Surfing is killing it. This $10 billion global industry – built on the dream of carefree spirits, crystal clear waters and an even clearer connection to the natural world – has never been more popular. Surfing has set out its stall as the champion of environmental issues. But surfing has a dirty secret...

The majority of wetsuits are made from Neoprene – the commercial name chloroprene rubber. Chloroprene production is known to be a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical process.

The world’s largest chloroprene plant, owned by Denka, lies in the heart Reserve, Louisiana, on the site of a former slave plantation in an area known as ‘Cancer Alley’. The cancer risk here is the highest in the USA. It is 50 TIMES the national average. The Environmental Protection Agency states that this is due to chloroprene emissions from Denka.

Like the majority of surfers, we’ve been complicit in our ignorance surrounding Neoprene production. Once we knew the facts, we couldn’t ignore them.

Surfing’s toxic addiction to chloroprene is a death sentence for the people of Reserve. Natural rubber alternatives are available. They have been tested and proven to be just as good as the petrochemical alternatives, and better for people and the planet. Some brands already include natural rubber wetsuits in their range but what will compel the surf industry to make the switch full time?

Chloroprene is not just in wetsuits – it’s in leashes, gloves, boots and a whole host of products in the outdoors and sports world, and beyond. 

Chloroprene is also used in the manufacture of limestone Neoprene.

We want to urge the surf industry to lead the change and make the switch from highly toxic chloroprene rubber to natural alternatives.

Now you know the real cost of Neoprene wetsuits, please help ignite debate and effect change. Take the pledge to #saynotoneoprene and sign our petition which we'll present to the surf industry.

For more information about the film and campaign: thebigsea.org

The Denka Plant - Image: Lewis Arnold / The Big Sea

Sandy Kerr - Natural Charger, natural rubber wetsuit - Image: Lewis Arnold / The Big Sea

Campaigner Robert Taylor - Image: Lewis Arnold / The Big Sea

What's in your wetsuit - Image: Lewis Arnold / The Big Sea