Dish Surfboards was founded in a camping tent in my parent’s backyard in the landlocked state of Vermont. During the summer of 2024, I was a broke college student with an abundance of time, and a desire for a new surfboard. While working as a dishwasher at a vineyard, I used to spend my entire time at work looking at thousands of used wine corks just sitting in storage. I asked my boss for more than a thousand corks, to which she happily obliged (thanks Kate!!). That summer, I transformed these wine corks, alongside recycled plywood scraps, into the first Dish Surfboard: The Vino. After more than 100 hours, I had an unbelievably heavy and horrendously performing surfboard. However, this board did prove that the mission of building sustainable surfboards was possible. If I can build this in a tent, entirely by hand, with zero funding, how far can Dish Surfboards truly go?
At Dish Surfboards, we refuse to accept that the modern surfboard is a viable option. Many major surfboard companies rely on their consumers misconception that as manufacturers in the outdoor industry, they must be creating products that don’t harm the environment they “cherish”? This could not be further from the truth.
Over the past 2 years, we have been developing high-performing, durable surfboards with minimal environmental impact. Through the use of recycled foams, a bio-based epoxy resin, and plant-based cloth alternatives to fiberglass, we are handcrafting surfboards that are built responsibly and designed to last.
Let us be clear: we do not have a “perfect surfboard” yet. Our boards are not 100% recyclable nor 100% bio-based. However, unlike most surfboard companies, we are not accepting the current offering as good enough. F@#% that. We will continue to fight for a climate conscious alternative in a duplicitous surf industry that degrades the environment upon which it is so reliant.
it’s more than surfing.
General Questions? We want to hear 'em!!
Thank you!