"5 Sustainable Surfing Practices"

Catch the Wave, Not the Sunscreens: A Guide to Sustainable Surfing Practices

As a surfer, I've spent countless days riding the waves and soaking up the sun. But over the years, I've noticed that sunscreen use has become increasingly prevalent on beaches around the world. While it's understandable to want to protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun, many surfers have taken it upon themselves to find more sustainable alternatives.

One particular scenario that caught my attention was at a popular surf spot in California, where a group of experienced surfers had been using a combination of traditional sunscreen and homemade concoctions. While they were certainly protecting their skin from the sun's rays, these makeshift solutions were starting to take a toll on their skin. One surfer, who wished to remain anonymous, confided that he was constantly applying multiple layers of sunscreen just to keep his skin protected. "It was like wearing a layer of plastic on my face," he explained. "And it wasn't just the physical discomfort – it was also affecting the natural oils in my skin, which were causing me to break out in acne."

This scenario made me realize that many surfers are taking their sunscreen usage too far. The average person uses around 30-50 gallons of sunscreen per year, according to a study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). That's equivalent to filling up over 700 small cars!

As a result, I decided to do some research and explore alternative sustainable surfing practices that don't involve relying on chemical-based sunscreens. One approach is to adopt responsible sunscreen use techniques that minimize waste and reduce your environmental impact.

The Benefits of Responsible Sunscreen Use

So, why should you care about the way you apply sunscreen? Here are just a few benefits:

• Reducing plastic waste: Many traditional sunscreens come in single-use bottles or tubes. By switching to refillable containers or making homemade sunscreen concoctions, you can significantly reduce your contribution to plastic pollution.
• Minimizing chemical exposure: Some conventional sunscreens contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and cause long-term damage. Sustainable alternatives like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are gentler on the skin while still providing excellent protection against UV rays.
• Promoting healthier skin: By using natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or aloe vera, you can create homemade sunscreen concoctions that nourish and protect your skin without stripping it of its natural oils.

5 Sustainable Surfing Practices to Try

So, how can you start making sustainable surfing practices a part of your daily routine? Here are five tips to get you started:

1. Switch to reef-safe sunscreen: Many commercial sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs and marine life. Look for products labeled "reef-safe" or "chemical-free."
2. Make your own sunscreen: Mix together coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera gel to create a natural, non-toxic sunscreen blend.
3. Use a water bottle with a built-in filter: Instead of using single-use plastic bottles, fill up with filtered water from home and apply sunscreen directly onto your skin.
4. Choose eco-friendly beach gear: Opt for reusable towels, wetsuits, and bags to reduce waste and minimize your impact on the environment.
5. Get creative with makeup: Use natural ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, or shea butter to create homemade face masks and skincare products that nourish and protect your skin.

Avoiding Sunscreen Eye Irritation

As a surfer, I've also experienced my fair share of eye irritation from sunscreen use. Here are a few tips to help you avoid this common issue:

• Apply sunscreen with care: Be gentle when applying sunscreen to your face, avoiding the delicate skin around your eyes.
• Use a small amount: Start with a tiny amount of sunscreen and gradually increase as needed to prevent build-up on your skin.
• Avoid rubbing: Gently pat sunscreen into your skin rather than rubbing vigorously – this can irritate your eyes and cause inflammation.

By making these simple sustainable surfing practices a part of your daily routine, you'll not only be protecting the environment but also promoting healthier, more natural habits for yourself. So next time you're hitting the waves, remember to catch the wave, not the sunscreen! Catch the Wave, Not the Sunscreens: A Guide to Sustainable Surfing Practices

Practices	Description
Switch to reef-safe sunscreen	Look for products labeled "reef-safe" or "chemical-free" that contain natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Make your own sunscreen	Mix together coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera gel to create a natural, non-toxic sunscreen blend.
Use a water bottle with a built-in filter	Fill up with filtered water from home and apply sunscreen directly onto your skin.
Choose eco-friendly beach gear	Opt for reusable towels, wetsuits, and bags made from sustainable materials.
Avoid sunscreen eye irritation	Apply sunscreen gently to avoid irritating the delicate skin around your eyes, and use a small amount.

5 Sustainable Surfing Practices to Try

1. Switch to reef-safe sunscreen
2. Make your own sunscreen
3. Use a water bottle with a built-in filter
4. Choose eco-friendly beach gear
5. Avoid sunscreen eye irritation

Additional Tips for Catching the Wave, Not the Sunscreen

• Be gentle when applying sunscreen to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
• Use a small amount of sunscreen and gradually increase as needed.
• Avoid rubbing sunscreen into your skin to minimize build-up on your skin.

By incorporating these sustainable surfing practices into your daily routine, you'll not only be protecting the environment but also promoting healthier habits for yourself. So next time you're hitting the waves, remember to catch the wave, not the sunscreen!