It wasn’t Patagonia’s gear that first caught my attention; it was their identity as a responsible business comprised of bodysurfers.
I originally learned about Patagonia’s business ethos while watching 180 Degrees South. This 2010 documentary film retraces a road trip taken in 1968 by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard from Ventura, California to Patagonia, Chile.
I came away from watching 180 Degrees South with a different understanding of what a major brand like Patagonia could represent.
The film inspired me to devour other Patagonia-backed media: Come Hell or High Water, Plight of the Torpedo People, Slow is Fast, Bend to Baja, The Fisherman’s Son, Let my People Go Surfing, The Responsible Company, and more.
I also fell in love with Patagonia’s blog, The Cleanest Line, which has published several beautiful articles about bodysurfing.
Patagonia’s surf ambassadors are great bodysurfers
In fact, it was through these books, articles, and films that I discovered many of my heroes in the surfing world, such as Dave Rastovich, Belinda Baggs, and the brothers Malloy (Chris, Keith, and Dan).
Not only are Patagonia’s surf ambassadors phenomenal wave riders, but they are also environmental stewards and activists.
Take Belinda Baggs for example, a champion longboarder and bodysurfer from Australia. Baggs is also a leading environmental activist in her home country.
Recently, her participation in the “Fight for the Bight” movement led to the single biggest coastal environmental action in Australian history.
I love the pureness and simplicity of bodysurfing. Feeling the cold water immersing my body, the currents pulling you and wave energy pushing. It’s wild and free. – Belinda Baggs
What I like about Patagonia’s gear
Patagonia is B Corp and Fair Trade Certified. They are also a founding member of 1% for the Planet—donating one percent of sales to environmental non-profits over the past 35 years.
Their mission statement says it all: “We are in business to save our home planet.”
Patagonia has lived up to its mission statement by shifting its global supply chain to support organically grown or recycled materials. These innovative products include swim trunks made from recycled fishing nets and wetsuits made from naturally harvested rubber.
What is more, Patagonia’s clothing includes an “ironclad guarantee” that holds true for the entire lifetime of the product.
Conveniently, the best way to mitigate your environmental impact is to purchase durable products that last a lifetime.
Patagonia’s gear is certainly built to last, but if it wears down, the company will repair, replace, or refund the product for you. Their Worn Wear program allows consumers to purchase used apparel at discounted prices.
According to Patagonia, “buying used extends a garment’s life by about two years, which cuts its combined carbon, waste and water footprint by 82%.”
5 Patagonia products for bodysurfers
Bodysurfers are not separate from the ocean—we are part of it. Therefore, we should support companies like Patagonia that promote ocean health and reduce environmental harm.
Here are 5 of my favorite eco-friendly Patagonia products for bodysurfers:
Patagonia Mushroom Handplane
Produced by Enjoy Handplanes in Leucadia, California, the Patagonia Mushroom Handplane is made from 100% biodegradable, recyclable, and repurposed materials.
This eco-friendly “mushroom” bodysurfing handplane is made from a blend of agricultural waste and mushroom mycelium, then covered in a recyclable epoxy resin.
Yulex Natural Rubber Wetsuits
Patagonia makes neoprene-free wetsuits from a blend of 85% Yulex natural rubber and 15% synthetic rubber.
The natural Yulex rubber is from sources that are Forest Stewardship Council® certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
Recycled Polyester Swim Trunks
Made from 100% recycled nylon sourced from post-industrial waste fiber, discarded carpeting, and post-consumer fishing nets.
All Patagonia men’s swim trunks are durable and backed by an iron-clad guarantee.
Women’s One-Piece Swimsuits
Patagonia’s one-piece swimsuits are perfect for environmentally conscious female bodysurfers looking for swimwear that will stay on when riding waves.
Made from recycled polyester and/or nylon, 87% of Patagonia’s women’s swimsuit line is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
The Plight of the Torpedo People
Printed on 100% recycled paper, The Plight of the Torpedo People documents the making of Patagonia ambassador Keith Malloy’s debut film Come Hell or High Water.
Come Hell or High Water is the first feature-length film made about bodysurfing.
Looking for more gear recommendations? Check out this list of the best bodysurf equipment.
