The majority of surfboards you find now are formed from a core of polyurethane foam. A couple of layers of fibre glass then cover this and finally a polyester resin is added as a protector. A substance widely considered as carcinogenic can be found in the foam, named toluene diisocyanate. Its production can also create styrene fumes, exposure to which can leas to to problems with the nervous system, on top of headaches, dizziness and confusion. Additionally, carbon dioxide and VOCs (volatile organic components) are released into the atmosphere during production. Most of the elements that go into modern surfboards are also non-biodegradable.

There has been so much attention on the harmful nature of surfboard production that a Californian company, run by Gordon Clark, who make blank boards recently shut down. At one time Clark's business made over 80% of all blank surfboards on the market, but his final decision to stop production came after strong words from the State of California. This has unsurprisingly left a massive shortage of surfboard blanks in the US, and left an number of big organisations searching for alternatives.

One such alternative has been developed in Cornwall, England. The new substance Biofoam was developed with help from the Surfers Against Sewage charity. The material is around 65 percent more renewable and emits 35 percent less harmful toxins due to the fact it is 45 percent plant based. On top of this, a new 95 percent natural resin coating is now being used on their 'Ecoboards'.

Inquires have come from all across the globe, asking for samples from the company who manufacture the new Biofoam and Ecoboards. It is still early days but they soon hope to start applying their eco-technology to the creation of snowboards also.