Boost for wetsuit recycling scheme as The Wave Project opens revamped shop

Tuesday, 8 April 2025 13:40

The Wave Project’s Newquay shop has officially reopened following a major refurbishment aimed at expanding the charity’s Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme.

It is hoped the revamped space will help reduce neoprene waste in Cornwall and support young people’s mental health through Surf Therapy programmes.

Almost half of the UK’s 380 tonnes of non-recyclable neoprene waste is produced in Cornwall. To help address this, The Wave Project has teamed up with Cornwall Council and SUEZ to launch a wetsuit recycling and reuse initiative. Donated wetsuits can be dropped off at the Newquay shop or in recycling bins at local household waste centres. Items are sorted, checked and prepared for reuse. The scheme is also expanding to include pre-loved surfboards.

Major structural changes have created a more welcoming and practical space. All profits from the shop go directly towards funding Surf Therapy sessions, which help children and young people build confidence, resilience and mental wellbeing through time in the sea and other natural blue spaces.

According to NHS figures, nearly 9,000 children and young people in Cornwall accessed mental health services in the year to March 2024. Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust saw referrals rise from 4,500 in 2019 to almost 12,000 in 2024.

The Wave Project says its programmes offer a valuable alternative, providing safe, supportive experiences that help young people connect, grow and benefit from the calming power of the ocean.

Ramon Van de Velde, Chief Executive Officer at The Wave Project, said:
“We are incredibly excited to reopen our Newquay shop with a fresh new look and an even bigger commitment to sustainability. By expanding our Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme, we ensure that every purchase made funds vital Surf Therapy programmes for young people across the UK. The demand for mental health support has never been higher, and we are proud to be part of the solution – helping young people thrive and find a sense of belonging.”

Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager for Cornwall at SUEZ, said:
“We’re delighted to be supporting such a sustainable initiative that is also doing such fantastic work in local communities through the Surf Therapy programmes. The new shop designs are quite inspiring and we’re looking forward to seeing the success of this helping to support more young people.”

The shop is now open to visitors. Anyone interested in supporting the project or donating surf gear can visit to find out more and explore the newly redesigned space.

The refurbishment was supported by £116,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, £22,500 from SUEZ, and £7,500 from The Wave Project.