Award winning ocean activist backs new eco beach wear brand

AN award-winning UK paddleboarder and eco pioneer is to be the face of a new Devon ethical beachwear brand, set up to help families make waves with their wardrobe.

David Haze – who was recently named Ocean Activist of the Year by Surfers Against Sewage at its Plastic Free awards – has joined forces with Ottery St Mary-based SeaSurf.

And the 38-year-old, from Dorset, who is a nine-times world record stand up paddleboarder, has pledged to help the fledgling business in its war against waste.

The brand was founded by Marc Astley and his partner Laura Bond who, following a chat about recycling with their children, discovered less than one per cent of the world’s clothes are recycled.

“It’s estimated that the average garment is worn only 10 times in the UK before disposal,” said Marc, a former journalist.

“Around 350,000 tonnes of clothes, with an estimated value of £140m, go to landfill every year in the UK – so we launched SeaSurf to try and do something about that.”

The brand’s launch range features hoodies, shorts and t-shirts for men, women and children and every item is made from 100 percent organic cotton in factories powered by renewable energy.

Logos are all printed in the UK using eco-friendly water-based ink and once items have been outgrown or are no longer wanted they can be returned and recycled into new ones in exchange for an online store credit. 

David, who holds the record for the fastest crossings of the longest lakes in Great Britain, achieved a world first in 2022 when he circumnavigated the 70-mile Isle of Wight coastline with 100 percent carbon neutrality.

Every single item he carried, used or wore during his Great Green Paddle Project was either fully recycled, recyclable, eco or environmentally friendly – which Marc believes makes him an ideal ambassador for Seasurf.

He said: “Our clothes are aimed at people who spend a lot of their leisure time at the beach, who need them to be good quality, durable and comfortable – and, like us, are concerned about the difference they and their families can make to the planet."

David’s award win comes just weeks after he took the helm of The Big Plastic Pledge, which unites Olympic and professional athletes around the globe to drive the changes needed to remove plastic from oceans and waterways.

He said: “It’s a great honour to be SeaSurf’s first ambassador. I share the same vision as Marc and I’m looking forward to being part of it all and growing with them on their journey.” 

David went to boarding school and became a foreign exchange trader in the City of London.

But after losing his lucrative job, he spiralled into decline turning to gambling, crime and drugs resulting in two stints in jail.

Whilst inside he enrolled on a reform programme which helped him to turn his life around.

Now, as well as his paddleboarding feats, David works as a consultant for the criminal justice system highlighting the importance of rehabilitation.

“He’s a genuine person who chose the wrong path but has turned his life around and is also helping others. I respect that,” Marc said. 

 For more information visit www.seasurf.co.uk