standard board.
Board Models
So what boards are currently in the Eco Evo sustainable surfboard range?
Shortboards
Ground – a great daily driver which works in everything from 1-5 foot
Inertia – high performance swallow tail that can handle everything from 2-8 feet. 5 fin setup
Rocket – their one board quiver, covering a huge range of conditions. 5 fin setup
Seed – with flatter rocker, this is a great go to for smaller, mushier conditions
Transition – suitable for higher end beginners right through to experienced surfers, can handle anything you throw at it!
F3 – a combo of their Flax Fish and Flax Flyer, higher volume and can be ridden as a twin or quad
Flax Fish – fast, loose and fun, this twin fin will bring excitement to even the most sub par conditions
Midlengths
The Middy – a mid length thrust running from 6’8 through to 7’2
Longboards
Hana Performance Log – their performance longboard, featuring pin tail and 2+1 fin setup
HB Log – inspired by the longboard of the 60s, surfed as a dedicated single fin
What Are They Like To Surf?
And of course, the key part to any surfboard is what are they like to surf? After all – it doesn’t matter how eco they are if they frustrating in the water!
The Flax Flyer’s initial impression was how substantial the board felt; it’s well-built and seems quite robust, thanks to the recycled core, bio-resin, and flax cloth. All without feeling bloated.
I’m a big backfooter, and even after a few months of waves, the deck is still holding up well, with far fewer pressure dents than my PU boards.
I haven’t tested any of their high-performance shortboards for wave performance, but the Flax Flyer felt on par with my regular boards – both in terms of paddling and surfing.
We can’t claim that the eco aspect of things boosts performance, but it certainly doesn’t hamper it, and the board surfed fantastic with the extra feel-good factor of being more environmentally friendly!
And The Price Tag?
So does all this added sustainability add to the price tag of the Eco Evo Surf sustainable surfboard range?
Well, the shortboard range is around AU$1,190 – which with the current surfboard market is a tad more expensive, but not ridiculously so.
In comparison a new stick from Lost, Pyzel or DHD will now set you back at least AU$999 – so effectively it’s an extra $190 to reduce the environmental impact of your next board, which isn’t a bad trade off, especially given the added durability of their boards, which I wouldn’t hesitate to say will far outlast any PU build!
New to Surfing or Planning on starting? Check out our guide on Surfing Equipment you must have before jumping in into the waves.