11 FOOT BIG WAVE SURFBOARD TO BE DISPLAYED AT SURFING HERITAGE MUSEUM, LATER AUCTIONED AT “FUTURE OF SURFING” EVENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Solana Beach, California--May 27th, 2010--In an effort to push the boundaries of what is currently possible in surfboard construction, Rerip.com, an organization that focuses on end-of-life issues in surfing, commissioned Malama Composites, a company who produces stronger, lighter, environmentally superior foam, to construct this 11 foot big wave surfboard (or gun) out of the most sustainable and high performance materials available. While there are many combinations of choices, this board was built with a soy foam blank, kelp and bamboo cloth, epoxy and linseed oil resin, a bamboo fin and water based paints.
Rerip and Malama have worked together for over three years raising awareness for stewardship and cleaner materials in surfing while involving and giving back to the San Diego community. This board not only represents what is possible in terms of sustainable materials and cleaner chemistry for the craftsman making the boards, but the materials meet or exceed performance standards of any 11 foot gun on the market. Local Ocean Beach shaper and business owner, Ryan Siegel says, “natural fabrics are often times stronger than fiberglass and the foam and resin are much safer to work with and omit no VOC’s. I shape and use these boards and they are better than anything else Iv'e tried.”
The board will be on display at the Surfing Heritage Musem in San Clemente until the 4th annual Future of Surfing event this fall, where it will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. The Future of Surfing is an annual board swap and fundraiser which celebrates sustainability in surfing while raising money for local, non-profit organizations. Last year’s main auction item was a Fender guitar signed by BB King and painted by Wade Koniakowsky which sold for $7,500. The gun also be viewed on Rerip.com, and bids can be placed online today.
About Rerip.com
Rerip.com is the leading online classifieds site for selling, buying, reusing and recycling action sports equipment. The company understands the importance of having the best and most functional equipment, and also the need to be ecologically responsible by sharing the resources that already exist. Whether providing the best venue for the purchase and sale of equipment, higlighting the newest and cleanest materials or making available locations to drop off unwanted gear, Rerip.com is part of the solution for end-of-life issues in the surfboard industry.
About Malama Composites
Malama Composites manufactures proprietary rigid polyurethane foams made from plant-based materials like soy. Malama can produce fundamentally new core materials that are strong, light-weight, cost competitive, and far more environmentally sustainable than petroleum-based alternatives. Founded by a composites engineer who personally witnessed the harmful and carcinogenic effects of the toxic chemistry in surfboards and other composites. This motivated Malama to seek alternative, more sustainable, less toxic alternatives to petroleum based foam core materials.
