The Wave Project Newquay Shop Reopens

The Wave Project is thrilled to announce the grand reopening of its Newquay-based shop this week following a major refurbishment that will allow the team to expand their pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme. Thanks to the generosity of their partners, especially the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme and SUEZ, the space has been transformed to tackle neoprene waste while supporting young people's mental health through Surf Therapy. All profits from the shop directly fund the charity's life-changing Surf Therapy programmes, which help children and young people build confidence, resilience and improved mental wellbeing through the power of the ocean and other blue spaces.

Nearly 50% of the UK's 380 tonnes of non-recyclable neoprene waste is produced in Cornwall. To combat this, the team has partnered with Cornwall Council and SUEZ to introduce the Pre-loved Wetsuit scheme to the county. As part of the scheme, wetsuits can be donated directly at The Wave Project shop or dedicated wetsuit recycling bins at local household waste centres. The items are then sorted, inspected and prepared for reuse.

Thanks to the generosity of those who have donated their unused neoprene, a new life has been given to hundreds of wetsuits, and the shop is expanding into pre-loved surfboards, helping even more surf gear find a second wave.

Ramon Van de Velde, chief executive officer at The Wave Project, comments: "We are incredibly excited to reopen our Newquay shop with a fresh new look and an even bigger commitment to sustainability. By expanding our Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme, we ensure that every purchase made funds vital Surf Therapy programmes for young people across the UK. The demand for mental health support has never been higher, and we are proud to be part of the solution - helping young people thrive and find a sense of belonging."

Mark Hillson, PFI general manager for Cornwall at SUEZ adds, "We're delighted to be supporting such a sustainable initiative that is also doing such fantastic work in local communities through the Surf Therapy programmes. The new shop designs are quite inspiring and we're looking forward to seeing the success of this helping to support more young people."

To find out more, visit https://www.waveproject.co.uk