AN initiative in Newquay which has saved tonnes of wetsuit waste from Cornish landfills has received an award recognising the work it does to make surfing more accessible.

The Wave Project’s Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme has won ‘Best Partnership’ at the LARAC Awards, after diverting 27 tonnes of neoprene from the waste stream whilst making surfing more accessible.

This is thanks to its collaboration with SUEZ and Cornwall Council.

The Wave Project’s Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme launched in 2024 and gives usable wetsuits a second life through Cornwall Council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centre network. Collected, sorted and resold through The Wave Project’s shop in Newquay, wetsuits are available from just £10, helping more people get into the water without the cost of new equipment.

Every purchase also transforms young lives. With one in five children and young people facing mental health challenges, all profits from the scheme support The Wave Project’s charitable work — helping young people across the UK access the support provided by charity group Surf Therapy.

The charity uses surfing and a supportive community to help young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging.

The Best Partnership award celebrates this partnership, which brings together reuse and community benefit in a way that shows how a more circular approach can make a difference to both people and the planet.

Ed Connors, retail operations manager at The Wave Project, said: “We’re really proud to see our Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme recognised at the LARAC Awards. It’s a simple idea with a huge impact: every wetsuit that finds a new home helps reduce waste, makes surfing more affordable and, through the profits raised, supports our work of transforming young lives through Surf Therapy. Thank you to Cornwall Council and SUEZ for helping to make this possible.”