Petroleum has leaked its way into every aspect of surfing. We’ve all driven countless hours looking for surf only to put on our neoprene wetsuit, wax up our board with petroleum-based wax, slather on our chemical-laden sunblock, and paddle out on our polystyrene surfboard. And think about how far all of those products had to travel just to get to you. With the state of the world today, it is more important than ever to reduce surfing’s dependence on oil. More and more companies are developing products that work toward this goal and it is up to us to make responsible choices, vote with our dollars, and slowly swap out our petroleum-based surf products with natural, biodegradable, chemical-free ones. Not only is it better for Mama Earth…it’s better for you.

Surf wax is generally made up of paraffin and other hard waxes, as well as petroleum jelly, but now there is a wide range of biodegradable surf wax for you to choose from, available in local surf shops or online. …here’s a sample.

Still haven’t found a gift for that special surfer in your life? Or maybe you just need to fill a stocking with a few last minute gifts. Here are some ideas…