Balsa tree platform for green surfboard

Creators of a new environmentally friendly surfboard believe it could revolutionise the industry.

The Eco board, produced by British company The Eden Project, was launched last week in England. More than half of the materials used in its construction were renewable.

The prototype board was made with timber from a fallen balsa tree which toppled in the Eden Project's ecological tourist park in 2003.

In deciding how best to use the timber, creators Chris Hunes and Pat Hudson and three Cornwall companies made a surfboard core, with more environmentally friendly materials than those used in conventional board production.

Retail director, Mark Beeley, said the surfboard had been tested for performance by professionals. Its starting price was $945. Junior British surfing champion Tassy Swallow said: "It will really catch on when people realise it is just as good as a regular board."