WIRED Releases Comprehensive Guide to Sustainable Surf Gear for 2026

WIRED has published a comprehensive guide titled The Best Sustainable Surf Gear (2026), offering tested recommendations for eco-friendly surf equipment designed to reduce plastic waste and petroleum-based neoprene usage. The publication evaluates alternatives across a wide range of categories, including wetsuits, boardshorts, rashguards, surf wax, traction pads, fins, leashes, reef-safe sunblock, towels, footwear, eyewear, and backpacks. The primary environmental goal of this guide is to assist consumers in avoiding landfill-bound materials and harsh chemicals historically associated with the surf industry.

For wetsuits, the guide highlights Patagonia's Regulator line as a top-tier option, noting its use of Yulex and naturally derived rubber instead of petroleum-based neoprene. The report details how Patagonia switched to a recycled carbon powder called Bolder Black to improve flexibility while maintaining sustainability, with linings made from recycled nylon, polyester, and spandex. Billabong's Upcycler line is also reviewed as an excellent alternative, utilising Hevea rubber and recycled polyester, though the guide notes some differences in durability and thickness options compared to Patagonia.

Recommendations for apparel extend to boardshorts, where Hurley's Phantom-Eco Block Party and Outerknown's Apex Evolution Trunk are featured. The Outerknown option is noted for being made largely from Boreo's NetPlus, a nylon derived from recycled fishing nets. The guide also mentions Carve Designs for women's surf wear, citing its commitment to recycled and organic materials alongside Fair Trade certification, although personal testing was not conducted for this specific brand.

Accessories receive significant attention, with the guide advising on sustainable options for rashguards, surf wax, and traction pads. Patagonia's surf shirts and Outerknown's hooded rash guards are recommended for sun protection. For surf wax, organic and biodegradable options from Matunas and Sister Betsy are praised for their non-toxic formulations. Traction pads are highlighted for their role in reducing wax usage, with Firewire's Bloom foam made from algae biomass noted for aiding carbon dioxide capture.

The guide provides specific advice for purchasing surfboards, suggesting that the most sustainable option is often one that already exists. Readers are advised to purchase pre-owned boards through local shops or platforms like OfferUp and Craigslist. For new boards, the report advocates for selecting from local, low-carbon manufacturers such as Guy Okazaki Surfboards, Notox Surfboards, and Firewire to minimise transportation emissions and support sustainable manufacturing practices.

Further recommendations cover the full range of beach essentials, including Indosole flip-flops made from recycled nylon and tires, and eyewear from Camp Eyewear and Smith Optics that utilise bio-based plastics and recycled post-consumer water bottles. For storage, the Dakine Mission Surf rolltop backpack is recommended for its waterproof interior and high percentage of recycled polyester. The guide concludes by emphasising the importance of reef-safe sunblock and towels designed to shed sand, ensuring that every aspect of the surfing experience aligns with environmental stewardship.