Innovative company discovers unexpected use for old wind turbine blades — here's the latest developments

An Australian enterprise has discovered an inventive way to repurpose decommissioned wind turbine blades by turning them into eco-friendly surfboards. Draft Surf, in collaboration with energy provider Accionia, is bringing these massive blades from wind farms to the surf culture of the Gold Coast.

The particular blade used came from a wind farm near Waubra, Victoria, roughly two hours from Melbourne. Professional surfer Josh Kerr introduced the first surfboard crafted from this material in a social media video shared by Surfers For Climate. Remarkably, a single 12-foot blade weighing 661 pounds can be transformed into ten surfboards.

This initiative addresses two major issues. First, it makes surfboard production more sustainable. Conventional boards are often made from polyurethane or expanded polystyrenepetroleum-derived substances that contribute to global warming and microplastic pollution, as they do not decompose naturally and eventually occupy landfill space.

The second concern relates to the blades themselves. While wind turbines generate clean energy for most of their 20-to-30-year lifespan, their blades are built to endure the elements and often outlast the turbines they power. This longevity creates a challenge for disposal, inspiring creative recycling projects ranging from asphalt to footwear.

Although the surfboards are not yet commercially available, the project shows significant potential. Upcycling these blades exemplifies how waste materials can be transformed into functional and sustainable products, reflecting a broader trend of reimagining everyday items for a second life.

Author: Ava Mitchell