Surfrider SVI Visits ReSurf: A Waste Management & Circular Economy-Based Program
By Ashley King, Volunteer Co-Lead, Surfrider South Vancouver Island
On May 31st, a group of volunteers from Surfrider South Vancouver Island (SVI) had the exciting opportunity to visit the newly launched ReSurf facility, located in Ucluelet, BC. The visit marked a meaningful step forward in our partnership to protect our oceans by keeping surf gear, particularly wetsuits and surfboards, out of landfills through repairing, remanufacturing, and recycling.
ReSurf officially launched on May 8th, 2025, and is already making waves in the sustainability community, offering a solution to the end-of-life impact of surf gear through their three-step program: Collection, Processing, and Next Steps.
Surfrider SVI is proud to support this mission by coordinating wetsuit collections from drop-off bin locations across South Vancouver Island, including Coastline Surf & Sport and other partner stores. These suits are then delivered by volunteers to the ReSurf facility when they are in the area, reducing both shipping costs and environmental impact.
"It was incredible to get a sneak peek into ReSurf's operation on the cusp of their opening," said Surfrider South Vancouver Island Chair Nicole Pointon. "Karen and Daniel shared the many innovative ways that ReSurf is already engaging to keep wetsuits and boards out of landfills and give these items new life as recycled products. We are really excited to work with ReSurf to explore a regular delivery service to bring donations from South Vancouver Island to Ucluelet. And we are thrilled to offer more details about ReSurf to the South Island community at our upcoming June 17th public meetup at Coastline Surf and Sport."
During the visit, volunteers learned about ReSurf's unique methods for extending the life of wetsuits. This includes in-house repair services, as well as creative upcycling like turning old suits into beer cozies, yoga mats, and more. Even zippers are separated and recycled into second-life plastic products.
One of the most exciting aspects of ReSurf's operation is their Surfboard Recycling Program. Volunteers learned how recycled boards are broken down and the EPS core is transformed into upcycled pellets. It's a smart and innovative way to give materials a second life.
Join Us and Learn More About ReSurf!
Don't miss this opportunity to discover how you can be part of the solution. Surfrider SVI is hosting a public meetup on Tuesday, June 17th at 7:00 PM at Coastline Surf and Sport featuring ReSurf Operations Manager Adam Gilmer, who will share insights about this groundbreaking program and how it's transforming ocean conservation.
Come meet our team, learn about our collaboration with ReSurf, bring in your old gear to our wetsuit drop-off location, and find out how you can help protect our oceans by supporting sustainable solutions like ReSurf. This is your chance to connect with fellow ocean advocates and discover practical ways to make a difference in our community.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Coastline Surf and Sport, Victoria, BC
Special Guest: Adam Gilmer, ReSurf Operations Manager
