At Peña Txuri Surf School, one of the first things we teach is how to read the sea, to respect it, and to understand that we are a part of it. This lesson goes far beyond just knowing how to catch a wave or avoid a current. It implies a responsibility: to protect our incredible environment, from the sands of Arrietara-Atxabiribil to the last drop of the Cantabrian Sea.
For us, being a surfer means being a guardian of the ocean. We see firsthand how our actions, no matter how small, impact the place we love most. That’s why part of our training is learning to be conscious surfers, making protecting the environment a habit as natural as paddling out to the peak.
Índice
Choose Your Gear Wisely: The First Step to Sustainable Surfing
Every surfer needs their gear, but not all gear is created equal. The surf industry, like many others, has an impact, and it’s in our hands to choose options that minimize it.
- Eco-Friendly Waxes and Sunscreens: Conventional paraffin wax is made from petroleum, and chemical sunscreens harm coral reefs and marine life. At our school, we always recommend using eco-friendly waxes made from beeswax and creams with mineral filters (physical), which are respectful of the ocean.
- Wetsuits and Boards with a Conscience: Today, there are incredible brands that make wetsuits from recycled materials or limestone, reducing dependency on oil. The same goes for boards. Opting for local shapers who work with more sustainable materials, like bio-based resins, is a great way to support the local economy and protect the planet.
Peña Txuri Tip: Before you buy, ask questions and do your research. Good gear isn’t just what performs well in the water; it’s also what leaves the smallest footprint on the land.
The 3 R’s on the Beach: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The beaches of Sopelana are our treasure, and keeping them clean is everyone’s job. The 3 R’s philosophy is our best ally.
1. Reduce
The best waste is the one that isn’t created. Instead of buying plastic bottles, bring your reusable water bottle. The idea is to prepare your own snacks, which is not only healthier but also avoids the packaging from processed foods that often ends up blowing across the sand.
2. Reuse
Give your gear a second life. A broken board can become an incredible piece of decoration. Proper care for your surf gear also means thinking about its end-of-life. Creativity is your best tool!
3. Recycle (Correctly)
When your wetsuit is beyond repair, never abandon it! The plastic in our wetsuits is one of the most polluting materials there is. Take it to a proper recycling facility or look for specific recycling programs. Every action counts to prevent our waste from ending up in the sea.
Actions That Count Out of the Water
- Sustainable Mobility: Sopela is a perfect place to get around cleanly and healthily. Whenever you can, choose to walk or bike down to the beach. Not only do you avoid polluting, but it’s also a great out-of-water training.
- Participate in Beach Cleanups: The surf community in Uribe Kosta often organizes waste collections. Participating not only helps keep our beaches pristine but also builds community and raises awareness about the plastic problem.
- Educate and Share: The most powerful action of all is to share this knowledge. Talk to your friends, to other surfers in the lineup. Encourage others to adopt these habits with the same respect we show in the water.
What We Teach at Peña Txuri about Eco-Surfing
From the first lessons with kids to our advanced courses, we integrate these values:
- Reading the environment, not just the waves.
- Choosing gear consciously and responsibly.
- Always leaving the beach cleaner than you found it.
- Properly managing waste from our equipment.
- Understanding that being a surfer is being an ambassador for the ocean.
Our Playground, Not Our Dumpster
Currents teach us not to fight the sea, but to flow with it. In the same way, ecology teaches us to live in harmony with our environment. It’s not about prohibition, but about understanding and acting with intelligence and respect. At Peña Txuri Surf School, we are convinced that a good surfer is not just the one who surfs the best, but the one who cares for and respects the waves that give them life.
In the end, the goal is simple: that together, we can take care of our beaches to continue enjoying the sea and the waves for generations to come.
See you in the water, with respect and awareness!