The Wave Project reopened their Newquay shop on the 7th of April 2025, following a major refurbishment to expand their Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme. Made possible thanks to the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme and SUEZ, they have transformed the space to tackle neoprene waste while also supporting young people’s mental health through Surf Therapy.
Acting on neoprene waste
Nearly 50% of the UK’s 380 tonnes of non-recyclable neoprene waste is produced in Cornwall. To combat this, The Wave Project have partnered with Cornwall Council and SUEZ to introduce a 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, they have already given new life to hundreds of wetsuits, and are expanding into pre-loved surfboards, helping even more surf-gear find a second wave.
A new look with bigger impact
The refurbishment of The Wave Project shop, which included major structural changes, has created a more functional and welcoming space. 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.
The need for mental health support in Cornwall is greater than ever. In the 12 months to March 2024, almost 9,000 children and young people accessed NHS-funded Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. The number of mental health referrals at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has soared in the last five years, rising from 4,500 referrals in 2019 to almost 12,000 in 2024.
The Wave Project’s Surf Therapy programmes provide a vital alternative approach, offering a safe, supportive environment where young people can build friendships, develop self-belief and experience the therapeutic benefits of the ocean.
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.”
“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.” Said Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager, for Cornwall at SUEZ.
This project has been made possible thanks to £116,000 from UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is delivered locally by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, £22,500 from SUEZ and £7,500 from The Wave Project.
Photo credit: The Wave Project