Algae, the future of eco-friendly surf traction pads. Photo: Bloom Holdings LLC
Now here’s a company that has found a way to capitalize on global warming. Algix, the world’s leading producer of algae bio-products, has teamed up with Effekt LLC to create Bloom, the first algae-derived surf traction pads. Because of rising ocean temperatures, the seas have seen an increase in algae blooms, which have in return had adverse effects on sea life. But Algix took this negative ecological development and turned it into something positive (hopefully…still no report on the quality of these puppies).
“Flexible foams have been overwhelmingly made out of non-renewable petrochemicals for decades,” says Rob Falken, Effekt’s and Bloom Holding’s Managing Director. “Over the past year we’ve worked really hard to create a suitable algae biomass alternative that doesn’t compromise performance and that delivers tried–and–true characteristics for all sorts of demanding applications.”
If you’ve ever tried seaweed chips, than Mr. Falken’s statement will hit home. Seaweed chips, while a healthy alternative to say, Doritos, just simply aren’t the same. When you’re craving that salty, highly-processed snack, nothing compares. So naturally, when you want to ensure stability in your back foot on a wave, it’s likely that you’ll trust the veteran surf traction brands, despite being a bane of the environment. But then again, don’t knock these eco-friendly pads till you try ’em.
Check out Bloom here.
