What is The Cigarette Surfboard Project?
THE CIGARETTE SURFBOARD is a groundbreaking documentary using ciggy butts & surfing to build ocean mindfulness & stewardship. After a young designer realizes that a surfboard – which he crafted from thousands of littered cigarette butts picked up off California beaches – could captivate the eyes of millions across the globe, he decides to use it as the impetus to do something more. The Cigarette Surfboards become a platform to spark ocean stewardship and serve as the symbol of a campaign to hold Big Tobacco accountable for their toxic, plastic waste. Surfing is the medium, but the message is universal… small decisions like littering a cigarette butt cumulatively have a large impact, better or for worse.
Main Benefit
This immersive documentary presents numerous key figures and facts that underscore its impact:
- A surfboard made entirely from thousands of discarded cigarette butts
- A visual symbol that challenges Big Tobacco’s role in environmental pollution
- An accessible entry point into the international professional surfing community
- A rallying cry for ocean stewardship as surfing continues its global appeal
- An innovative blend of artistry and activism, captivating millions with its story
The Vision Behind the Project
At its core, the project is an invitation to experience the ocean through the eyes of surfers. It offers viewers an up-close encounter with the sea, reminding every onlooker that each small act – even discarding a cigarette butt – can ripple into larger environmental outcomes. The documentary provides that immersive feel, showcasing vivid storytelling and real-life passion that blends art with activism. It’s a gentle nudge, a pause to really consider the urgency and possibility for change as our ocean faces mounting threats, and it does so with a tone that is both contemplative and engaging.
Founders’ Collaboration
The Cigarette Surfboard project was born out of the shared love for the ocean by its founders, Ben Judkins and Taylor Lane. They met through the vibrant surfing community in Santa Cruz, California, back in 2014, and quickly bonded over mutual concerns about environmental issues. Their friendship blossomed into a collaborative journey that combined creative filmmaking with tangible activism, firmly rooting the project in both artistic expression and dedicated ocean stewardship. Their story is not just one of innovation but also of a deep-seated commitment to protecting what they love—the sea and the surfers who depend on it.
Creative Journeys
Ben Judkins, a filmmaker hailing from Northern California, discovered his artistic passion early on with an old camcorder at age eight. His journey from recording friends’ skateboarding and surfing adventures to winning accolades at the University of California Santa Cruz defines the heart of his storytelling. His senior film “Marshall” earned the Dean’s Award and won “Best Locally-Produced Work” at the 2017 Santa Cruz Film Festival. An avid surfer himself, Ben believes in the power of visual storytelling to spur action. Equally inspiring is Taylor Lane, a creative mind with a garage full of tools and a knack for tinkering. A graduate of San José State University with a B.S. in Industrial Design, Taylor’s hands-on journey—ranging from freelance gigs to an internship at The North Face as an Equipment Designer—led him to embrace innovative solutions that tackle social and environmental problems. Together, their individual creative journeys entwine in a project that is as much about art as it is about impact.
Project Impact
- SDG 14: Life Below Water – Fostering ocean conservation through actionable storytelling
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Highlighting the importance of reducing waste and preventing pollution
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Inspiring communities to take small steps that collectively lead to monumental changes
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Advocating accountability for hazardous waste management from corporations
Legacy and Future
The legacy of The Cigarette Surfboard lies in its ability to transform a simple piece of reclaimed art into a powerful narrative for change. As the project evolves, its roots in both the artistry of surfing and the urgency of environmental activism continue to inspire new dialogues about sustainability. Each frame of the documentary, each story of a surfer’s journey, serves as a reminder that creative solutions can emerge from unexpected places. The project not only pays homage to the beauty of the ocean but also challenges a global audience to reconsider their everyday actions. It ignites a spark—one that beckons everyone to be a part of the solution while enjoying the ride along the ever-changing waves of our collective future.
