In the world of water sports, few figures have made as significant an impact on ocean preservation as Merijn Tinga, also known as the Plastic Soup Surfer. At 51 years old, Tinga’s journey began in the Caribbean, where he first learned to windsurf at the age of eight. Now based in Leiden, the Netherlands, he has dedicated his life to combatting plastic pollution, rallying communities to take action and advocate for sustainable practices.
In a recent interview, Tinga shared insights about his mission and why he has chosen to partner with Prolimit, a brand that aligns with his values of sustainability and environmental conservation.
A Lifelong Connection to the Ocean
Tinga’s relationship with the ocean runs deep. Growing up near the water, he found his passion in windsurfing, often embarking on downwinders from Scheveningen to Zandvoort. His love for the sea and his background in biology shaped his understanding of the plastic pollution crisis. “Seeing canisters and bottles wash up on the Dutch beaches 10 years ago during my frequent downwinder sessions sparked my idea to build a surfboard from plastic waste,” he explained.
His first attempt was a unique creation, a heavy surfboard crafted from discarded materials. Although his record-breaking journey along the Dutch coast didn’t go as planned, the experience earned him the nickname “Plastic Soup Surfer.” It ignited his lifelong commitment to raise awareness about plastic waste and its effects on marine ecosystems.
Fighting Plastic Pollution
Tinga’s activism has led to significant achievements, including the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in the Netherlands, which boosted recycling rates and reduced littering of bottles and cans by 80% in just six months. His collaborations with litter analysts and community groups have also resulted in the removal of various polluting products from store shelves, such as plastics in fireworks and plastic confetti.
A key part of his work involves a community of ‘Plastic Avengers’—a diverse group of litter pickers and beach cleaners. Tinga has developed a Plastic Avengers app, which enables users to photograph different types of litter, empowering citizens to engage in advocacy. “With those photos, we go up to companies and politicians,” Tinga shared. He invites the community to join this mission through the free app, reinforcing that “just click and that’s it.”
Why Prolimit?
Tinga’s choice to partner with Prolimit stems from their shared commitment to sustainability. “They are Dutch and they are a well-known brand in the Netherlands. Doing things locally has always been my preference,” he remarked. Prolimit’s innovative use of NaturePrene2, a more sustainable alternative to traditional neoprene, aligns perfectly with Tinga’s values. Tinga is currently wearing the PF3 series from Prolimit.
“Plastic has qualities that other materials cannot be equaled by organic materials. But it is important to innovate, and wherever we can step away from plastics, we should do so,” Tinga explained. “When there is an alternative with the same qualities, we should embrace it.” His trust in Prolimit’s products is evident, as he uses their wetsuits and harnesses during his long-distance expeditions.
Into the Future
Tinga has ambitious plans for the future. In 2023, he windsurfed from Oslo to London (1800 km), addressing UK parliament members in Westminster with his wetsuit still on. Last summer, he continued his journey from London to Paris, discussing return schemes with the mayor of Paris over coffee by the Seine. This summer, he aims to continue from Paris or Nice to Barcelona, using his platform to advocate for deposit return schemes and ocean preservation.
Additionally, Tinga’s website outlines various initiatives, including educational campaigns that inform the public about the impact of plastic pollution and encourage participation in clean-up activities. His efforts exemplify a holistic approach to advocacy — combining personal expeditions, community engagement, and legislative action.
As Tinga embarks on these new adventures, his partnership with Prolimit not only enhances his ability to raise awareness but also serves as a beacon for environmentally conscious water sports enthusiasts everywhere. Through their collaboration, Tinga and Prolimit are united in a mission to protect our oceans and inspire others to join the fight against plastic pollution.
For more information about Merijn Tinga, the Plastic Soup Surfer, and Prolimit’s commitment to sustainability, visit Plastic Soup Surfer and Prolimit.com. Stay tuned for updates on Tinga’s ongoing campaigns and expeditions.
