Wow, this week escaped me! I just returned from an epic trip to Kaua‘i for a friend's wedding at the Anahola Taro Patch, a truly beautiful place. Anyway, I'm back and I'd like to introduce you to Jeff Bushman and Kyle Bernhardt, the guys behind Country
Feeling Surfboards, an eco-surfboard company on Oahu's North Shore that takes an earth-friendly approach to design. It surprised me to learn that the materials typically used to make surfboards are heavy on harmful chemicals and fumes considering a surfers' close relationship to the ocean. Jeff and Kyle are some of the first shapers that have taken a "green" initiative with their building techniques, creating a classic line of fishes, twin fins, funboards, longboards, and stand up paddleboards, to name a few. Jeff took some time to answer a few questions for hi. life. You can keep tabs on these guys via their blog. Enjoy!
How did Country Feeling Surfboards come to be + who's idea was it to finally bring "green" materials to the industry?
Country Feeling came from the idea back when surfing was simple and there was still a lot of magic involved. The whole exploration of going surfing and finding places in pre-internet days, pre-surfline and pre-surf forecast days, when you had to drive and discover waves. It’s the feeling you get when you go someplace and it feels new and you're in awe of how special and different it is. A lot of that has been lost.
So the company was originally going to be a retro line and then turned into more of a green materials board line because that seems like the direction we need to go. The consumer dictates what the board builders will make. The board builders aren’t going to take the time and do the research and make "green"products unless customers want them. Now with global warming and environmental issues it’s very important to start to approach "green" ideas especially for something as pure and natural as surfing. Being so close to nature and the ocean, it’s very important to use materials that are more environmentally friendly.
Where do you go to find inspiration?
The inspiration comes from nature. Surfers are the ones who play in the ocean, so we're trying to create an awareness about the environment that will effect small steps toward appreciating nature— recycling, planting a garden, riding a bike, are just a few examples.
What does a typical day look like for you guys?
I start the day in the garden, feed the fish and water the plants. Then I ride my bike to check the surf and plan out the day's activities. Depending on the ocean conditions, I'll either go surfing, stand-up paddling, or swimming after I shape some boards. Before sunset I take my dog to the beach and I finish the day with a nice quiet dinner.
How would you describe the North Shore surf scene?
The North Shore has some of the most consistent surf on the planet. The high level of ability makes this an exciting place to be a surfboard designer. We are able to continually test and refine all different kinds of boards. During the six weeks of Triple Crown, this place gets really busy and surfers from all over the world are walking around stoked to be here.
What are some of your favorite spots to hang/eat/surf in Hawaii?
Hang-outs: the beaches near my house, Sunset and Backyards, and home. I enjoy watching the show at Pipeline when it's working.
Eat: Besides home, Opal and Aoy Thai lunchwagon in Haleiwa, and Lei Lei's
Surf: Sunset Beach
What theme song best describes that country feeling?
"Home" by Jack Johnson