2025 Bodyboard Recycling event

Bodyboard Breakdown Event

Newquay Clean hosted a Bodyboard Breakdown event at Newquay Junior Academy to address the growing issue of disposable polystyrene bodyboards polluting local beaches.

The event brought together 40 pupils and teaching staff, local volunteers and environmental groups including Newquay Marine Group, Newquay Beach Care and Clean Cornwall, former UK bodyboard champion Rob Barber, Karl Fice‑Thomson of Rockpool Adventures, and representatives from Cornwall Council, including Councillor Loic Rich and Kate Kennally, Chief Executive.

Participants dismantled dozens of broken boards collected over the summer from three Newquay Clean recycling stations located on local beaches. Components were sent for recycling through the Keep Britain Tidy Ocean Recovery Project. The event highlighted the environmental impact of single‑use boards while promoting sustainable alternatives. Rob Barber, Karl Fice‑Thomson and Abby Wheston of Newquay Beach Care provided expert insight, inspiring young people to take action for cleaner beaches.

Building on the success of the event and the existing recycling stations, Newquay Clean plans to introduce a fourth bodyboard recycling station at Watergate Bay this summer, alongside a further breakdown event at the end of the season.

The event received significant media coverage, including features on ITV News West Country and BBC Spotlight, showcasing the community’s commitment to reducing marine pollution.

List of Media Reports on Bodyboard Breakdown event:

ITV News West Country: Forty pupils from Newquay have taken part in a ‘bodyboard breakdown’ day to protect our coastline - Latest From ITV News

BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgw1j4qq0qo

Radio Newquay: Bodyboard recycling event as calls grow to ban the board - Radio Newquay - All About Newquay

Cornwall Live: Newquay school kids on bodyboard stripping mission for recycling campaign - Cornwall Live

Newquay Junior Academy: https://www.facebook.com/cornwalllivenews/videos/bodyboard recycling-event-at-newquay-junior-school/835978502345610/