This week on The Temple of Surf Podcast, we welcome a truly innovative guest: Taylor Lane, the creative mind and environmental advocate best known for building the now legendary Cigarette Surfboard, a surfboard made entirely from discarded cigarette butts collected from beaches and streets.

What started as a student project has since become a global statement, sparking awareness about the devastating impact of cigarette waste on our oceans.

Cigarette butts are the most littered item on the planet. Trillions of them are discarded every year, and the majority end up leaching toxic chemicals and microplastics into waterways, beaches, and marine ecosystems. For surfers and ocean lovers, this is a heartbreaking reality , the very places that give us joy and connection are being polluted every single day.

Taylor Lane decided not to look away. Instead, he transformed this ugly reality into something powerful, a surfboard that forces us to confront the issue head-on.

In this conversation, Taylor shares the story of how the Cigarette Surfboard came to life, the challenges he faced in bringing it from concept to reality, and the reactions it has generated across the surf and environmental communities. But this is not only a story about one surfboard. It is about creativity, activism, and the role that art and surfing can play in driving cultural change. Taylor reminds us that sometimes the most impactful messages are delivered through unexpected mediums, in this case, a surfboard that nobody would ever think to ride and that everybody wants to talk about.

We also explore the bigger picture: how can we, as individuals and as a community, protect our oceans? From simple daily choices like properly disposing of waste, reducing single-use plastics, and participating in beach cleanups, to supporting larger initiatives and policies aimed at ocean protection, every action counts. Taylor emphasizes that the fight for clean oceans is not limited to activists or organizations, it is something every surfer, every beachgoer, and every citizen can take part in.

For surfers, the ocean is more than a playground; it is a sacred space, a source of healing, and a cultural heartbeat. Protecting it is not an option, it is a responsibility. Taylor’s project reminds us that sometimes the most effective way to raise awareness is by combining passion, creativity, and a strong message. The Cigarette Surfboard is not just a board, it is a wake-up call and it has already traveled around the world to ignite conversations and inspire action.

Whether you are a surfer, an environmentalist, or simply someone who cares about the future of our planet, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the objects we throw away and the power of turning problems into solutions.

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Taylor Lane, the Cigarette Surfboard, and the ongoing mission to protect the ocean and its beaches for generations to come.