Creators & Innovators Upcycle Contest 2016 | Recap & Results

This year marks the 2nd annual Vissla + Surfrider Creators & Innovators Upcycle Contest, where the organizers challenged the public to take something that might be considered waste and create something that can be used in the ocean. We had the pleasure of gathering the community to celebrate the results of this contest and the finalists' projects on Friday night at Interval Gallery in San Clemente, CA. The gallery was packed, full of curious passers-by, industry legends, Creator & Innovator Donald Brink, and of course, contestants, coming from all over the world -- Brazil, Portugal, Cayman Islands, Australia, South Africa, Northern California, and the list goes on... Vissla has always valued the concept of Upcycling, and it has become one of the foundations on which the company builds itself. Because upcycling means such a great deal to us, we feel extremely grateful to share this concept with people from all over the world, and are humbled by the amount of support and participation in this year's contest.

Alas, after much debate, three 16 & Under and 16 Open Division finalists were chosen and showcased at our event on Friday night. Our judges for the night included Creator & Innovator Donald Brink and Vissla founder and president Paul Naude.

RESULTS

16 & Under Division
1st – Ian Irish | Fins made from denim and resin
2nd – Danny Link | Wakeboard made from pallet wood with wine-box fins
3rd – Leon Agurruza | Handplane made from discarded styrofoam bowl

Open Division
1st – François Jaubert | Surfboard made from cardboard and resin
2nd – Fabricio Flores Nunes | Surfboard made from styrofoam offcuts and resin
3rd – David Wernas | Surfboard made from agave and resin

Most Functional – Adam Baldwin | Surfboard made from EPS and PU foam with agave and western red cedar and epoxy resin
Best Use of Materials – Michael Kenney | Handplanes made 100% from discarded plastic

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, and thank you for taking part in the 2016 Creators & Innovators Upcycle Contest. See you next year!

Special thanks to Interval Gallery, Surfline, Barefoot Wine Company, Nomad's, The Dudes Brew Co. and D'Blanc for all the support.