In the United Kingdom, The Magical Mushroom Company has launched a crowdfunding campaign to develop and commercialize bodyboarding boards made from mycelium, hemp and chitin.
The company has already deployed its material in biodegradable packaging. It decided to pursue bodyboards as its second application because bodyboards are often only used for one summer and are made from petroleum-derived foams.
According to The Magical Mushroom Company, the boards biodegrade in 50 days on land and 180 days in the ocean. Board sports enthusiast and Predn Surf Co cofounder Tim Lupton is helping to test designs for strength and flexibility.