Two years on: Newquay based Surf Therapy charity raises a record £98,000 with pioneering Pre-Loved Wetsuit Scheme

  • Nearly 10,000 wetsuits have been reused or recycled through the scheme
  • Estimated 15 tonnes of neoprene saved from the waste stream
  • £98,000 raised in sales to support Surf Therapy programmes
  • The Wave Project’s Newquay shop reopens on 1 April with affordable pre-loved wetsuits starting from £10

As The Wave Project prepares to reopen its Newquay shop on 1 April 2026 for the spring season, the young people’s mental health charity is celebrating major milestones in both fundraising and reducing waste through its innovative wetsuit reuse and recycling scheme.

Since it launched two years ago, The Wave Project’s Pre-Loved Wetsuit Scheme has reused or recycled nearly 10,000 wetsuits, raised £98,000 in sales and saved an estimated 15 tonnes of neoprene from going into the waste stream. Selling for on average just £10-£35, a fraction of the price of a new wetsuit, the pre-loved wetsuits have become the most popular item in The Wave Project’s Newquay shop.

Talking about the success of the scheme, Ed Connors, Retail Operations Manager at The Wave Project, said: “The pre-loved wetsuits are an affordable alternative to buying new. With the weather improving and more people wanting to enjoy the benefits of being in the ocean, these wetsuits are a great option. By purchasing a pre-loved wetsuit from our shop, you’re not only saving yourself money, you’re also helping us fund Surf Therapy sessions for young people facing mental health challenges, and you’re significantly reducing the amount of neoprene that end up in the waste stream; a triple-win.”

The initiative was created to address the environmental challenge posed by neoprene. The material used in most wetsuits is durable and effective in the water but difficult to recycle, meaning thousands of wetsuits are discarded every year. The challenge is particularly significant in Cornwall, where a large part of the UK’s non-recyclable neoprene waste is produced. Through partnerships with Cornwall Council and SUEZ, The Wave Project has created a circular solution that allows unwanted wetsuits to be donated, reused or responsibly recycled.

By extending the life of wetsuits and selling them at affordable prices, the project helps make surfing more accessible for the local community while encouraging people to keep surf gear in use for longer.

Donated wetsuits are collected through The Wave Project shop and at designated recycling points across Cornwall. Those in useable condition are prepared for resale, while those beyond repair are sent for specialist recycling. All profits help fund The Wave Project’s Surf Therapy programmes, which support children and young people experiencing mental health challenges across the UK.

Demand for this support continues to grow with one in five children in the UK now experiencing a diagnosable mental health condition, and half of all lifelong mental health problems beginning before the age of 14. The Wave Project offers an early intervention through Surf Therapy, helping young people build confidence, resilience and connection through the ocean and other blue spaces.

Ramon Van de Velde, CEO of The Wave Project

“Surf Therapy transforms young lives. Many of the young people we support arrive feeling anxious, isolated or lacking confidence and simply getting into the water can be a huge step towards building resilience, connection and self-belief.

“Our Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme shows how a circular approach to surf gear can create real social impact. By keeping wetsuits in use for longer, we make surfing more accessible for the local community and raise important funds that help more young people access our programmes. We’re seeing the difference this makes. After completing Surf Therapy, over 70% of young people report increased confidence and resilience.”

Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager at SUEZ

“We’re proud to work alongside The Wave Project and Cornwall Council to show how practical, local partnerships can drive real environmental progress. Neoprene is notoriously difficult to recycle, so creating a circular route that keeps thousands of wetsuits in use and out of the waste stream is a major achievement.”

Councillor Loic Rich, cabinet member with responsibility for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council

“We’re really proud to support this fantastic initiative which is benefiting our young people and the environment.

“Water sports are brilliant for our physical and mental health and having the option to buy pre-loved wetsuits at affordable prices makes these sports more accessible to one and all.

“This project allows us to make a sustainable choice, save money and support a really good cause.”

As the spring season approaches, the charity is inviting people to browse the latest pre-loved wetsuits and surf gear in the Newquay shop from 1 April. Wetsuits can be donated at The Wave Project shop in Newquay or SUEZ Household waste and Recycling Centres across Cornwall, helping keep neoprene out of the waste stream while supporting young people’s mental health.

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.