Jetting around the world to tropical destinations and chasing waves with just a backpack, surfboard, and laptop is the dream, I think we can all agree. But what about the environmental impact of that? (Eep!)
Travel and surfing are not the most environmentally friendly activities the world has ever seen. Air travel emits enormous amounts of greenhouse gases into our atmosphere, surfboard manufacturing can produce obscene amounts of waste, and tourist destinations don’t always guarantee a sustainable local economy.
With freedom comes responsibility. Especially toward the ocean, the environment, and local communities that sustain your lifestyle. Here’s how to align your surf travel with sustainable practices, so your footprints are digital, not environmental.
Location: Choose Surf Towns and Accommodation That Support Both Sustainability and Connectivity
If travelling is a part of your lifestyle, it is helpful to seek out destinations that invest in renewable energy or eco-tourism practices, and are less frequented by mass tourism in order to reduce overcrowding and ecological strain on resources in that area.
It is also beneficial to search for surf camps, resorts, and guesthouses that are run by locals, that prioritise green initiatives like recycling and composting, and aim to promote community initiatives such as beach clean-ups.
Some portals that can help you narrow down the best places to catch epic waves, work efficiently, and live eco-consciously include BookSurfCamps and LUEX.
By staying in locally-owned places, you are directly supporting the community in which you are visiting or planning to live. Living locally tends to also lead to knowledge of secret surf spots, local etiquette, and a more authentic and enriching experience, which you would be unlikely to receive by staying in large hotel chains or a foreign-owned business.
Finding the best local surf and stays usually comes from word of mouth and speaking to locals. Don’t be afraid to take time exploring a fresh location before settling on a new home away from home!
Surf Gear: Pack Light and Surf Clean
As a digital nomad surfer, you’re already packing your office in a backpack. Why not make your surf travel kit just as lean and green?
Now, more than ever before, there exists a range of eco-friendly surf gear on offer to make your life as a remote worker who surfs and travels much easier, and much greener. From surfboards made from bio-based resin or recycled cork, to swimwear stitched from recycled fabrics and ocean plastics, and even board socks produced from recycled plastic bottles, there is no shortage of choice when curating an eco-friendly quiver and reducing waste as a surfer.
Most brands ship worldwide, so you can receive great equipment from any remote surfing destination you have chosen to live in and work from! However, this is probably not the best action in terms of carbon footprint, but most of these brands will offer you the option of carbon offsetting* your order (phew!).
Furthermore, travelling with reusable items such as a water bottle and cutlery can help you skip unnecessary disposables at airports, coworking spaces, or cafes – a much better option for our planet!
*Carbon offsetting is the funding of projects that work to either lower carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions to our atmosphere, or work to sequester (store) it. Thereby, “offsetting” the environmental impact of an action.
Sun Protection for Digital Nomads: Surf, Work, Repeat—Without Harming the Reef
Speaking of eco-friendly surf gear, sunblock and zinc are some of the biggest environmental concerns in terms of reef health and ocean conservation. You don’t want to be turning up to your Zoom meetings sunburnt like a tomato and dehydrated to a crisp! So, how can you avoid this with the health of the oceans in mind?
Most sunscreen products contain the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. These components have been proven to contribute to coral bleaching and ocean acidification: two negative impacts on marine health, which we don’t want as surfers who love a healthy ocean!
This is why it is important to look for products that are marked “Reef Safe”, meaning they do not contain either of these chemicals and are safe to use in the ocean. A reputable reef-safe zinc and sunscreen production company is Surf Mud.
Alternatively, surf hats are another great option for protecting your eyes and face from the sun, extending surf sessions, and are also reusable – a valuable addition to your travel bag!
Moving Around: Work Remotely, Travel Smart
As mentioned, frequent flights and their emissions add up ecologically. So, what are the ways in which you can manage this?
Slow travel is the first option. Staying longer at one surf spot and discovering other modes of transport (train/boat) will allow you to reduce air miles, whilst also truly connecting with the community at your chosen remote surf haven.
You are a digital nomad after all, which means you have the privilege of using your remote work flexibility to travel during off-peak seasons. Choosing to do this will reduce tourist congestion in surfing hotspots and support local economies all year round.
Furthermore, carbon offsetting your flights using verified programs such as Cool Effect can aid in compensating for emissions.
Lastly, getting around your chosen digital nomad surf town on foot and by bike are the most environmentally friendly ways of transport, and also the cheapest! Surf racks for bicycles are also becoming more popular – if you head to the local mechanic, they can whip up one for you in no time!
By selecting greener ways to move around, you are not just cutting back on carbon and greenhouse gases as a digital nomad surfer, but also slowing down and soaking up more of the good stuff along the way. Isn’t that a valuable point of this lifestyle?
Support Local: Sustainable Shopping and Food Choices for the Digital Nomad Surfer
Supporting local businesses instead of global retailers is an effective way of sustaining local economies. This is vital for the sustainability of remote surf havens, which are likely to depend on income from tourism. Thus, it is an essential act if you wish to maintain a digital nomad surf lifestyle in these types of locations.
Why not take it a step further by eating local food and seasonal ingredients? By skipping imported food items, you will also contribute to the local economy and support small-scale food systems. Consuming fresh, local, and seasonal produce means less limited resources are used to transport, process, and store food.
By supporting local businesses and farmers, you are not only reducing your environmental impact but also opening doors to authentic cultural experiences, friendships, and a deeper appreciation for each place you choose to surf, work, and live in.
Digital Nomad Stewardship: Leave it Better Than When You Arrived
Surfing destinations are coastal destinations. Therefore, wherever you might find yourself living as a digital nomad surfer, there are bound to be environmental initiatives in place that aim to conserve, clean up, and protect the natural environment and the ocean. Why not be a part of the movement?
Common community initiatives include beach clean-ups, educational talks, and fundraising events that are open to volunteers and the public to join. These are great ways to discover how you can make an impact for the local community, meet like-minded individuals, and connect with inspiring movements that tackle local challenges! An example of a movement in Bali, Indonesia that is always on the lookout for volunteers is Sungai Watch. If you find yourself in Bali, reach out and join their cleanups to make a difference!
Furthermore, why not use your remote talents to support local sustainability efforts or surf-related environmental groups? Use your digital platform to share eco-conscious travel and surf trips with the online community, and influence other digital nomads and surfers to do the same!
Conclusion
As a digital nomad surfer, you have a unique opportunity to explore the world and also protect it. By making intentional, mindful, and eco-conscious choices in how you travel, surf, work, and live in foreign communities, you’re not just sustaining waves and local livelihoods, you’re sustaining the lifestyle that you live and you love.
Now that you know what to consider to keep your surf travel sustainable, check out our articles about the top surf destinations and start planning your adventure!
