Surfers Against Sewage gets its shit together

The release of untreated effluent into our waterways is supposed to be an occasional occurrence. However as a recent BBC report highlighted, in 2022 UK water companies pumped raw sewage into rivers and seas for 1.75 million hours – that is an average of 825 times per day.

To protest against water companies and the government not protecting British waters, Mr. President collaborated with Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) to make a surfboard out of ocean waste. Produced by SW Productions, the campaign video features footage of surfers including Ben Skinner, 11 times European Longboard Champion, riding the waves on the "beautifully disgusting" Floater.

Sustainable designer and owner of Benthos Surf, Niall Jones, was tasked with creating the board. Using recycled materials and resin containing raw sewage from the sea, he also included two transparent windows in the top of the board that display the two litres of sewage water contained within it. 

Jake Smith, creative at Mr. President commented: “the whole issue is a stinking mess, so we had to do something about it. It’s not just that it’s disgusting, but it’s the fact that it ruins peoples’ livelihoods, holidays and hobbies such as surfing. It’s something that can be fixed, but the people in charge take big bonuses instead of fixing the problem.”

The ‘Floater’ surfboard will officially launch on Saturday 20 May at a flagship paddle-out Surfers Against Sewage protest In Brighton, with other simultaneous events taking place at beaches and rivers across the UK. 

The Charity's new research published today (Thursday 4th May) reveals widespread outrage at the levels of pollution in UK waterways, with 72 per cent of people saying the UK Government should be doing more to tackle sewage spills. SAS is urging the public to sign its 'Dirty Money' petition, which demands an end to water companies profiting from pollution.