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Escapism has long been the essence of surf culture.
Being surfers, we are exposed to more pollution than any other people; paradoxically, a significant portion of this toxic pollution comes from industries involved in surfboard production. We can no longer afford to ignore this escalating environmental crisis. This must be the end of an era of apathetic surfers; this must be the time when those dedicated to riding waves turn from escapism to activism...
Earth-friendly materials engineered for high-performance surfboard fin construction.
After extensive R&D and testing dozens of materials, we have developed a patent-pending bio-composite designed specifically for fin construction that delivers the fast, agile rides and powerful turns required in demanding surf. Fluid Earth® fins start with a special thermoplastic resin made entirely from annually renewable plants. This is compounded with glass fibers made from natural silica, and non-toxic performance modifiers to provide excellent energy retention and durability.
Fluid Earth fins are build from this bio-composite in conjunction with our state-of-the-art recycling program, and carbon-offset manufacturing and shipping practices. Every aspect of our operations has been scrutinized and optimized to create the highest quality fins with the least environmental impact.
While taking every possible step to build sustainable surf components, we are also creating a resource that generates funds to help undo some of the damage already done. A portion of the funds from the sale of our equipment goes back to the environment through grassroots organizations participating in the 1% For The Planet Program.
The future of materials with reduced environmental impact is bright; we are constantly striving to improve our products and are always implementing the latest technology to make better performing, cleaner surf equipment. To see the contrast our production methods strike with the conventional surfboard building techniques of the past 50 years, check out the following list of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic chemicals commonly used in conventional surfboard and fin manufacturing!
Toluene Di Isocynate (TDI) Use: Polyurethane foam ingredient Hazards: Causative agent of Asthma, Carcinogen Isocyanates Use: Polyurethane foam ingredient Hazards: Causative agent of Asthma, lung Irritant Benzene Use: Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam ingredient Hazards: Carcinogen Acetone Use: Foam and resin solvent Hazards: Severe Irritant, Kidney, Liver, Eye, and Nerve Toxin, Reproductive Toxin Styrene Monomer Use: Polyester resin ingredient and emission Hazards: Toxin, Severe Irritant, Carcinogen Xylene Use: Polyester resin ingredient and emission, Fiberglass coating Hazards: Severe Irritant, Developmental Toxin, Brain, lung, Liver, Kidney Toxin Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) Use: Polyester resin catalyst Hazards: Severe Irritant, Reproductive Toxin Use: Epoxy resin component Hazards: Carcinogen, Reproductive Toxin Use: Epoxy resin component, Conventional polycarbonate fin box component Hazards: Carcinogen, Reproductive Toxin Hexavalent Chromium Use: Fiberglass coating Hazards: Irritant, Toxin Dioxins Use: Sandwich surfboard construction, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) emission Hazards: Carcinogen, Mutagen, causes Birth Defects, Diabetes, Immune System Damage
"I feel more confident than ever that the power to save the planet rests with the individual consumer." - Denis Hayes, director of the Solar Energy Research Institute (1979-1981)
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Fluid Earth® San Luis Obispo, Ca |
