Surfboards made of soy-based foam
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: NBC
Surf's up, the bio-friendly way. A San Diego company is going green by making the next generation of surfboards.
Most surfers say they get something from nature, and one group, in particular, has decided to give something back by using a bio-foam surfboard. "We're the only company that makes foam this way," said Ned McMahon. His company of Homeblown Foam Systems makes foam surfboard blanks that are 40 to 50 percent soy-based rather than polyurethane.
"Well, the materials that go into polyurethane foam aren't normally such great chemicals," said McMahon. "It was pretty dangerous for the workers." That explains why Southern California based Clark Foam was shut down in 2005.
And while most production has since moved outside the U.S. toward more lax governments, the bio-foam formula is cleaner, safer and uses about 35 percent less energy to produce. McMahon said he is also experimenting with bamboo fins and resin made from linseed oil.
The final step would be a 100 percent bio-friendly board. "If you don't take the first step, you're never going to get to the 100 percent. So, we have to start somewhere," McMahon said. The next step is just getting the word out. Surfers who've tried them said they loved the green ride. "It rides just as well as any foam out there," said one surfer.
McMahon said the materials add about five to ten percent to the total coast of the board.
