Wave Project Shop Reopens with Exciting New Look and Expanded Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme

The Wave Project’s Newquay shop will reopen on 7th April with a fresh redesign as part of its expanding Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme.

• The refurbished space now offers a brighter, more accessible layout, making it easier than ever for customers to browse high-quality surfing gear.

• All profits support Surf Therapy programmes, helping young people improve their mental wellbeing.

The Wave Project is excited to announce the grand reopening of its Newquay shop on the 7th of April 2025, following a major refurbishment that will allow the expansion of the Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme. Made possible thanks to the generosity of its partners, especially the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme and SUEZ, the space has been transformed to tackle neoprene waste while also supporting young people’s mental health through Surf Therapy.

Acting on neoprene waste

Nearly 50% of the UK’s 380 tonnes of non-recyclable neoprene waste is produced in Cornwall. To combat this, The Wave Project has partnered with Cornwall Council and SUEZ to introduce its Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme to the county. As part of this scheme, wetsuits can be donated directly at The Wave Project shop or at dedicated wetsuit recycling bins at local household waste centres. The items are then sorted, inspected, and prepared for reuse.

Thanks to the generosity of those who have donated their unused neoprene, hundreds of wetsuits have already been given new life, and the project is now expanding into pre-loved surfboards, helping even more surf gear find a second wave.

A new look with bigger impact

The refurbishment of The Wave Project shop, which included major structural changes, has created a more functional and welcoming space. All profits from the shop directly fund the charity’s life-changing Surf Therapy programmes, which help children and young people build confidence, resilience, and improved mental wellbeing through the power of the ocean and other blue spaces.

The need for mental health support in Cornwall is greater than ever. In the 12 months to March 2024, almost 9,000 children and young people accessed NHS-funded Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. The number of mental health referrals at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has soared in the last five years, rising from 4,500 referrals in 2019 to almost 12,000 in 2024.

The Wave Project’s Surf Therapy programmes provide a vital alternative approach, offering a safe, supportive environment where young people can build friendships, develop self-belief, and experience the therapeutic benefits of the ocean.

Ramon Van de Velde, Chief Executive Officer at The Wave Project, comments:

"We are incredibly excited to reopen our Newquay shop with a fresh new look and an even bigger commitment to sustainability. By expanding our Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme, we ensure that every purchase made funds vital Surf Therapy programmes for young people across the UK. The demand for mental health support has never been higher, and we are proud to be part of the solution - helping young people thrive and find a sense of belonging."

Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager for Cornwall at SUEZ, said:

“We’re delighted to be supporting such a sustainable initiative that is also doing fantastic work in local communities through the Surf Therapy programmes. The new shop designs are quite inspiring, and we’re looking forward to seeing the success of this helping to support more young people.”

Join them for the grand reopening

Everyone is invited to celebrate with The Wave Project at 10am on 7th April 2025, when the doors will officially reopen. Attendees can explore the refreshed shop and discover the latest updates on the Pre-loved Wetsuit Scheme from Ramon Van de Velde, CEO at The Wave Project; Mark Hillson, PFI General Manager at SUEZ; Natalie Sáenz, SW Regional Communications Manager at SUEZ; and Lisa Hutchings, Fund Officer at Cornwall Council, to find out how they can help make a difference.

This project has been made possible thanks to £116,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which is delivered locally by the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, £22,500 from SUEZ, and £7,500 from The Wave Project.