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“We believe that when it comes to surfing, sustainability and performance are not mutually exclusive. “By replicating world-class designs onto sustainable materials, we envisioned a world where everyone can surf exceptionally and responsibly. “However, it really was our focus on performance that morphed this business from a passion project to a fully-fledged operation. There’s no point making boards with an environmental consciousness if they don’t perform. Surfers won’t buy them. “We’re using innovative technology to give you a lively ride that you can be stoked about both in and out of the water. And because we’ve reimagined iconic surfboards from the hands of world-class designers, we’ve created an elevated, sustainable surfing experience that even meets the needs of the most experienced, seasoned surfers. Our boards go incredible.” The approach has to be applauded. To construct hollow wooden surfboards on this scale is quite mind blowing. And it has been Maurice, Damien Cole’s father, who has been secretly with Varuna from the start, working behind the scenes and guiding them with his knowledge of structure and the intricate minutiae that take a board from the ordinary to extraordinary. In an interview with surf photographer and filmmaker Peter Baker, Maurice had this to say about his collaboration with Varuna. “There are literally thousands of variables that go into creating a magic surfboard. And across the industry, I’ve continuously pushed design innovation, which has defined what a person can do on a wave. “It’s been incredible to be a part of the evolution of surfboard design. But after all these years, what has continuously plagued me is that we’re still making surfboards, using the same toxic materials, which after 75 years has become a huge problem. “Working with Varuna has been such a pleasure. By using their sustainable materials and their sustainable manufacturing process, I feel like I’m now part of this family where we are all part of the solution.” Quite clearly both Varuna’s mission and vision to not only redefine the world of sustainable surfing but to also revitalise the planet by doing what they love, resonated with Maurice. Damien explains the three core principles guiding the company. “As we developed the business, we all understood there were a couple of non-negotiables – basically three parts to our business that if we didn’t get right, it wouldn’t get off the ground. They were in relation to sustainability, performance and integrity. “When it comes to sustainability, we vow to pursue, innovate and inspire sustainable solutions that rejuvenate our planet. We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standard of sustainable production, so our planet can have a chance to thrive. “When it comes to performance, we simply aim to create products grounded in exceptional performance, responsiveness and durability. We’re achieving that aim by collaborating with world-class designers to optimise performance of these boards. <strong>SB</strong> / #54 / 44
“When it comes to integrity, we’re conducting our business with the utmost respect toward our customers, our team, and most importantly, our planet. We are doing this by pursuing a business framework rooted in a carbon negative future, so our kids can stay stoked in cleaner oceans and thriving wilderness.” From what we can see, the team at Varuna are living and breathing their edict and have fully adopted their mantra “from seed to surfboard”. Indonesia has been victim to massive deforestation practices for decades. Once abundant rainforests have been transformed into barren grasslands, incapable of regenerating on their own and pushing wildlife species out of their habitats. Balsa trees were initially planted to counter deforestation, but being an invasive species in Indonesia, the solution created more problems. With balsa being the key material used in Varuna sufboards, the team figured out a way to rid forests of balsa overgrowth while regenerating these abandoned lands of plenty to get the materials they need. Basically, the balsa is harvested via two methods. First, they selectively log existing balsa trees, effectively weeding the forests of them, and secondly via permaculture. This approach requires a more detailed explanation. Varuna are working closely with the Indonesian government, expanding green zones to reforest, regenerate and rejuvenate the land through sustainable practices to reduce environmental impacts and revitalise the area. They’re doing so through permaculture methods, planting balsa trees in tandem with native plant species. Most importantly, as Damien points out, the balsa trees are harvested before they flower. It only takes 4 years for balsa to fully mature, so once it’s harvested, the native plants are left behind to flourish and thrive. This regenerative practice leaves behind a restored ecosystem rich in biodiversity, generating economy for local farmers, encouraging self-reliance and advocating sustainable practices. Permaculture is known to promote resilience through biodiversity and restores natural resources, allowing nature to rejuvenate while empowering local communities. Varuna have even swapped the traditional shaping bay for a jungle workshop and minimised The way we see it, it’s our responsibility as surfers to do whatever we can to protect the thing we cherish most. their waste partnering up with renewable allies. Damien explains, “We’re abandoning the traditional shaping bay for an environmentally forgiving alternative with a system that minimises waste while giving back to the planet in colossal ways. “We’ve committed ourselves to an approach rooted in conservation. Any harvested balsa not used in Varuna production sees the excess materials transferred to our partners in various sectors such as wind energy, railway, models and biochar, which is used around our balsa plantings. (Biochar is said to offer multiple soil health benefits in degraded tropical soils.) This ensures minimal waste and responsible use. “From seed to surfboard, we’re minimising our environmental impact through innovation. The way it stands, the climate crisis threatens everything we love about our planet. And as surfers, that love flows deepest with the ocean. The way we see it, it’s our responsibility as surfers to do whatever we can to protect the thing we cherish most. That’s the mission we’re on and why we are going about our business the way we are.” For those interested as to the origin of the name Varuna, Damien explains the inspiration stems from their intrinsic connection with the environment, a devotion to optimal performance and a collective passion for conservation. “Associated with clouds, water, rivers and the ocean, Varuna is a powerful Hindu deity and ‘one who encompasses the whole world.’ It’s his influence over the environment that inspires our calling to go full circle, or, from seed to surfboard. “In our eyes, the rains bring our balsa crop, which is then transformed into surfboards, and ultimately returns to the ocean from which it originally began.” varuna.surf
Page 1 and 2: smorgasboarder 2022 #54 SURFmagazin
Page 3 and 4: CONTENTS #54 2022 66 58 22 12 news
Page 5 and 6: for the seas Eco-conscious. Sustain
Page 7 and 8: 20% ZINC SUNZAPPER.COM.AU | @SUNZAP
Page 9: Forever forward. It is what my gran
Page 13 and 14: NEWS Following the Australian Surf
Page 15 and 16: NEWS Had a gutful Oceanfoil Surfboa
Page 17 and 18: 17 / #54 / sb
Page 19 and 20: Photo: Paul Hardie | Surfer: Mark H
Page 21 and 22: make a wish... OKE CUSTOM SURFBOARD
Page 23 and 24: of the t r e e words: Dave Swan & A
Page 25: the evolution of the wooden surfboa
Page 28 and 29: “I came to realise what I was doi
Page 30 and 31: COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS Bringing the jo
Page 32 and 33: “It’s a pleasure to surf on a h
Page 34 and 35: “Many of my wooden boards are han
Page 36 and 37: he is legend The title we refer to
Page 38 and 39: “That works out to $25 per hour,
Page 40 and 41: SB / #54 / 40
Page 42 and 43: fueling the fire Revered by many, M
Page 46 and 47: One man’s trash is a surfer’s t
Page 48 and 49: connected by water Sometimes when y
Page 50 and 51: SB / #54 / 50
Page 52 and 53: See the wood for the seas Mark Rile
Page 54 and 55: When Rob from Tree to Sea Surfboard
Page 56 and 57: SB / #54 / 56
Page 58 and 59: AQUATIC
Page 60 and 61: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch “
Page 62 and 63: THE ART IS SB / #54 / 62
Page 64 and 65: Laura’s love of the surf and the
Page 66 and 67: W W SB / #54 / 66
Page 68 and 69: Wayne Winchester is the man behind
Page 70 and 71: HE ATTEMPTS TO SOURCE PERIOD CORREC
Page 72 and 73: Example of providence - Martin Pott
Page 74 and 75: SB / #54 / 74
Page 76 and 77: 7’10 X 20 X 27/8 Foam and wood, s
Page 78 and 79: SMORGASBOARDER • SMORGASBOARDER
Page 80 and 81: SB / #54 / 80
Page 82 and 83: Out There, DOIN’ IT! “This is m
Page 84 and 85: SUP CENTRE In days heavily reliant
Page 86 and 87: SADHANA SURFBOARDS NZ Board Buildin
Page 88 and 89: AUS AUSTRALIA , S BEST SURF SHOPS B
Page 90 and 91: HUGE CHOICE. UNBEATABLE PRICES. BES
Page 92 and 93: Peter White still making the surfbo
Page 94 and 95:
10% off ONLINE “REVIVAL10” at c
Page 96 and 97:
HED NINE REW OMING HROUGH Shed Nine
Page 99 and 100:
pic: @corabezemersurf The Harries P
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