Shaping the ultimate eco friendly surfboard

Chad Kaimanu Jackson has created the benchmark for the perfect eco friendly board. The popularity of surfing is ever growing and with that growth comes individual responsibility and reflection on the effects of what we buy has on the environment. Hemp is not only stronger and more durable but creates a sustainable solution to producing surfboards. We are blessed as surfers every time we paddle out into the ocean, so it is fitting that we give thanks to this blessing by choosing boards that are kind to nature. Chad offered us some further insight into hemp in the surf industry and Kaimanu surfboards.

What made you start shaping hemp surfboards?
I have had a passion to work towards a sustainable future for our planet as we have been educated since childhood about the demise of the environment . I received a degree in Earth science and when in college I realized the dilemma between surfers take in environmental issues and our hypocritical surfing industry . Building surfboards since age 13 I was aware of the toxicity and when I was 24 I wanted to innovate less toxic boards. Hemp was one of the top plants on Earth that could provide sustainable materials and support a sustainable economy. It was a no brainer to start using it as one of the main ingredients in an Eco friendly board. It’s strength is unmatched in the natural world the only thing missing is research and government support to develop more products and derivatives for use in industry

What has your response been from surfers who ride them for the first time?
Response from customers have been greater durability on the decks from pressure denting and the amazement that the boards perform identical to conventional ones.

Do you have to import all your hemp materials from outside of the U.S?
Most all the hemp in the US is imported from either china, Germany , Romania or sometimes Peru with some other sources. Canada produces a lot of hemp seed but not much fibre and some Indian tribal reservations have contracts to grow industrial hemp but its in its infancy. There have been several attempts at passing industrial hemp laws to allow cultivation but the US industrial military pharmaceutical complex and its addiction to fossil fuels remains a barrier

Is there a growing demand for hemp boards?
There is a growing demand for my hemp surfboards ( no one else has been doing it except for my friend Nef and some who learned from me or have recently caught on) but ironically much of it from other countries like South Africa Australia New Zealand England Germany Italy and France. The obstacle has been getting boards overseas which raises the footprint due to transportation impacts.

Hemp boards are no doubt more environmentally friendlier than conventional foam boards, what other advantages do they have?
Aside from the environmental benefits it is a beautiful natural aesthetic in the finish and has higher strength to weight ratios than other materials and a higher tensil strength than bamboo or fiberglass.

What is blocking the growth of hemp surfboard market and do you see it changing in the future?
The main issues preventing a growing market are the political stigma surrounding marijuana and its misconception that industrial hemp would increase marijuana use or provide more illegal marijuana sales and production, which it does not, as well as the reluctance of consumers to change their nasty addictions to petroleum products and glossy bright white surfboards. I hoping to continue to influence the surfing industry and the general masses one board at a time. Also producing surfing films and media that showcase the beauty and art of these boards as well as the high level of surfing that is being performed on them by myself and others.

http://www.hempsurfboards.com/