Start Up of ReSurf Recycling Business
ReSurf is a new circular-economy business tackling the growing problem of old surfboards and neoprene wetsuits ending up in the landfill, products that typically lack recycling or upcycling options in BC and Canada.
Overview
By recovering, repairing, and reprocessing these surf products, ReSurf diverts waste from landfills, advances sustainability within the surf industry, and contributes to a more circular and resilient coastal economy.
Led by Surfrider Foundation Canada, the project operates from a 2,500 sq. ft. facility in Ucluelet on the West Coast. The site is equipped with industrial sewing machines for wetsuit repairs and a granulator for processing materials, and employs wetsuit repair technicians, surfboard recycling staff, and local volunteers to support outreach and events.
ReSurf works in partnership with local surf shops and landfills to collect donated and discarded materials, which are then sorted for repair, resale, or upcycling. The initiative has attracted interest from major surf brands and recycling partners, who intend to use ReSurf as a hub for warranty repairs and material processing within Canada.
Island Coastal Economic Trust is partnering on the project through a $150,000 investment from the Capital and Innovation funding program, under the Innovation and Technology investment priority.
Wellbeing Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
ReSurf will create inclusive economic opportunities through employment and pathways in the green sustainability sector, diversifying the local workforce and strengthening long-term economic resilience in the region.
Project Details
Project Impact
The Trust invests in projects using a Wellbeing Impact Framework that looks beyond traditional economic metrics. This approach evaluates how each investment strengthens economic prosperity, cultural vitality, climate resilience, and social empowerment. By focusing on outcomes that matter to people and place, the Trust works to spur new investments that create meaningful, lasting benefits across Vancouver Island and the coast.
Economic Prosperity
Creating one new social enterprise
Forging over 20 new partnerships across the full circular supply chain, including:
– B.C. surf shops (consumer drop off/collection points)
– Ocean Legacy Foundation (collection points for end-of-life wetsuits, diverting materials from disposal)
– Recycling and upcycling partners, including: Reclaimed Plastics, NexKemia, Lava Rubber, Langley Plastics, and Marko Foam
– Major wetsuit brands for Canada-wide warranty repairs, including: Rip Curl, O’Neill, Billabong, Xcel, Vissla, Volcom, and Finisterre
Climate Resiliency
Extending product life, reducing the need for new manufacturing and lowering the environmental footprint of the surf industry
Increasing regional capacity to manage waste locally
Recovering materials into new uses over single-use production and disposal
Reducing marine and coastal pollution by interrupting waste streams
Cultural Vitality
Providing opportunities for sustainability workshops and events for the community
Supporting storytelling about environmental stewardship and coastal culture