Case study: Surfing to sustainability

Martin Drake-Knight is about to embark on an MSc in Renewable Energy at the Camborne School of Mines (part of the University of Exeter's Cornwall Campus) but before continuing with his studies he helped out a local business.

While undertaking his first degree a University initiative enabled Martin to join local ethical surf-wear company Finisterre, based at St Agnes, in order to help them with some research. They asked him to assess how the company could build more sustainable practices into its business plan. Using his expertise gained from studying on the UK’s first Renewable Energy degree with the University, Martin assessed the conditions of the site to see if a wind turbine would be a viable option for Finisterre. He says: “Finisterre is one of Cornwall’s most inspiring ethical businesses and my studies helped prove that a wind turbine could make environmental and economic sense. My experience there really helped me decide what I wanted to do for a career. It showed me that work can be more than just work - in the Finisterre environment it is a really rewarding experience.”

Finisterre started five years ago when three guys decided to throw in their day jobs in order to indulge their passion for surfing. They moved to Cornwall and began by looking for what they felt the surfing industry was lacking. Finisterre’s Founder Tom Kay saw a complacency in both product design and environmental initiatives within the action sports industry and began building a platform for people to effect change and follow their passions. Their philosophy revolves around the surfer, the product and the environment, and they are committed to sustainable design philosophies and transparent ethics to make the best technical clothing with minimal environmental impact. 

Finisterre recently won the Observer Ethical Awards and was a finalist at the RSPCA Good Business Awards for their contribution to sustainable fashion. Martin Drake-Knight will graduate from his MSc Renewable Energy degree next year and intends to return to the Isle of Wight and run his own business.