Over 165 female surfers will descend on Folly Beach's Washout this weekend (July 31-Aug. 1) for two days of competition, camaraderie, and—importantly—sustainability. Since 2019, the organizers of the Folly Beach Wahine Classic have aimed to create a zero-waste event, through a partnership with the Charleston chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. Mananalu's participation as the exclusive water sponsor will further that goal this year, with the brand distributing over 300 of its reusable twist-top bottles, which are made out of aluminum, an infinitely recyclable material.
"We know how important it is for surfer's to have clean beaches and oceans," said Mananalu CEO David Cuthbert. "It is important for Mananalu, as well, which is why we're so excited to partner with the Folly Beach Wahine Classic to create a zero-waste competition and hydrate the surfers with our convenient and plastic-free bottled water."
Founded in 2001 to convene the growing population of female surfers, the Folly Beach Wahine Classic has since become one of the East Coast's premier surfing events, featuring pro, amateur, and novice divisions for both long- and shortboard. A strong connection to the ocean is common amongst surfers, who all participate in a beach sweep after the event ends on Sunday, to ensure no trash remains on the beach or in the ocean.
Additional zero-waste measures for this year's event include digital registration and payment, encouraging participants to bring reusable water bottles, plastic-free snacks, and compostable dishes and cutlery with supporting composting stations.
"Our 19th annual event has drawn a record number of competitors, so it is more important than ever to be mindful and proactive about reducing our waste footprint," said Nicole Elko, Director of the Folly Beach Wahine Classic, who herself has managed or assisted with over 20 beach preservation projects along the Southeast and Gulf coasts.