Wave Project wetsuit recycling scheme wins national award

Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at 12:33

A scheme which gives unwanted wetsuits a second life while supporting young people through surf therapy has won a national award.

The Wave Project's Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme has been named Best Partnership at the LARAC Awards, recognising its work to reduce waste and make surfing more affordable.

Since launching in 2024, the initiative has helped divert 27 tonnes of neoprene from the waste stream, allowing usable wetsuits to be reused rather than thrown away.

The scheme, delivered in partnership with Cornwall Council and waste management company SUEZ UK, encourages people to donate unwanted wetsuits and surfboards, which can then be sold at affordable prices.

Profits raised support The Wave Project's Surf Therapy programmes, which use surfing to help improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

Celebrating the award, the charity said: "It's a simple idea with a huge impact: every wetsuit that finds a new home helps reduce waste, makes surfing more affordable and, through the profits raised, supports our work of transforming young lives through Surf Therapy."

The Wave Project is now encouraging people to donate usable wetsuits and surfboards to its Newquay shop during the October half-term holiday.

More information about the scheme is available on The Wave Project's website.

More from Newsplus Newquay News

RNLI issues coastal safety warning as Storm Austen approaches Cornwall

The RNLI is urging people to stay away from exposed coastal areas as Storm Austen threatens to bring damaging winds and heavy rain to Newquay and Cornwall in the early hours of Friday.
Council tax ‘loophole’ costing Cornwall millions is ‘almost criminal’

A legal ‘loophole’ which allows second homeowners to flip their properties to short-term holiday lets and then claim back council tax refunds for as far back as 33 years ago has been branded ‘almost criminal’ by Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for resources.
Storm Austen: Amber wind warning issued as gusts of up to 85mph forecast for Newquay

An amber weather warning for wind has been issued for Storm Austen, with potentially damaging gusts and huge waves forecast to hit Newquay on Friday morning.
Newquay MP to hold public meeting over antisocial behaviour concerns

Newquay's MP is inviting residents to share their concerns about antisocial behaviour at a public meeting involving police and local organisations.
No 10 North meeting points to Cornwall ‘moving into the future’

A meeting between Cornwall’s MPs, its council leadership and members of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s team at No 10 North yesterday points to Cornwall moving into the future, according to Cornwall Council’s Liberal Democrat leader Leigh Frost.
Newquay Zombie Crawl organisers monitoring weather ahead of Saturday's event

Organisers of Newquay's popular Zombie Crawl say they are closely monitoring the weather forecast ahead of Saturday's event, with a decision on whether the parade can go ahead expected later this week.
First named storm of the season set to bring damaging winds and huge waves to Newquay

The Met Office has named the first storm of the season, with Cornwall facing potentially damaging winds, heavy rain and huge waves on Friday.
Call for emergency meeting to discuss ‘serious concern’ at Cornwall Council

There has been a call for an emergency meeting at Cornwall Council after ‘serious concern’ was raised following the resignation of three senior officers within a week which also saw questions asked about the local authority’s finances.
Reusable spaceplanes could soon take off from Newquay

It comes after a new agreement signed with space transportation company Dawn Aerospace
Newquay Dramatic Society celebrates double win at Cornwall theatre awards

A Newquay theatre group is celebrating after picking up two awards at the Cornwall Drama Association Theatre Festival.
Newquay AFC climb to fifth after back-to-back wins as local sides endure mixed weekend

Newquay AFC secured their second 2-0 victory in five days to climb to fifth in the Western League, while it was a disappointing weekend for several other local football, rugby and hockey teams.
New reuse shop opens at Newquay recycling centre

A new shop selling second-hand goods has opened at Newquay's Household Waste Recycling Centre, giving unwanted items a second life and offering shoppers the chance to pick up a bargain.
Major road closures planned as Nansledan safety improvements to get underway

Road safety improvements in Nansledan are set to get underway later this month, with a series of major road closures planned between October and April next year.
Over 100 surfers registered for World Record Attempt “Most Surfers Riding A Wave” in Newquay

EarthWave’s mass participation event is scheduled for the end of this month after a previous postponement.
Newquay mayor challenges removal of play equipment from council park

A Newquay councillor has criticised the removal of play equipment from a play park, questioning why Cornwall Council has not replaced it and suggesting the opening of a new £150,000 playground elsewhere in the town was used to justify the decision.
Cornwall now has the seventh worst debt in the country

Cornwall Council is facing a “challenge” and “very difficult decisions” to cut its spending as it faces a debt of £2.360bn within the next five years.
Cornwall Council chief executive Kate Kennally leaves after 10 years

Cornwall Council has announced that its chief executive, Kate Kennally, is leaving the authority after ten years in the role, following a previously unexplained leave of absence.
Fly-tipping appeal as number of incidents reaches 17,500

Residents in Newquay are being urged to help tackle fly-tipping as Cornwall Council launches a new crackdown.
Newquay family speaks to Radio Newquay about £50,000 appeal to help four-year-old Jude

Audio

A Newquay family has been speaking to Radio Newquay about its efforts to raise £50,000 to adapt their home for a four-year-old boy living with a rare condition which causes progressive muscle weakness.
New places where dogs will be banned or kept on leads

A number of new locations in Cornwall will see dogs banned or restricted to being kept on a lead, including part of Perranporth beach.

Now Playing

Wave Project wetsuit recycling scheme wins national award

Share

More from Newsplus Newquay News

Now Playing