PEP11: The plan and the protests
My name is Drew McPherson and I was raised on Awabakal lands on the shores of Lake Macquarie, just south of Newcastle.
Like many kids on the coast, the ocean was my playground and proving ground; a place where lessons were learnt and memories were made. The ocean is a huge part of our culture and a place where communities connects daily. It is a place where we can relax, unwind and enjoy the magic of the water without the troubles and stresses of the ‘real’ world.
But before I go any further, let me first introduce to you to the elephant in the room: PEP11, or Petroleum Exploration Permit 11.
PEP11 is a designated 4,500 square km area of ocean stretching from Manly, through the Central Coast to Newcastle that has been highlighted as a prime drilling target for gas extraction.
I first heard about gas exploration projects off the East Coast of NSW back in 2018, when seismic testing was being conducted for PEP11. Seismic testing is the process of loud, underwater repetitive blasts that give an image of the subsurface. This data is then used by oil and gas companies to locate the most lucrative place to drill for gas or oil.
When I first heard that this process was occurring off Lake Macquarie, which is the biggest saltwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, I researched meticulously the process and the effects it had on the marine environment. The research consistently showed that seismic testing causes catastrophic harm to the marine ecosystem, causing damage to everything from small plankton right through to humpback whales.
So I joined the community organisation Save Our Coast and helped rally the community to put an end to seismic testing off our coast. Our voices were heard and in January 2020 the company proposing the testing announced that they would no longer be conducting seismic testing for PEP11.
This was a big win, both for the coast and the community, but the fight was still far from over, as the gas company announced it still planned to go ahead with drilling for gas in our coastal waters.
Gas then became my research focus. I didn’t have to dig deep to find out that Australia is the biggest exporter of gas in the world!
This was interesting and shocking, as at the same time I was researching the dubious world of gas, the government and media were saying that Australia was experiencing a ‘gas shortage’. We are selling our gas to other countries, with the vast majority of profits going to private, offshore companies.
So, we're risking our coastline and ocean for the benefit of a few offshore companies, and that doesn’t seem sensible.
I understand that we still need gas and we still need oil, that’s just the way the world's set up at the moment.
But do we really, in 2021, need to open up new gas fields?
And do we need to do it off the most populated coastline in Australia?
We all know opening up more fossil fuel production is bad for the environment. We've lived through fire and floods, with experts telling us these events are being made worse by the climate crisis. We are all aware of it, and the majority of us are eager for new technologies that will hopefully lead us into a more environmentally harmonious way of life.
It’s been a huge year for the 'Stop PEP11' campaign. Together with our friends at Surfrider Foundation we’ve connected with communities all along the NSW coast and the message has been clear - these communities strongly oppose PEP11.
Politicians from all sides of the political landscape have also voiced their opposition, including Federal Labor, Greens Party, Independents, NSW State Government, and many Liberal MP’s. The final decision, as we were told, comes down to two people: NSW deputy premier John Barrilaro, and Minister for Resources Keith Pitt.
Earlier this year John Barrilaro announced his opposition to PEP11 but we are still awaiting a decision from Minister Keith Pitt. There is no doubt about it, this is a political game and we’re on the chess board. With marginal political seats along the NSW coast and a looming federal election, PEP11 really is the elephant in the room.
Together with Surfrider Foundation, Save Our Coast will be paddling out to voice our opposition to this ludicrous plan to drill for gas off the most populated stretch of the NSW coastline. If you’re a surfer, a swimmer, or anyone who enjoys the fruits of our coastline, then come along and join a paddle-out, connect with your community and scream your appreciation for the coastline from the top of your lungs.
Join us as we kick things off in Mona Vale, Sydney, this Saturday 17th April.
There are more paddle-out dates below. I hope to see you there.
- Mona Vale, Sydney, 17th April
- Terrigal, Central Coast, Saturday 24th April
- Newcastle, Saturday 1st May
Comments
Poorly written article but that aside, tell me what’s worse for the environment open cut coal mines in the Hunter and coal fired power plants? The Port of Newcastle is the worlds largest coal export port
Joe, you're undoubtedly a prize pillock. There's absolutely no need to have a go at someone who's trying their best to make a positive difference for mankind, and has the guts to actually do something about it. Whingers and internet trolls have no place here.
Drew, thanks very much for your dedication and your efforts in keeping this issue front'n'centre. There's no doubt that the only possible way this could go ahead now would be if this thinly-veiled corruption at the highest level won out. I'll be out there paddling alongside you, mate! I, too, will not stand for it! See you in the line-up (as always).
Even more poorly written response Joe. You seem to be suggesting that because Hunter Valley is an environmental disaster, there is no case for opposing the creation of another one off the coast here. Can't fault that logic because there isn't any.
Well if you had a gas source close to the Hunter maybe you might shut down all those open cut mines and switch to gas fired power stations, no open cut mine and no coal fired power stations that sounds like a step in the right direction......
so Joe what you're saying is that you think they put those coal loaders there in the Port of Newcastle there to supply a coal fired power station half and hour down the road.
can we have the edit button back please
Absolutely moronic take.
sometimes people need to take a step back and actually understand where does the energy come from that powers your homes, your cars and powers your place of employment. We all love the ocean without doubt and wish that the ocean and the surrounding environment remains as near to pristine as possible.
I personall have travelled and surfed extensively throughout our great land and wish that my and your grandkids will enjoy the natural wonders that exist in our big wide land, I want it to remain clean. However man has developed an insatiable thirst for energy for our current way of life, so this idea that we can drill for gas off WA, Vic, Tasmania safely needs to be accepted & not frowned upon just because it's in your backyard.
Let some common sense prevail for the interim period of a decade or two until we can develop sufficient clean reliable, alternative sources of base load power. Industry will not survive on green power at present, so we need the current sources of fossil fuels for a little while longer.
Just be a tad more patient if you wish to continue to surf, because surfing is definitely not a green sport given the methods & materials currently used to make surboards, provide the clothing that we all love to wear. Most of all these products & raw materials are flown or shipped into Australia aboard transport vehicles which use fossil fuels.
better go clean those cans and wash the walls there sunshine. Or are you just a nimby tard from sydney with the city values?
Does anyone have any knowledge regarding the potential environmental impacts of the gas extraction itself not related to climate change (i.e. if there is an explosion or other failure)? Has there been an environmental disaster of this kind? ( I am assuming there is no oil associated with the deposit).
The question here should be is gas extraction better for the environment when done offshore compared to fracking onshore?
Because i think most of us will agree fracking on land seems pretty bad, if we need more gas isn't it much better to get it from offshore rather than fracking onshore?
Most crew here wouldn’t even have a clue where the Pillaga is let alone the atrocities happening just over the range.
BPH.ASX up ~10.50% today alone on recent announcements (possibly a good buy if you're into gambling).
https://www2.asx.com.au/markets/company/bph
Apparently our Southern gas wells are reaching maturity and the AEMO announcing, “… additional sources of gas supply are required to address a forecast gap in meeting long-term gas demand from 2024”. (Possibly industry funded BS).
Barilaro and Scomo have paid lip service against it, but it remains to be seen whether Pitt will renew the licence or not. Not good signs this won't go ahead. Hopefully it all gets canned.
So sad to read these few comments and realise just how effective the gaslighting by the MSM has been. The fact that people still aren’t aware there is zero need for either these offshore rigs or the fracking, blows my mind.
Shit show.
Indo - The visual pollution of offshore rigs is enough reason to give this cash grab a steadfast GET FUCKED.
Last time this topic came up, someone claimed they wouldn't even be visible like traditional rigs, i don't know if this is true or not but these are the questions that should be answered.
But either way, if you're going to have rigs out at sea, where would you rather have them, offshore from some remote regional coast or offshore from Sydney and Newcastle?
I just find it a bit rich for city surfers to complain about the visual of some rigs out on the horizon when if they look back 180 degrees they are often looking at a concrete jungle.
eh, the city surfers are just complaining they didn't buy shares of the waterfront
Stick to you what you're best at mate. You're way out of your intellectual depth on this.
Gomer Pyle over here.
I’m with you blowin. As for the visual pollution, anywhere south of Newcastle won’t be able to see the rigs behind all the coal loading ships lined up. At north end of central coast I think the most I’ve counted is 23 sitting there over about 135 degree vista, but never less than 10.
It’s a shit show.
Scomo stacked his adviser positions with some of his mates on this one. Not much of a balanced board when you can swing your approvals. Looking after their financial interests before even researching a legit review or looking at possible alternatives. ABC 7:30 report or 4 corners covered this in detail. More fraud and stupidity from a fossil at the expense of a country that should be governed better. Who do you trust? When your gas prices are higher than those we buy it back from. Rorting Australians from the inside or just misguided scientific judgement. Gas has to be safe to win favour in sensitive areas. As for fracking in an area of major Agriculture and food production, we don't have allot of food producing areas in an arid country. Why would you risk it? Australians and established agriculture deserve better, let alone the environment. Scomo sold out yet again at the expense of valuable time and Australia's environmental future. As well as pay rolling his lobbyists and corporate mates. NSW should be calling his guard. Science speaks louder than scomo.
Gas needs to below $4 a gigalitre to compete with solar/batteries right now. You cannot find a supporter of gas that will say gas can be produced below $6-$8 a GL. That is, gas at its cheapest, is already between 50% and 100% dearer than solar/batteries right now before further technological advances make solar/batteries cheaper into the future. We no longer need gas exploration nor expansion nor do we need fracking across our prime farming land. For further information on this topic see last week’s 4 Corners ABC TV.
The use of gigalitre is wrong I’m now thinking, for the sake of discussion can I say unit
Yeah Robwilliams 4 corners 7.30 was worth a squizz.The future is renewable energy.technology is already here.
When KRudd got sacked for proposing a mining tax it showed us who really runs the country.
Good luck,I hope you/we/us stop these fracking kooks!
At some point the oil/gas bandaid needs to get ripped off. Staggering that our leaders won't lead us in to the future but cling to the past. Its gonna cost big time but at some point we need to start. Ive got solar and a battery for my house, at great expense, but it works and will work way past the initial investment is paid off.
Wish our leaders state and federal could start to look forward, pretty fucked for our kids if they don't.
We need more carbon in the air to combat the coming ice age
Bring it.
Showing your wisdom as usual bexy
Science doth make cowards of us all
Great satire.
Is there a time given for these protests?
I think it’s good that the Federal and State governments allow Australia’s natural landscape and resources to be raped and destroyed for the benefit of foreign interests. It’s important that political parties have the money lobby groups provide so that can help pay for political salaries, political pensions, party expenses and marketing campaigns because the country’s tax rates aren’t high enough to do all this, that is with all the dole bludgers and if we ever want to have a surplus budget, haha.. What is really important is winning the next election and this costs money, I mean come on! Do you think renewable energy companies have the capital or reason to bribe Australia’s political parties with the amount of funding they require?!
"Do you think renewable energy companies have the capital or reason to bribe Australia’s political parties with the amount of funding they require?!"
Actually yes a lot of these companies are heavily invested in both.
Take one of the most well known and controversial energy companies in Australia Adani.
Adani in 2020 become the worlds biggest producer of solar energy and not by a small margin, in 2020 they generated close to double the amount of solar energy than the next company. (see graph in article)
https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2020/09/09/adani-becomes-worlds-la...
And them breaking records in this area is not new, for some time Kamuthi built in 2016 in India held the place of being the worlds largest solar farm (now its about number six as bigger ones have been built)
Yes most energy companies are divesting into renewables, they would stupid not to. I think most of the upcoming government grants for Hydrogen-fuel development are being awarded to companies like BHP. But these renewable projects probably take a lot less massaging on the political front than open cut mining or drilling into reef shelf’s off the coast.
Any Adani says about its operations needs to be viewed with suspicion. If it truely is moving to solar as stated why the coal mine in Qld? It is said all that might possibly be something to do with maintaining the only thing on its balance sheet saving it from liquidation ie Abbott Point terminal which they vastly overpaid. Again, see ABC 4Corners from 12-18 months ago for further information. Iview.
What is there to be suspicious about?
Adani are quite simply a company out to make money, they invest where they believe can make money, the future for them will obviously be more and more in renewables, but their investment in renewables is not a recent move, as mentioned in 2016 they built what at the time was the worlds biggest solar farm.
And as mentioned currently they are easily the number one provider of solar energy in the world, they also have about 500MW of wind farms (I'm sure i read largest provider of energy produced wind in India) and they just won another 300MW project.
These are fact's and actually make Adani a world leader in renewable energy.
But if they can still make money from coal or gas or whatever im sure they will still try to make money in these areas too, and why not???
BTW. As we all know and both Labor & Liberal leaders have said, if our coal is not used the coal used instead in most cases will create more C02, as long as there is demand we will export coal, the day we stop exporting coal is the day the demand is gone..
It's not a LNP or Labor thing either (from last year)
"Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese says he anticipates that Australia will still be exporting coal in 2050, even under a Labor policy for net zero emissions".
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/coal-exports-likely-in-2050-albanese
Watch the program I mentioned and come back to me info, by all measures Adani isn’t your model corporate citizen. Essentially insolvent except for Abbott Point and being sued and in the courts everywhere in operates and especially so in many courts in India.
Argh i just clicked on it and yes I've watched it I watched it when it came out as people were going on about it here and on social media as some kind of evidence of how bad Adani are.
I remember my thoughts after watching it though, which was okay so that's it?...that's the best dirt you can come up with on a huge company operating in developing countries where things like environmental legalisation is weak and where corruption and money talks.
Nothing from the episode surprised me and I honestly expected much worst after the reaction from others, from memory a main focus of the episode was even some kid that lived next door to a coal port and had health problems, i mean seriously if that's the best they can come up with, they are either not doing much digging, or more likely didn't come up with much (which is kind of surprising)
Reality is all these big companies would be similar in how they operate especially when operating in developing countries, it's basically just part of how business is done at that level in developing countries and to an extent in developed countries.
Im sure in Australia there is corruption going on, but the hoops Adani has had to jump to get where they are is crazy, there is also a huge amount of misinformation around Adani and basically outright lies on many aspects of their operations.
It's actually crazy how media or social justice groups can actually publish complete misinformation without any real legal repercussions although i did see they took one of the main protestor guy's to court.
You and I must have watched different programs info .... all the court cases, the power plant built in environmentally sensitive wetlands without any approvals, the money transfers to tax havens that has left the parent company heavily in debt with no income sources, how Adani seriously overpaid for Abbott Point, etc etc
.... the power plant was completed years ago at huge cost yet remains in moth balls because of court action
A rare time I fully agree with blowin.
Perhaps troglodytes like Joe, queef and Indo can watch this. Warning tho. It has big words in it.
https://www.abc.net.au/4corners/fired-up/13299104
I will give it a view
But honestly four corners you might as well give me a link to ACA or 60 minutes sadly they all cant be trusted anymore.
G'day Drew . Good on you for organising a wave of protests opposing PEP11 . Are there plans for a
nation wide paddle out day similar to the 'Fight for The Bight' campaign ?
My entire family participated in that day , including my young'uns . The look on their faces when it was announced Equinor decided against proceeding with their planned exploratory drilling was priceless .
And Sydney Joe or Joesydney , mabey choose another pseudonym , cause your time at Swellnet
aint gonna get any better with that attitude .
Yup for sure I’m losing sleep over a forum and some comments......happy to debate over facts but any article that uses the term “dubious gas industry” loses me, what does that even mean?
Especially when I’m 99% sure everyone posting here is riding a board and clothes all made from petrochemicals.
And yet majority of us still ride petroleum based surfboards, use petroleum based products.
Our industry and myself are just as bad for using these products.
The 7:30 report was good though and worth a watch. Renewables have come down so much in price now do we really need to benefit overseas companies who overcharge for domestic gas. Some experts say that Chevrons Barrow Island, Shells Prelude and Inpex will never return a cent to Australia
100~ companies produce 71% of the worlds global emissions. Trying to pass the buck onto individuals is dumb and misinformed.
https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2017/jul/10/100-fossil-...
This guys reporting on the outside industry in Australia is excellent and worth a read for oil & gas related:
www.boilingcold.com.au
Very critical of the whole industry
“Some experts say that Chevrons Barrow Island, Shells Prelude and Inpex will never return a cent to Australia”
Even Shell says they’re not likely to pay any royalties.
“Fossil fuel multinational Shell does not believe it will ever pay the Australian government a cent in resource taxes for the gas it draws from the country’s biggest gas project, Gorgon”
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/apr/12/shell-expects-to-pay-au...
That’s not an oil and gas problem that’s tax avoidance, just like Google and 30% of the biggest companies in Australia.
No doubt about that. In this case the tax avoidance is possible because the PRRT has been structured in a way to allow it to happen. Not really suited to LNG projects for raising taxes.
From the point of view of LNG companies though it is perfect. Like Shell says, they are conforming to all the regulations
https://www.michaelwest.com.au/australias-top-40-tax-dodgers-2020-fossil...
Tax dodgers are a serious problem.
I know there where a few concerned over here with oil and gas projects in WA.
But probably not the same concern because it wasn't near Sydney or in there back yard.
Barrow was built on a A class reserve. How the hell does that get approval?
Plus all the oil ships off Exmouth at the back of the ninagloo reef.
Still, I can't say much. Worked for them myself and use petroleum based products everyday and especially surf gear.
Poeple are blindsided by mining...its doing so much enviromental damage but you dont hear WWF ..SEASHEPARD or any of the normal enviroment voices complaining about it fuks me why ? Must be money ..very hypocritical behaviour ...and mining seems to find a way to pay fukall tax or royalties or build any infrastructure unless it directly efects their profit margins ...we and those before us have created an economy that is fucked without mining and washed or should i say pumped our work ethic down the creek along with all of its unwanted pollution ...
Thanks for your efforts Drew. My questions are..
1..Given Australia is now the world's largest exporter of gas how is it possible that we have a local shortage of gas?
2..Does anyone benefit from this local shortage?
3..If we increase supply by opening up more extraction sites how can we be sure the extra gas will be available bfor the local market?
Probably a better question to ask is - what do you mean by shortage? Plenty of gas around but at what price? Like any free market companies are free to sell to those paying the highest price. If the Government failed to contractually secure a domestic supply obligation well that’s the Government problem. (Probably worth thinking about how this came about.....which industry had the most to lose if we had lots of available domestic gas.....I will give you a hint currently 75% of electricity generation is from coal)
Macrobusiness have taken apart the gas disaster very well, suggest a read there.
"Scott Morrison announced the $1.08 billion State Energy and Emissions Reduction Deal at a press conference in the Clare Valley, north of Adelaide, on Sunday morning.
The deal will aim to deliver more affordable and reliable power to South Australians, unlock gas supplies, and kick-start work on a new interconnector between SA and New South Wales."
"The focus on gas will help South Australia meet its own gas needs and assist efforts to prevent forecast shortfalls in the broader east coast gas market from 2023, as part of our gas-fired recovery," he said."
https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/scott-morrison-reveals-1bn-ener...
get fucked, go green. end of story
Anyone that asks what the actual problem with gas rigs is seems to get shut down as being dumb. If it's just an eyesore thing then it'll be a harder battle to win (but probably still worth fighting). If there's likely to be environmental damage, just explain it properly and then everyone will back this fight.
Can we all agree that the surfing industry is petroleum obsessed bar a minor few.
Shapers, surf companies and surfers.
Surf companies have done well off it. Plus a lot of shaper/surfboard suppliers pumping them out overseas etc.
I'd say very few, even the ones that have made there image off being "eco" are truly genuine.
Yes, surfboards and wetties are made from petroleum products, probably adds a millionth of one percent to the carbon emissions. Largely irrelevant to the debate.
Thanks velocityjohno and joesydney I will check your links out. Haven't had time yet because the surf on the Vicco West Coast has been going off the last few days.
No Fracking way.... we are heating up.... even big business agrees....& were still backing the polluters....
Coal generated more than 80 per cent of Australia's electricity in 2004.
The Howard Governments Securing Australia's Energy Future package in 2004 was a win for companies like Australian Power & Energy Ltd, which is planning to spend $6 billion on a new plant in the Latrobe Valley to convert brown coal into clean diesel and electricity by extracting the carbon dioxide and pumping it underground.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/howard-puts-faith-in-coal-20040614-gd...
Howard hails $35 billion gas deal with China in 2007
https://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2007/s2026329.htm
Aust Carbon tax outcome; AAPressure / career polly sack your elected Aust prime minsters Rudd and Turnbull & carbon tax
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-07-10/carbon-tax-timeline/5569118
Tony Abbott announces a policy for a fund, worth $2.5 billion, to provide incentives to farmers and industries to reduce emissions....etc
My Story and My Vision of China: Interview with "the Father of Photovoltaics", Professor Martin Green UNSW 2018
http://brisbane.chineseconsulate.org/eng/rwjl/t1652502.htm
Stay in the past and stagnate or move to the future seeking a cleaner energy solution?
Australia and other mineral gas rich regions have been fleeced eg Africa. By very wealthy multinational exploration companies for a large part of centuries. Thus we have seen economic theft from poor world countries and environmental disasters over and over again, local people screwed from the top down.
No financial chance to create great economic change, in asset rich countries. Wealth that should have benefited said countries and helped stabilise democratic self rule. Now renewables pose a threat not just to the established but the iorn grip they hold on exploiting mineral and gas wealth at the expense of those countries.
Renewables are moving ahead very quickly outside of political debate. They are stalling the inevitable and in doing so limiting Australia's future successes in staying central and competitive to the bigger world leaders in renewables. Bit like dial up landline telecommunication to mobile, no ones moving back the advantages are too clear. When was the last time you noticed a world leader holidaying at an oil spill? They are far removed from the disasters when they happen. Although the offshore bank accounts remain. Take better care of Australia. Take better care worldwide.
Natural Gas cushions the continent from collapsing under it's own weight.
Seismic Hydrocarbon outfalls drive the EAC Life Force timetabling the annual Whale Migration.
Gas harmonizes seasonal balance of pressure underneath Oz #1 Earthquake & Tsunami Hot Spot.
Newcastle de-watering of millions of tonnes was 4.3x that of the Coal removed & destabilized the Fault.
1989 Earthquake epicentre was 11.5 km deep at Mine's Coal Face...Tectonic Shift in the Balance...Oops!
http://www.australiancoalalliance.com/Earthquake.htm
Exactly! One extra scoopful is all it takes & yer City shakes & crumbles beneath yer feet!
This one scoopful cost more than every scoop for the last 188 years that built the town. (That much!)
{RIP} 13 deaths 160 injured > Damage (AUD $10 billion in 2021)
There have been 3 tsunamis & 3 more predicted at 8 gas outfalls on the Newcastle Shelf.
All work as one to drive the EAC...Capping the inner shelf exerts pressure on Continental Shelf outfalls.
These outer slip thermal points are massive and any jilt or exaggerated slip invites a Tsunami!
Capping inshore thermals will deplete largest Ocean food resource depriving largest Ocean Migrations.
Company wishes to suck thermals dry in 11 years. Depriving Krill > Central East Coast Life Force.
Capping Gas builds pressure then sucking it dry without replacement volume invites an Earthquake.
Repeating that Newcastle Seasonal Thermals drive the EAC keeping Earthquakes & Tsunamis at bay.
From 20-30km out, the pipeline hooks & nourishes Sharks back into local Power Station Beachies!
Companies argue to leave these Shark Monorails in place...(Too lazy to remove their debris).
The result being a desolate seascape apart from the Shark's Scenic Route Surfie Safari ...Yum! Yum!
Surely the lesson is etched into the holy lump of Coal...
In short, Crew know the one Golden Rule is to replenish what you take...tbb is not seeing this here!
Give them 5 minutes head start...out & stay out, until you show some respect ... Wake Up Oz!
When is the surf industry going to clean it's act up?
Garmet's made in North Korea recently by Bong,Quick and Rip under slave labour. Exposed
No push since the 1950's to move away from Petroleum products and here we are 70 years later still pumping out the same shit.
Boards,wax,wetsuits, legrope's, deck grip, clothes,sunglasses,shoes,hats all made from Petroleum products. Probably more products than that too.
What pro surfers over the years have endorsed eco board construction(ridden in comps)and products, bugger all.
Hypocrites
That's a fair callout, Leebo20. The surf "industry" is unfortunately what the word connotes: an industry, existing to consume resources for financial gain. Due to the lack of critical mass (and also lack of voice) of surfers who want a change for the better, the surf industry has been allowed to continue unfettered in its pursuit of pumping out mass-produced, short-life product for maximum profit, at the expense of the environment.
Thankfully, there are some leaders out there who've recognised the problem, recognised that there are better ways to make all of this stuff, and have committed their time, effort and resources to changing it for the better. Patagonia, for example, have pioneered the use of plant-based rubbers and recycled facings in their wetsuits, and they've willingly shared and promoted the technology to get the other companies to follow. Billabong has finally caught on, and is now making wetsuits from upcycled used car tyres and neoprene scraps. That one of the giants of the industry is now doing this is something to celebrate. There are loads of smaller manufacturers on this same trip - Project Blank, for example.
Boards - as you rightly point out - are one of the worst polluters, not only due to the materials they're made from, but even more significantly, the fact that they're not made to last. Check out pioneers such as Danny Hess, Grain Surfboards, and others who've pushed the boundaries of performance with boards made from timbers, bamboo, recycled EPS foam cores, plant-based epoxies, natural fibres, etc. These guys are all people prepared to make a genuine effort at positive change in the surfing world, and walk the talk.
Unfortunately, the mass-market machine driven by the industry giants has the ability to advertise, advertise, advertise, and thus convince impressionable minds that the latest mass-produced, pop-out model of whatever-it-is is something you just have to have. None of that has anything at all to do with surfing, though. It's just fashion.
Anyway... I could go on forever about this, but I won't. The sole takeaway point I'd like to make here is that there are alternatives out there that have far less of an adverse impact on the environment than the options that we've all been bombarded with. Take a look, try them out, and you'll find that you're not sacrificing performance, aesthetics, or anything else... and you might even begin to feel good knowing you're part of a change for the better.
Agree Patagonia are good. My problem with them in Australia is we seem to end up with the dregs of their stock
Big corporate logo design t shirts and limited shorts
In America you have more interesting prints on tshirts and just a bigger range.
Unfortunately the mentioned shapers/kits are in America and don't always have the shape your after
Be good if you had an eco option from any shaper of choice.
I know there's a wood surfboard community in Australia which looks interesting.
Maybe we can have a happy 100 year celebration in 30 years time.
100 years in Petroleum. Keep riding
Since 1950. Yeoow!
Only a surfer knows that feeling
We've done a couple of wooden boards now Leebo, one a plank on frame (outrigger, 'skeleton' construction) and the other chambered - both Paulownia which is renewable (the tree will grow back after felling). More time involved but if next point - build equipment to last and use it for a long time - is followed, then surfing is far less disposable. My boards in today's session were 10 years, and 21 years old respectively, still in great condition.
Foam is old, but we've still got the original 1962 and 1966 longboards in the family, which we had restored and are still fun to ride.
If you want to do air reverses, however, gonna need more flexy timbers. I've half a mind to do a full hippy board build for you crew, using stone age materials and tech.
That's really good. I'd really like to try one of those hollow wooden boards one-day( not the most handy with constructing stuff though)
Guess one of the problems is mass of everything getting pumped out these and with an industry that's made plenty of money and had the opportunity to change materials and not done it.
And when there's plenty of alternatives out there for boards and associated equipment that we all need.
Not saying it has to be "stone age" construction either, just better/smarter shit rather than the same old same old poly man who's probably 30+ years behind sail board tech etc and just keeps on going but uses the old argument "it doesn't have the same feel...
Pretty safe with me not doing reverse airs :)
That's really good. I'd really like to try one of those hollow wooden boards one-day( not the most handy with constructing stuff though)
Guess one of the problems is mass of everything getting pumped out these and with an industry that's made plenty of money and had the opportunity to change materials and not done it.
And when there's plenty of alternatives out there for boards and associated equipment that we all need.
Not saying it has to be "stone age" construction either, just better/smarter shit rather than the same old same old poly man who's probably 30+ years behind sail board tech etc and just keeps on going but uses the old argument "it doesn't have the same feel...
Pretty safe with me not doing reverse airs :)
This protest seems also for drilling.
You should read Boiling Colds article if Santo's Barossa project gets up and going. Will be one of the dirtiest operations in Australia emissions wise and shouldn't be allowed to go ahead. This project is probably far more advanced than this drilling protest one and probably a lot bigger producer.
Will we see protest for this or a paddle out?
Or is it okay because it's in Darwin?
www.boilingcold.com.au/santos-dirty-big-2b-barossa-bet/amp/
www.boilingcold.com.au/santos-dirty-big-2b-barossa-bet/amp/
Santos estimated the Barossa offshore development would emit an average of 3.38 million tonnes of greenhouse gases a year in its submission to the offshore regulator NOPSEMA