Local Businessman Launches Eco-Friendly Paddleboards
Local entrepreneur Tom Cawthorn is on the brink of launching a groundbreaking line of eco-friendly paddleboards, driven by a deep concern for the environmental impact of traditional plastic boards. With a vision to create a sustainable alternative, Cawthorn has spent the last two years developing various prototypes made from agave cores, which are reported to be 70% more environmentally friendly than conventional boards.
The Birth of an Idea
Cawthorn, the founder of In2Adventure and Supability, has now ventured into the world of paddleboarding with his new brand, Tide and Timber Boards. His journey began when he became increasingly uneasy about the environmental consequences of conventional paddleboards. “Two years ago, I realized that we were using these plastic boards that weren’t very good for the environment,” he shared. His reflections on the issue led him to conclude, “We’re part of the problem.”
The Market Challenge
The paddleboard market has seen an influx of inflatable boards, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as prices plummeted. However, Cawthorn noted a decline in quality, with many boards being poorly constructed. “The glue would fail, and they burst a lot,” he explained, leading to boards that were often unusable after just a year or two. This realization spurred him to seek a more sustainable solution.
Discovering Agave
Unable to find a genuinely eco-friendly alternative, Cawthorn began researching new materials and eventually discovered a surfboard manufacturer in Kenya that utilizes a natural core from the agave plant. “The core is from a plant called sisal or agave. It’s just a waste product and very similar to foam,” he explained. Traditional paddleboards, made from foam, come with a high environmental cost, including significant CO₂ emissions during production and the release of microplastics during shaping.
Collaborating for Sustainability
Cawthorn partnered with the Kenyan company Grow Blanks, where he oversaw a project that bundles agave stems and glues them together to form the board’s core. However, the first prototype proved too heavy for practical use. “It’s really good on the water and lovely to look at, but really heavy,” he admitted. To address this, he collaborated with a German company to create a second prototype, incorporating chambers into the agave core to reduce weight and enhance buoyancy.
Evolving Designs
The design process has been iterative, leading to a third prototype that Cawthorn expects to have ready for sale and rental in Gibraltar soon. Cork sourced from Portugal is being used for the decking, replacing plastic components. Accessories typically made from plastic, such as handles and mounts, are being redesigned using walnut and recycled wood, while fins will be crafted from recycled fishing nets.
Positive Impact in Kenya
Beyond environmental considerations, Cawthorn is proud of the positive impact his project is having in Kenya. “It’s creating jobs in Kenya,” he noted, highlighting the employment opportunities for carpenters at Grow Blanks in a region with high unemployment. Once the agave blanks are prepared and dried, they are shipped to Europe for finishing work, with plans to expand operations to northern Spain.
A Sustainable Supply Chain
Cawthorn describes the supply chain as a cross-continental effort centered around sustainability. Tide and Timber Boards are designed to be environmentally considerate at every stage of their lifecycle, emphasizing durability and repairability. “These boards, if we look after them, will last for about 10 years or longer,” he stated, noting that the natural fiber core is also biodegradable if a board is ultimately discarded.
Addressing Local Needs
Understanding the storage challenges faced by residents in Gibraltar, Cawthorn has devised a solution. He plans to create a storage rental facility at Sandy Bay beach, where boards can be securely stored in racks with combination locks. This will allow local customers to easily access their boards for quick paddling sessions before or after work.
Corporate and Hospitality Interest
Interest in the eco-friendly boards is already extending beyond Gibraltar. Eco resorts in Portugal and other parts of Europe have expressed interest in using the boards as both equipment and a visible sustainability statement for their guests. Cawthorn emphasizes that these boards support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by avoiding toxic materials and promoting outdoor activities.
A Circular Economy Approach
Cawthorn’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the boards themselves. He is in discussions with Bassadone Motors about reusing waste materials, such as old seat covers for board bags and old seat belts for straps. Throughout the design process, he has consistently asked himself, “Is there a less harmful alternative?” This question has guided his decisions and innovations.
A Personal Connection
For Cawthorn, this project is more than just a business venture. “When you’re paddling, you feel the difference of being on something natural that has an authentic story behind it,” he reflected. His firsthand experience in Kenya has given him a unique perspective on the job creation and community impact of his work, making the journey all the more meaningful.
