Rerip: Reduce, Reuse, Reride Surfboards

Based in Solana Beach, California, Rerip is a non-profit organization dedicated to keeping surfboards out of landfills. Founded in 2006 by Meghan Dambacher and Lisa Randall Carpenter, Rerip sets up locations for people to drop off their unwanted surfboards, fins, and wetsuits. The non-profit also advocates for a cleaner surf industry by hosting local events and awareness campaigns for surf and environmental education.



While surfing is often associated with a healthy lifestyle, clean oceans, and beaches, the industry has a “dirty little secret” that was exposed only recently. The number of surfers has grown from 5,000 to 23 million over the past 50 years. As the number of surfers continues to increase, so does the number of surfboards that they own. Many people use dozens of boards each year. These boards, however, are highly toxic due to foam cores and fiberglass resins.

Rerip decided to become a part of the solution to this problem. After experimenting with various business plans, models, and ideas, the team zeroed in on keeping boards out of landfills. With no viable recycling programs for the surfing industry, excess foam and unusable boards usually end up in landfills.

Rerip collects surfboards in any condition. Many boards given to the program are in great shape, and Rerip works with local ding repair craftsmen to ensure they are watertight. Several boards are donated to non-profit organizations or people in need. Some are resold for nominal prices and the funds are used to keep the program running.

Rerip also works with different local artists and organizations that use surfboards for art projects, signage, or displays, including Wade Koniakowsky, Cherrie LaPorte, Brenda Griffin, Solid Surf, and Bamboo DNA. Everything from whole boards to fins and broken bits have been salvaged and reused. Other collected boards are broken up and tested for research and development.