Source | The Alliance of European Flax-Linen & Hemp

The Alliance for European Flax-Linen & Hemp (Paris, France) announces that Libeco (Meulebeke, Belgium), an Alliance member, is enabling high performance in extreme surf conditions with its flax fiber reinforcements, as showcased in collaboration with Notox Surfboards (Anglet, France). Libeco’s flax materials will power professional big wave surfer Clément Roseyro’s quest to conquer Nazaré’s waves this winter.

Notox, an artisan producer of eco-friendly surfboards, has unveiled a line of tow-in surfboards custom-built for Roseyro. Designed specifically for the Nazaré Big Waves Challenge in Portugal, these boards incorporate a mix of carefully chosen sustainable materials including woven flax fiber reinforcement from Libeco for strength, vibration damping and control at high speeds; upcycled carbon fiber fabrics from Airbus (repurposed from aerospace-grade material); GreenPoxy 56 bioresin from Sicomin for reduced environmental impact; and an agave core for lightweight durability.

Overall, the Notox boards are reported to be heavier and more robust than conventional surfboards, with a denser foam core and reinforced stringer to withstand the extreme forces of 15-meter-plus waves. This engineering will ensure strength, stability and momentum in Nazaré’s heavy surf conditions.

“Crafted by master shaper Benoit Rameix and featuring artwork by Luc Rolland, these boards represent the latest in eco-conscious innovation,” says Pierre Pomiers, CEO of Notox. 

The Notox boards also carry Sustainable Surf Gold Level EcoBoard certification, the highest standard for eco-friendly boards. Combining top-tier technical performance with significantly reduced environmental impact, they will reportedly be the only certified EcoBoardss at this season’s Nazaré big wave events.