Starting back in 2018, surfer Ken Cole has been on a mission to create the first surfboard leaf based. On the way to his goal of living a sustainable life.
His own brand is Milwaukee-based Greenhouse Surfboards. They make and shape surfboards already by hand and have been replacing materials such as fiberglass with volcanic basalt, old coffee bags from Milwaukee roasters, and repurposed wood. Still, though, having to turn to using ESP foam for the majority of his boards. This is still a significant step in the right way, and hands down, love that they are making such progress in making surfboards more sustainable.
After realizing the durability of plant-based plates in the garbage, Cole was inspired to try and find something else that could give him the jump towards eliminating polymer foam entirely.
With the help of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Illinois, the idea took off and was soon tested first on a basic skateboard. With winning results, Cole is now on the way to creating his first surfboard, hopefully by this summer. Hoping for more positive outcomes and updates!
The surfboard will be a single-fin pig longboard that stretches 9’6 and will be featuring the brand’s Vintage inspired aesthetic. It will be produced using computer-aided technology and a cold-molding process. Can not wait to see how it turns out!
