Council launches surf repair workshop to cut board waste

SURFBOARD repair will be the focus of a workshop in Kingscliff in June, with Tweed Shire Council partnering with the Surfrider Foundation to promote reuse and reduce surf industry waste.

Most damaged surfboards currently end up in landfill due to the difficulty of recycling their mixed materials.

“Studies of the surfboard manufacturing and disposal system show that the majority of surfboard waste is landfilled or improperly discarded, with very little material recovered at end of life,” council education officer Angie Burnheim said.

“Council waste services cannot process surfboards for recycling because of their mixed materials so transfer stations generally accept them only as residual waste.”

Burnheim said the workshops are designed to promote a circular approach, focused on extending the life of surf equipment.

“A circular surfing economy is about keeping surfboards, materials and skills in use for as long as possible,” she said.

The Kingscliff workshop will focus on hands-on learning, with participants shown how to assess damage and carry out basic repairs.

The program is being delivered in partnership with Surfrider Foundation, which Burnheim said helps connect repair skills with broader environmental goals.

“Surfrider brings a well-established understanding of ocean protection, waste reduction and surf culture, which helps frame surfboard repair not just as a technical skill, but as part of a broader shift toward responsible consumption and stewardship of the coastline,” she said.

There is potential for the program to expand, with Burnheim saying her team has already been asked to run a surf repair workshop at the Sustainable Living festival at Kingscliff High in September.

Beyond surfboard repair, Burnheim said wider industry waste remains a significant issue.

“Wetsuits, leashes and other accessories are also difficult to recycle and often end up in landfill,” she said.

“Workshops like this help shift demand from the ground up by encouraging surfers to value durability, repairability and longevity.”