Starting out as surfboard brand Sitka 18 years ago, the ecologyst story began in the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest. Inspired by the lifestyle that came with our founder’s own surfing trips, and a passion for protecting the natural landscape we felt lucky to call home. Made in Canada; a place people overlooked for surf culture until the rising popularity of Tofino. Many thought we were mad.
As our journey continued we expanded into other outdoor pursuits. But our love for gliding along peelers and taking on swell remains. All while riding our very own sustainable ecologyst Eco-boards. Putting our money where our mouth is when it comes to protecting the big blue we play in. And our shaper, Jay Novak, has been with us for the entire ride. We can even create the custom board of your dreams; just get in touch to start brainstorming.
Sustainable Surf
The ECOBOARD Project came to life in 2018 as a way to start certifying the best sustainable surfboards that were coming onto the market. And we’re Level 1 certified. Created by Sustainable Surf, it’s a third-party certification that’s a bit like the certifications for our clothes. Promoting the use of renewable, recycled and upcycled materials, minimizing toxicity in manufacturing, and reducing the carbon footprint of our surfing community.
The project assesses companies and their surf products based on not only the environmental standards, but the social criteria within the supply chain and performance of the product too. Our shaper, Jay Novak did an amazing job of sourcing materials that balance sustainability with performance. Including using a bio-based resin that’s naturally lightweight, allowing double the coat for a more durable board.
Surf Trip Essentials
When it comes to chasing (sometimes fickle) swell, we love to be ready at a moment’s notice. So we thought we’d share our best sustainable surf trip essentials. So you can always be prepared for your next coastal adventure too.
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Morning Surf Check requires a hot coffee in our durable Camp Mug. Whether it’s takeout from our favourite coffee spot, or a brew out the back of our car with friends packed in our 500ml KINTO Day Off Tumbler.
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In the temperamental PNW weather, we’ve always got our naturally waterproof, lightweight Anorak on hand. Made with 100% organic cotton Ventile.
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On chilly days, it’s a thicker, padded layer in our Quilted Jacket or Vest - a waxed cotton shell, lined with soft, brushed cotton, quilted with 100% bonded wool insulation. You can’t get much cozier than this.
- Our Donegal wool Fisherman Full-Zip is also great for chucking on after a surf — a zip-up chunky knit to wrap yourself up in around the fire or back in the car.
- A sustainable ecologyst Eco-Surfboard or custom-made. No brainer.
- For wet hair and warm heads, our naturally temperature-regulating, biodegradable 100% sustainable merino wool Fisherman’s Toque
Archival Films
Our Sitka surf team worked with rad humans and professional competitors like Tofino locals Noah Cohen, Kyler Vos and Pete Devries to name but a few. Lucky for us we got to encapsulate their adventures and talents in our surf films. Ever checked out our Archival Footage? From Irish swell in The Emerald Isle, to the waves of New Zealand’s West Coast with Mischa Davis in the Black Garden short, and time spent in Nova Scotia. To exploring closer to home spots like Haida Gwaii with Gwaliga Hart in The Fortune Wild (above), and The Great Bear Rainforest in Tipping Barrels with Aran and Reid Jackson. These visual pieces of storytelling keep the stoke alive while we’re waiting for our next wave. And continue to encourage us to tread lightly, protect, and courageously explore further afield when it comes to our biodiverse backyard.
Fast forward to 2020, and our most recent surf film Blue Hour by our in house director Cam MacArthur. Following Canadian snowboarder turned surfer Matt Young, as he lives along the coast of Vancouver Island. Slowing down and reconnecting to himself and nature. Tune into the ecologyst YouTube channel for more visual adventures. And subscribe to catch the past, present, and future of ecologyst films.
Making Waves
As surfers, we’re adamant about protecting where we play in a big way. Evidently environmentalists, we partner with local Canadian groups like Surfrider Pacific Rim, Pacific Wild, and Clayoquot CleanUp to do what we can to keep our oceans clean, and make waves in our community to encourage others to do the same. Some international grassroots organizations rooted in surf culture you can also support are Changing Tides Foundation, Textured Waves, and Surfers Against Sewage.
Check out our Instagram and Facebook for more environmental and surf-focused ideas. And sign up to our email list below to be first in the know of exciting updates and fresh films.
