Breathing New Life Into Old Wood
As I step into the workshop, the warm scent of freshly sanded wood envelops me. Rows of reclaimed boards line the walls, each one with a unique story etched into the grain. This is where the magic happens – where discarded materials are transformed into stunning, one-of-a-kind creations.
I’m here to meet Martijn Stiphout, the founder of Ventana Surfboards, a company that has made waves (pun intended) in the world of sustainable surfboard design. As I watch Martijn carefully select and shape each piece of reclaimed wood, I’m struck by the care and attention he devotes to every board.
“Each board is like a work of art,” Martijn explains, running his calloused fingers along the smooth surface of a redwood plank. “The wood we use has a history, and we want to honor that history in every board we make.”
Rescuing Forgotten Materials
Martijn’s passion for reclaimed wood began long before he started Ventana. Growing up in the Netherlands, he was always drawn to the unique character and stories hidden within old, weathered wood. When he moved to California and discovered the wealth of historic materials available, he knew he had to find a way to give them new life.
“I’d see these incredible pieces of wood – from old barns, ships, even historic buildings – and they were just sitting there, waiting to be used,” Martijn recalls. “I couldn’t bear the thought of them ending up in a landfill, so I started collecting them, knowing I would find the perfect use for them someday.”
That’s how Ventana Surfboards was born. By sourcing reclaimed wood from local businesses, Martijn has been able to create a sustainable, one-of-a-kind product that not only looks stunning but also has a deep connection to the community.
Upcycling with Artistry
As I wander through Martijn’s workshop, I’m amazed by the variety of materials he has on hand. There’s redwood from the siding of the famous Mushroom Dome Cabins, the world’s most popular Airbnb. Bay laurel from the historic Cowell Cooperage building at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where lime barrels were assembled centuries ago. Even Douglas fir that once shaped the hull of John Steinbeck’s famous fishing boat, the Western Flyer.
“Each piece of wood has a story, and we want to honor that story in the boards we create,” Martijn says, carefully selecting a smooth, ebony offcut from the Santa Cruz Guitar Company. “It’s not just about making a functional surfboard – it’s about preserving the history and heritage of these materials.”
As Martijn begins shaping the board, I’m struck by the artistry and precision of his movements. With each pass of the sander, he reveals the hidden beauty of the wood, coaxing out the unique grain patterns and knots that tell the story of the material’s past life.
Building a Sustainable Future
But Ventana Surfboards is about more than just reclaimed wood. Martijn has also partnered with a network of local businesses and organizations to ensure that every aspect of the company’s operations is as sustainable as possible.
“We don’t just use reclaimed wood – we also use recycled materials for our fins, leashes, and even our packaging,” Martijn explains, gesturing to a stack of eco-friendly clothing and accessories. “Our goal is to create a product that not only looks great but also has a positive impact on the environment.”
As I browse through the company’s online store, I’m impressed by the range of sustainable options available, from the signature hollow-wood surfboards to custom-printed t-shirts and tote bags. It’s clear that Martijn and his team are committed to finding innovative ways to reduce waste and promote environmental stewardship.
The Art of Upcycling
Of course, Ventana Surfboards isn’t the only company in the area that’s embracing the power of reclaimed and upcycled materials. Just down the road in Watsonville, Annieglass is revolutionizing the way we think about glass recycling.
“When the glass factory that recycled all our scraps shut down, we knew we had to find another way to keep our materials out of the landfill,” explains Annie Morhauser, the founder of Annieglass. “So we started experimenting with creating recycled glass pieces to add to our collection.”
The result is the stunning Elements Collection, featuring thick trivets and appetizer trays inspired by the organic shapes of lakes, rivers, and clouds, with scrap gold and platinum flecked throughout the recycled seafoam green glass. Morhauser has even patented a innovative process that uses water-jet technology to transform the recycled glass into these beautiful, functional pieces.
Giving New Life to Old Materials
Across town, Alex Wong is also making waves in the world of upcycled art. As the founder of Upcycled Skate Art, Alex collects discarded skateboard decks and transforms them into one-of-a-kind coasters, bottle openers, and even custom menu boards for local businesses.
“There are millions of skateboards that end up in landfills every year, and I just couldn’t stand the thought of all that perfectly good material going to waste,” Alex says, running his fingers over the colorful maple strips that line the walls of his studio. “I started asking my friends and people at the skate park for their old decks, and before I knew it, I had a whole collection of materials to work with.”
Alex’s creations are a testament to the power of creativity and resourcefulness. By combining the reclaimed skateboard decks with salvaged wood from Ventana and the Santa Cruz Guitar Company, he’s been able to produce a stunning array of unique, functional art pieces that not only divert waste from landfills but also celebrate the vibrant culture of his community.
Embracing a Sustainable Future
As I leave Martijn’s workshop, I can’t help but feel inspired by the passion and dedication of these local artists and entrepreneurs. They’re not just creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind products – they’re also driving a movement towards a more sustainable future, one that values the inherent worth of our discarded materials and finds innovative ways to give them new life.
And it’s not just happening in Santa Cruz. All across the country, and indeed the world, there’s a growing movement of individuals and businesses who are embracing the power of reclaimed and upcycled materials. From furniture makers to fashion designers, the possibilities are endless, and the impact on the environment can be profound.
So, the next time you find yourself admiring a stunning piece of reclaimed wood furniture or a unique glass creation, take a moment to appreciate the story behind it. Because in the hands of these talented artisans, old materials are being given a second chance to shine, and the future of sustainable design has never looked brighter.