Fletcher Chouinard Designs and Patagonia share a commitment to causing the least amount of damage to the natural environment as possible. Though we assess every material and process to lessen our impact, admittedly, we are not perfect. Our goal is to produce the most environmentally sound surfboards possible while maintaining the highest standards of quality and performance. Here’s where we’re at right now:

Foam: Extruded polystyrene foam contains and releases no VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and it’s recyclable. Extruded polystyrene foam is safer for shapers to use, and less toxic to the planet. VOCs are a source of air pollution and can be a significant health hazard.

Resin: Epoxy resin has 75% fewer VOCs contained in the resin itself and two-thirds fewer VOCs are released into the atmosphere than from polyester resin. VOCs are a source of air pollution and can be a significant health hazard.

Fiberglass: The main ingredient in fiberglass is sand. The glass fibers are treated with various finishes so they absorb and bond well with the different resins. Our fiberglass is sized for epoxy resin.

Stringers: Our supplier slices the wood into the thickness required which wastes less wood than saw-cut wood. Glue cleanup uses soap and water.

Waste: Because epoxy construction requires precision there is less waste in the glassing process. According to an article in Longboard Magazine (V9 #7) reviewing surfboard construction techniques, the standard urethane/polyester shop wastes over five times as much materials as an epoxy glass shop.