The Naked Surfer Rides Waves for the Environment

32-year-old New Zealander Marama Kake, known locally as “the naked surfer” in Sunshine Beach, Queensland, Australia, hits the waves in the buff in promotion of sustainable surfing.

“I’m not out there to get everyone to look at me, I just love the sensation and simplicity of surfing in my ‘sustainability suit”

You’ve got to appreciate the “naked surfer’s” commitment to simplicity.  She’s not only surfing in her god-given curves, but riding “green boards” as well.  Her quiver includes a timber alaia designed for her by master craftsman Tom Wegener and another eco-friendly board from the D’Arcy factory on the Gold Coast of Australia.

Marama is a former student of politics and psychology who has worked teaching English to children in Japan. Naked surfing is part of her effort to gain support for a new environmentally conscious network called Project 13.

Naked surfing is not only a good medium to spread environmental awareness, but it also just might be the best way to bring peace to crowded surf breaks.  ”It changes the mood very quickly and cuts through the aggression that is finding its way to busy point breaks. It’s a sure-fire cure for wave rage,” Marama joked.

Critics who disapprove of taking the ol’ birthday suit for a dip in the ocean will be happy to know that Marama does take precautions to out in the surf, “I cover up, or paddle away, if I am anywhere near children and have never had any trouble with lifeguards or authorities and I’ve been doing it for years in Australia and New Zealand.”

Marama’s message? “get naked, get sustainable.” I say, “Why not?”