As people venture into the outdoors and discover the vast playground that we call home, looking after it starts to become a real focus. We all like to think that we are “green”, environmental action sportsmen and sportswomen, I certainly would. When I come to think about it though, we get through a lot of equipment: new surfboards, bikes, hiking boots and every accessory that comes with it. Surfboard shapers and skateboard makers are starting to think about their environmental impact, turning out recycled-epoxy foam surfboards and reusing the ply from old skateboard decks in various projects. Back in 2011, Björn Holm went one better crafting a surfboard out of old skateboard decks and stoke in a four month recycling project.

The project (‘RETO’) was to build a 6’4″ fish made exclusively from old skateboards. A former Finnish professional motocross rider, Björn Holm has an unusual background in furniture design studies and an interest in board building. “This project has taken me four months. It’s been a long process, but I have had so much fun! I decided to make a fish since the sweetest line I have ever got was on a this style of board. I just really like the way they feel under my feet. This board in particular is 100% old, recycled skateboards. There are no other materials in it. I was very picky about that.”

The challenge of building a board out of old skateboards is that there is “no base material to work with, therefore one has to produce and create its own basic material constantly.” Furthermore the maple ply essentially has no straight lines after its life being shredded as a skateboard deck. Never the less, Björn utilized his skills to create a well balance and colourful wooden board that he says works great in the water! “The board is stable, easy to paddle and catch waves with and it is such an amazing thing to ride something that you have made yourself. There really is something special about it, all the hard work put down finally pays off.”

Björn saved all the materials and small pieces that came from the process, and used it in subsequent work. Pictures from the project below:

Photos and Footage: Courtesy of Björn Holm

More of Björn’s work will be featured on Adapt Network in the future but if you can’t wait check out more at his website: http://www.boboholm.com