The compsand construction (vacuum bagged skins over eps), invented by Australian guru Grant Newby, allows to build boards that are 70% organic by weight and carbon neutral. No fiberglass or resins of any kind are necessary, they only need a protection coat like oil or wood floor varnish, which makes repairs super easy!
SMALL DING SKIN REPAIR
BIGGER DING WITH LOSS OF MATERIAL
FlamaClassic is the original concept that started my adventure in 2010 with some very simple yet optimistic goals: building 100% organic surfboards out of wood with the least environmental impact. 15 years later we can say we achieved many of those initial goals: we brought the technique as far as we could, perfecting it and trying to make lighter yet durable boards, and the test of time has proved that the FlamaClassic technique is totally trustworthy.
FlamaClassic construction is carbon negative, probably the most sustainable technology today
MAIN GOALS
> 100% organic and unglassed surfboards
> building blanks to be hand-shaped
> offering custom blanks at market price
> best weight/durability ratio
> simplest construction method with minimum energy consumption
Surf Sufficiency is a program designed and developed by the NGO Vanderful-Seeds of Hope, a development package that empowers communities in sub-Saharan Africa to ‘shape their own surfing future.’ An integrated, hands-on program designed to teach how to build, maintain, and repair surf gear using available materials. Their goal is to help building sustainable surf industries, fostering a deep respect for the ocean environment and encourage the growth of a self-sustaining surfculture.
We’re big fans of their work and share a same worldview with Vanderful, so finally the opportunity arose to join them in one of their projects: Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique. And what happened there far exceeded our expectations.
In Mozambique, we empowered young people by providing them with tools and knowledge to repair surfboards, reuse old boards to make new ones using sustainable and local materials. We taught them our building techniques so they don’t need to use resins and fiberglass. At the same time we instilled values of care and respect for the ocean, and of course, shared some waves with them.
Today, the community of shapers we have formed understands the importance of reducing pollution caused by traditional boards and products. They are now able to manufacture their own boards in a sustainable way and have the necessary knowledge to improve their economy in a responsible and viable way.
In addition, we also imparted knowledge about sustainable business models, allowing the local community to benefit economically through tourism without compromising the environment.
Flama Circular is not just a project, it is a mission. It is about generating a positive impact on the entire ecosystem that surrounds the world of surfing. All this, done through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Learn more at: https://vanderful.org/
All images by Rita Galanó
In October 2023, in the workshop we held in Cadiz, we built our own high-performance surfboards from start to finish with FlamaVolta technology. It is one of the most environmentally friendly construction methods available today. It uses a lamination method with no fiberglass or toxic chemicals, which allows us to manufacture high performance and durable surfboards.
“FLAMA CIRCULAR Build and Surf Cadiz 2024” was a unique event that combined sustainable surfboard building with surf workshops and community activities.
It was more than an event, for five days we had an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the exciting world of surfing while learning how to contribute together to a more sustainable future. In addition, we learned about carpentry techniques, combinations and finishe.
