Case Study: Pacific Surf School
For Pacific Surf School in Tofino, this summer is not the first time it included water conservation measures in its business practices.
The busy surf school, which also partners with Storm Surf Shop to offer surfboard and wetsuit rentals through Pacific Surf Company, took the initiative to bring in an outdoor water tank for washing surfboards and wetsuits during the 2006 water shortage.
This year, as the District of Tofino moved into stage two water restrictions, both the school and the rental company started re-using water throughout the day to wash suits.
The company also stopped rinsing rental surfboards altogether, cutting down significantly on their water use.
“We’re not spraying down boards, we’re just brushing them off,” said Estuardo Ventura, who is general manager of Pacific Surf Company.
A rainwater tank was filled during the spring and is on hand when needed, added Ventura.
Ventura confirmed they have had some questions about the unwashed boards, but he said it gives the staff at the school an opportunity to educate their clients about the water situation in Tofino.
“We’re trying to do our part,” he said.
Ventura, who has worked with surf companies for four years, said he thinks the surf industry uses less water than people think.
Being prepared to quickly implement these measures helps Pacific Surf School to reduce its overall water footprint even more.