Welcome to Sustainable Surf's 2023 Annual Impact Report.

In 2023, we continued to ride the wave of sustainability, making significant strides towards our goals of reducing the environmental footprint of surfing through our Ecoboard Project, and regenerating the health of our Ocean Planet through our SeaTrees program. Join us on this journey as we showcase the impact of our collective efforts and the positive change we are driving for our ocean and beyond.

A Message from Our Founders

Kevin Whilden

Co-Director | Founder

Michael Stewart

Co-Director | Founder

Table of Contents

Use the key bellow to jump to a section of the report.

01

VISION

Reverse Climate Change.

02

MISSION

Regenerate the health of our Ocean Planet.

We believe the ocean is the hero of our story – to boost biodiversity, support local communities, and reverse climate change.

To help enable these superpowers, our programs work to plant, protect, and restore coastal ecosystems, while also activating people to live a more sustainable, ocean positive life.

Growing Our Team

Sustainable Surf added three new staff, growing our team from eight to eleven employees.

We brought on a dedicated ECOBOARD Project Manager, Social Media Specialist, and Content Creator. This improves our ability to serve our mission, produce more content, and progress toward our goal of 100 blue carbon projects by 2030. We're very excited to continue to grow our organization and impact in 2024 and beyond.

Welcoming New Directors

In 2023, Sustainable Surf proudly announced the addition of new board members, introducing fresh perspectives and expertise to further our mission. Their dedication enhances our vision, amplifying our influence and driving us towards greater levels of innovation and advocacy.

Strengthening Alliances

In 2023, we welcomed two new ambassadors to our team, each embodying our commitment to ocean conservation and help amplify our message and drive positive change around the world and to the youth activist community. Our SeaTrees ambassadors helped us spread our message across global platforms including COP28, The Ocean Race, Ohana Fest, and through activations like the One Blue Voice Petition.

New Sustainable Surf Team Members

01

02

SeaTrees

SeaTrees plants, protects, and restores coastal ecosystems around the world to reverse climate change.

The ECOBOARD Project

The ECOBOARD Project transforms the way high-performance surfboards are made to be more sustainable.

Our Reach

*Social reach and impressions were calculated using the analytical tools and data metrics provided by the various media platforms. Maximum media reach was calculated based on the total circulation of publications.

Financial Overview

2023 was a busy and productive year for the Sustainable Surf team. Thanks to the support of our fast-growing community and the amazing brand partners and foundations supporting our mission, we were able to grow our income by over 35% year on year. Coming in at over $3.4 million in contributions and program service fees and a total operating cost of $2.8 million, our growth in 2023 was driven by the success of the SeaTrees Program.

SeaTrees income continues to be used directly for the program delivery, which includes developing and funding ecosystem restoration projects, creating educational content and films, and evaluating program impact with project site visits and other data collection methods. In 2023 we also launched two new exciting science projects focused around developing kelp forest outplanting (restoration) and the study on how to quantify CO2 sequestration through kelp forests. Alongside the active project work, we also successfully completed our first Financial Audit for the fiscal year 2022 through the auditing firm Haskell White LLP.

Our outlook for 2024 is to stay on the path of growth to meet our goal of 100 projects by 2030.

$3.4M

2023

Total Income

$2.8M

2023

Total Expenses

indirect

cost rate

Program Focus

SeaTrees

Planting and Protecting our Ocean Planet

SeaTrees is a program of Sustainable Surf that develops coastal restoration projects around the world to reverse climate change. We believe the ocean is the hero of our story – to boost biodiversity, support local communities, and reverse climate change.

Through SeaTrees we plant, protect, and restore coastal ecosystems, including kelp and mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, coral reefs, oyster reefs, and coastal watersheds.

SeaTrees funds this work through donations from brands and individuals who are committed to reversing climate change and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. We partner with local nonprofit organizations at each project location to manage the restoration and protection work being done, providing a vast array of critical benefits to both the planet and people.

Our Northstar goal:

On World Mangrove Day 2023, SeaTrees achieved the milestone of planting 3 Million SeaTrees across 21 projects.

As of the end of 2023, we’ve planted and protected a total of 3,910,723

SeaTrees and brought on 7 new projects.

Our Ecosystems

Coastal marine ecosystems are Incredibly efficient at drawing out carbon out from the atmosphere and sequestering it faster than terrestrial ecosystems. Despite these benefits, they are one of the most threatened ecosystems on Earth. The regeneration of these ecosystems provides critical habitat for countless species, sustainable long-term employment for local communities, and protection from climate change impacts.

Our Impact

So Far

In 2023, we reached over 3 million SeaTrees planted and restored across our projects around the world.

These 3 million SeaTrees breakdown as follows:

What are SDGs?

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are designed to transform our world for good by 2030, and are how we measure the impact of each SeaTrees project. The success of our projects relies on creating jobs and livelihoods for the local communities involved in maintaining healthy ecosystems for the future.

SeaTrees projects reduce climate change impacts, increase terrestrial and marine biodiversity, protect endangered species, create sustainable jobs, alleviate poverty and hunger, support education and gender equality, and more.

2023

New SeaTrees Projects & Impacts

Setúbal, Portugal

Seagrass Protection and Restoration

The project engages local “Seagrass Guardian” ambassadors to protect a naturally emerging seagrass meadow. This project will fund the official scientific mapping of the meadow, as well as costs associated with community engagement, education and training to mitigate the

harmful impacts of anchoring and navigation.

Mallorca, Spain

Seagrass and Algae Restoration

The project engages multiple approaches to ensure not only seagrass and macroalgae restoration, but research, marine debris removal, community engagement through education, hands on training and volunteer opportunities, educational signage, and

the development of a blue economy.

Cardiff, CA, USA

Coastal Watershed Restoration

This project is one of the most extensive wetland restorations in California. Restoration work is crucial to eliminate and manage invasive plant species and reintroduce native species to the lagoon. Efforts focus on maintaining the health of the lagoon's lands and waters by improving tidal circulation, and undertaking vital restoration work to preserve salt flats as crucial habitats for various animal species.

Cascais, Portugal

Kelp Forest Restoration

This project employs green gravel stones for a unique kelp forest restoration technique, and involves seeding stones with seaweed spores, nurturing them on land, and deploying them at sea. This scalable and cost-effective approach aims to rejuvenate kelp forests without the need for divers or specialized equipment.

Broad Cove, MN, USA

Oyster Reef Restoration

This project utilizes advanced technologies such as eDNA and real-time monitoring buoys to restore the degraded oyster beds in Broad Cove, Yarmouth, Maine. Aiming to restore these ecosystems after years of pollution and overharvesting, this project incorporates a comprehensive monitoring process to assess the impact on biodiversity enhancement, nutrient removal, and improvements in water quality driven by the oysters in Casco Bay.

Project Highlight:

Rising from the Ashes

One key aspect of the SeaTrees Maui Watershed Restoration Project, done in collaboration with Regenerative Education Centers, involves removing invasive non-native species and preparing the soil for the introduction of native plants, also known as regenerative agriculture practices. Just weeks before the 2023 Lahaina fires, the REC Farm's north-west site was cleared to make room for the upcoming SeaTrees planting. By clearing the area of invasive brush, grass, and trees that could have fueled the fire's spread, this initiative played a significant role in containing and halting the fire at the border of our newly restored location.

With the fire path halted, REC’s nearby farm at Olowalu was then set up as a hub for critical activities, from coordinating communications to distributing supplies, and even providing temporary shelter for those uprooted by the fires.

To learn more, watch our video below.

A Community-led

approach

Our efforts this year to restore coastal ecosystems and reverse climate change would not be possible without our amazing restoration partners. Because of them, we’ve made great strides in our mission to regenerate the health of our Ocean Planet.

Each of our SeaTrees projects is operated by local organizations that conduct the restoration, planting, maintenance, and monitoring of their blue carbon ecosystem. And it is thanks to them, and all your support, that we have achieved the monumental goals we've accomplished this year.

In 2023, SeaTrees launched two restoration science projects with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Restoration science develops new methods to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, with the ultimate goal of scaling these methods around the world.

Program Focus

The ECOBOARD Project

The first and only independent consumer-facing “eco-label” for boards.

The ECOBOARD Project transforms production methods for high-performance surfboards to be more sustainable. The ECOBOARD Project makes it simple for board builders to make more sustainable boards. Sustainable Surf verifies surfboard materials (resin and foam) and processes that reduce the carbon footprint, waste, and toxicity of boards during manufacturing. Our list of over 20 Qualified Materials makes it easy for board builders to find better materials to make their boards.

“The simple act of choosing a more sustainable board can be an on-ramp into a dramatically more sustainable, ocean positive life.”

- Michael Stewart, Co-founder of Sustainable Surf.

~500,000

ECOBOARDS Made since the project’s inception

Over the past year we have been working on our website to make it as easy as possible for you to find and purchase an Ecoboard near you. Just select the level and type of board you want, add your region, and get to browsing!

In 2023 we continued to grow the program by adding Tyler Fox as the new ECOBOARD Project Manager. As we continue to see a change in the sustainable surfboard market, we wanted to capture the opportunity to grow the program.

ECOBOARD Project shaper Marc Andreini’s Bonzer replication crafted from a chambered agave-wood core from GrowBlanks, and glassed with plant-based epoxy resin from Entropy Resins, took home the silver out of 43 entries in the 2023 Boardroom Best of Show contest.

We are thrilled to introduce that 2023 was a year of growth within our SeaTrees community. We added two new ambassadors to our lineup - each a shining example of what It means to be an ocean advocate, above and below the water.

Bodhi's journey to becoming a UN Ocean Climate activist started at a young age, where he discovered solace and wonder amidst the waves, which got him started on his pathway to becoming an engaged youth activist. Driven by a deep connection to the ocean, his lifelong commitment revolves around protecting marine ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, kelp forests, coral reefs, and coastal watersheds, vital for carbon absorption and supporting marine life.

Miguel stands out for his climate activism, championing eco-friendly practices and advocating for sustainable surfboards. Actively involved in both our SeaTrees Program and The ECOBOARD Project, Miguel encourages ocean-conscious choices, using boards made from recycled materials and bioresin. Beyond surfing, he leads by example in ecosystem restoration, inspiring surfers globally to contribute to the well-being of our Ocean Planet through sustainable practices.

Stakeholder Engagement

In 2023, we reintroduced our SeaTrees Ocean+Positive Solution tailored for brands aiming to address their climate impact, biodiversity objectives, and community support. This empowers brands to take immediate action to sequester more carbon emissions than they’re creating by blending certified carbon credits generated by protecting coastal watershed areas and direct restoration of marine ecosystems.

To become Ocean+Positive, a brand must measure the appropriate scopes 1, 2, and 3 related emissions, wipe out (offset) all or a portion of it with our SeaTrees Tokens, and continue to improve the way they operate by reducing their overall carbon footprint.

The rebranding of Climate Neutral to the Change Climate Project represents a renewed dedication to tackling climate change. In 2023, SeaTrees began a partnership with the Change Climate Project, offering businesses the chance to fulfill their commitment through SeaTrees. This collaboration enables businesses of all sizes to contribute to a sustainable future.

As a 1% For the Planet Environmental Partner, we're delighted to share that 1% For the Planet business members can now fulfill their commitment by purchasing SeaTrees carbon credits, taking a meaningful step in global climate action. This partnership is a significant stride in SeaTrees' vision to reverse climate change, allowing businesses not only to meet environmental commitments but also actively contribute to coastal ecosystem restoration and marine life preservation.

We're excited to announce our formal inclusion in the Nature Positive Initiative, a distinguished invitation that marks our next major milestone for Sustainable Surf. This aligns with our commitment to prioritize nature in our problem-solving efforts, reflecting our dedication to revolutionizing environmental approaches.

Through collaboration with key partners, the initiative challenges conventional problem-solving methods, advocating for a fresh perspective centered on nature as a pivotal solution. Our participation underscores SeaTrees' strategic commitment to championing a holistic, nature-positive mindset. We're honored to contribute to this transformative initiative and anticipate its positive impact on the global environmental discourse.

Looking ahead to 2024, the excitement continues to build. We are thrilled to announce the addition of at least 8 new projects in locations spanning Florida, Ecuador, Fiji, and the Dominican Republic. Our goal is to reach the significant milestone of 5 million SeaTrees planted, and we aim to further amplify our mission by expanding our ambassador network.

The growth of the Ecoboard Project remains a focal point, and your ongoing support ensures that we continue transforming the way high-performance surfboards are made towards a more sustainable future.

Coming in 2024: Blockchain Impact Tracking Project

In 2024, we will launch a blockchain enabled system to track the impact of all SeaTrees projects. This will increase the transparency of our impact across all of our efforts to protect and restore coastal ecosystems.

We would like to thank all of our supporters for helping make our work possible. Without you, our work to reverse climate change by regenerating the health of our Ocean Planet would not be possible. We're all about partnerships that deliver tangible impact and create engaging content/stories for a global community of people who care about the ocean. We look forward to diving deeper into our partnerships in 2024 and beyond.

Board of Directors

Ambassadors

Corporate Partners*

Jim Moriarty

Brian Thurston

Kevin Tighe

Steve Shipsey

Cathy Campbell

Justin Wilkenfeld

Michael Stewart

Kevin Whilden

Maria Gonzalex-Blanch

Danni Washington

Advisory Board

Dr. Margaret Leinen

Brian Spitz

Eric Chin

David Yuan

Chris Malloy

Steve Reiss

Charles Adler

Yves Béhar

Dr. Jess Ponting

Pamela Wilhelms

Dr. Octavio Aburto

Ershad Jamil

Brett Bradbury

Ashley Lloyd

Bianca Valenti

Bodhi Patil

Chris Bertish

Danni Washington

Greg Long

Kassia Meador

Kevin Mirsky

Miguel Blanco

Pacha Light

Ryan Harris

Zane Kekoa Schweitzer

Sarah Lee

Pedro Bala

Rob Machado

Bo Bridges

Alison Teal

11th Hour Racing

11th Hour Racing Team

12 Tides

4Ocean

Agency73

AltamarCAM Partners

Anabela Chan

Avocado Green Brands

Baloo

Beachly

BLDG Active

Blue Apple Beach

BMO Bank N.A.

Body Glove

Bumble Bee Seafood

Burgeon Beer Company

CALI

California Naturals

Clove & Twine

Compose[d] Creative

CoTZ Skincare

Custom Patch Hats

Dorai

DPR Construction

dryrobe

Earthbar

Earthshare DAF

ettitude

Everist

Experience Travel

Firewire

Florence Marine X

Four Fin Creative

Form Nutrition

Freshpet

Full Moon Digital Marketing

goodr

GoPro

Green Circle Salons

Grounded Packaging

Head High Wines

Hula

Foundation Supporters

Journe Brands

JuneShine

Kassia+Surf

Kindhumans

Langley's Gin

MaCher

Mangrove Diamonds

MARA Beauty

Nixon

Onomao

OSEA Malibu

Otelier

P&Co

Pacifico

PEDAL Electric

Performance Horizon Inc

Plant-for-the-Planet

Pledge

Preserve

Prosper Insurance

Protect Blue

Quiksilver

Rizo's Curls

Salesforce

SATO Technologies

Scout Canning

SCP Hotels

Seavees

Slimes

StorQuest

Sunnyday

Surftech

Swimtrek

The Garment

The LineUp

Uncommon Sensing

Unita

Venus Fashion

Water Buffalo Ventures

Waterways Travel

WeTransfer

Zenith Adventure Media

*Donated $1,000+ in 2023

Bentley Environmental Foundation

Boardriders Foundation

Blue Marine Foundation

One Earth Philanthropy

Plant Champion Trees

Tidemark Capital Foundation

Moccassin Lake Foundation

Horejsi Chartible Foundation

Schwab Charitable

Haas Foundation

Onda Foundation

Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation

Clark and Kathryn Porter Family Foundation