Agile Surfboards: Crafting the Future of Surfing with Phil Gray-Lopez
By Kailani Wetherell for Sustainable Surf, 16 August 2024.
Phil Gray-Lopez, the creative force behind Agile Surfboards, has spent decades shaping not just surfboards but the very ethos of sustainable surfing. Born in 1964, Phil’s journey from a windsurfing enthusiast in Marseille, France to a pioneer in eco-friendly surfboard design is a testament to his passion, innovation, and dedication to the environment.
The Origin Story
Phil’s love affair with the ocean began in the Mediterranean during the 1980s. As part of the first generation of surfers in Marseille, he quickly transitioned from windsurfing to surfing, embracing the challenges and thrills of the waves. By 1982, Phil shaped his first surfboard, laying the groundwork for what would become a lifelong pursuit. His passion for surfing saw him competing in longboard revival contests in Biarritz during the late 1980s. Notably, he became the first Mediterranean surfer to compete in these events, achieving quarterfinalist status at the Biarritz Oxbow Longboard World Championship in 1991 and earning the title of French Caribbean Longboard Champion in 1989 in St. Barth. But Phil’s journey didn’t stop at competitive surfing. In 2014, in Guethary, France, he co-designed the S-wings biomimetic fins with Xabi Lafitte, and shaped the original Speedglider model, specifically for the unique conditions of the Parlementia spot (bonzer bottom, concave deck, Pat Curren outline) This collaboration marked the beginning of his exploration into eco-friendly surfboard design
A Passion Project Turned Mission
Agile Surfboards, founded in 2020, is more than just a brand—it’s a passion project driven by a commitment to sustainability. Phil’s background as an artist, sculptor, and designer informs his approach to creating surfboards that are not only high-performing but also environmentally responsible. As Phil puts it, “My role as a designer is to use the most advanced materials from the circular economy with the least impact on the environment, and to showcase the cleanest alternatives to the oil-dependent surfing hardware manufacturers.”
Crafting Eco-Friendly Boards
Phil’s approach to building eco-friendly boards is rooted in meticulous craftsmanship and innovation. He starts by hand-shaping prototypes, which are then 3D scanned for precision. The final designs are cut using CNC technology, and the boards are constructed using agave blanks from Grow Blanks & EcoSurfsupply, bio-sourced epoxy resin (Greenpoxy56) from Sicomin, and linen/flax fabric from Bcomp. This combination of sustainable materials and cutting-edge technology results in surfboards that are not only eco-friendly but also high-performing, embodying the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Joining the ECOBOARD Project
Phil discovered the ECOBOARD Project through Instagram, following the EcoSurfsupply account. Being part of this project has connected him with a passionate community that shares his vision for a more sustainable future in surfing. “Belonging to a passionate community looking in the same direction brings strength and knowledge,” Phil explains. The ECOBOARD Project has amplified his impact, offering greater visibility to his work and the sustainable solutions he advocates for. Through this collaboration, Phil hopes to inspire surfers and the surfing hardware industry to consider alternative, sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Looking Ahead
Phil’s vision for the future is clear: “To advertise the alternative sustainable manufacturing solutions.” He believes that by promoting these eco-friendly options, he can help shift the industry toward more responsible practices. His message to the surfing community is simple yet profound: “The Future is in the Past.” By looking back at traditional methods and materials and reimagining them with modern technology, Phil believes we can create a more sustainable future for surfing. As Agile Surfboards continues to grow, Phil Gray-Lopez remains at the forefront of the movement to make surfing not just a sport, but a statement—a statement that says we can enjoy the waves we love while protecting the planet we call home.
For more about Phil’s work and to see his latest creations, visit Agile Surfboards on Instagram @agile.surfboards and check out his other projects at Balea Design & S-Wings.