WAVECHANGER IS HERE TO BE YOUR GUIDE INTO BETTER CONSUMPTION FOR A HEALTHIER BLUE PLANET

Wavechanger is where surfers become part of the solution to the environmental crisis we are in, rather than lagging behind and contributing to the problem.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

The vast majority of surf products on the market rely on polluting petrochemicals in their production today. This reliance on petrochemicals to make our surf gear is incompatible with taking meaningful action on climate change and addressing many other environmental impacts that affect our oceans, our playgrounds -  we all need  to ‘get off the petros’ as quickly as possible.

Luckily, there is so much innovation taking place in materials sciences and product development and Wavechanger is here to be your guide into better consumption for a healthier blue planet.

  • OUR VISION

    Create a carbon neutral, waste-free surf industry that's respectful to nature, yet retains the innovation, high performance and excitement we all expect from surfing.

  • OUR MISSION

    Leading the surf community to embrace sustainable solutions and reduce the environmental impact of surfing.

WAVECHANGER HISTORY AND FUTURE

Wavechanger is a program of Surfers for Climate today, but its journey started years ago when its founder Tom Wilson believed more could be done by the surf industry, and recognised a huge knowledge gap on sustainability. Tom had a vision - help create a carbon neutral, waste-free surf industry that’s respectful to nature, yet retains the innovation, high performance and excitement we all expect and enjoy from surfing. With that vision in mind Wavechanger was born and has since delivered the bulk of sustainable surf knowledge you can find globally.

With Wavechanger becoming a program of Surfers for Climate, the opportunity to scale this purpose and mission is front of mind, and we’re all stoked to be on the party wave of change together.

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OUR ONGOING AND FUTURE GOALS:

  • EDUCATIONAL TOOLS

    Our informative guides and annual industry review highlight innovations and suggested behavioural nudges to reduce the impact of the surfing industry. Additionally, we've assessed the carbon emissions associated with surf equipment; encompassing manufacturing, materials, and lifetime maintenance and usage. There's more in the pipeline, watch this space...

  • PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP

    We're driving the mitigation of industry effects on the environment. Our focus lies in researching and advancing responsible consumer behaviours, recycling programs and tools tailored to the sector. Additionally, we're advocating for conscientious design and manufacturing with an eye on improving the end-of-life phase.

  • INDUSTRY RESEARCH

    As of November 2023, Surfers for Climate and Griffith University have began a multi-year partnership with PhD candidate Tom Wilson, Founder of our Wavechanger program. This research will dive into the historical and cultural roots of surfing, examining their environmental intersections.

ADVISORY TEAM

Lou Dever - NOTOX Surfboards Australia, bridges the gap between surfing and surfboard manufacturing, championing positive change in the industry.


Marc in het Panhuis - Materials Science Professor at the University of Wollongong, specialises in new materials, additive manufacturing, and conducts surfing equipment research at the Surf Flex Lab.


Susie Crick - First female Chair of Surfrider Foundation Australia, advocates for ocean conservation, plastic reduction, and environmental education. Active in various impactful roles.


Layne Beachley - Seven surfing world titles and an Officer of the Order of Australia, Layne leads in and out of the waves. Now, a motivational speaker, mentor, and environmental advocate. Patron of Surfing Australia.


Nic Lowe - Co-founder of GoGet, innovating in car sharing, starting Street Library Australia and The Good Ship. Crafting solutions with purpose and fun.


Laura Oxley - Purpose-driven communications specialist, started with 1 Million Women, contributing to global campaigns like WWF's Earth Hour and World Animal Protection. Currently leads communications at UTS.


Tony Sorensen - UNE Professor, urban economist, and futurist specializes in society, technology, and economics. Notably interviewed Martin Luther King. Wavechanger's original research supervisor.


Grant Newby - Surfboard innovator who blends artistry with sustainability. Founder of TimberTek, now crafting boards with diverse materials. Expert in design, ocean, and surfing.


Brett Buckingham – A Director with the Battery Stewardship Council, Brett is driving circular economy solutions for end-of-life batteries in the clean energy & consumer electronics sectors. An avid surfer, Brett seeks to combine his passion and purpose to bring sustainable circular outcomes to the surf industry.