Unfortunately, we use a lot of toxic materials in the outdoor industry and have for some time.

This reliance on synthetic and sometimes harmful materials has seen some major shifts due to regulations, but there are always some brands at the forefront of big changes.

One change we're seeing in the watersports industry is the phase-out or move away from using PVC.

In episode 156 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we explore what PVC is, why it's been a popular choice for inflatable paddle boards, and the environmental concerns associated with its production and use.

To help break down these talking points and share a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes for a brand to make these types of material changes, I sat down to chat with Jimmy Blakeney.

Jimmy has stayed true to his passion for board sports and paddle sports for his entire life, even when it meant living in a van down by the river and budgeting $10 a day for food just to spend more time on board and in boat. His stubbornness led to full time sponsored athlete status for 10 years and a US National Championship title, interspersed with gigs in every facet of the business side of things, from marketing and branding to product design, sales, logistics, customer service and more. He's currently President and product designer at ISLE, where he tries to balance his brain's inability to stop focusing on new product ideas and customers needs with running one of the industry's top brands.

ISLE believes life is better in balance and that creating balance can be as simple as taking your first paddle strokes or catching your first wave.

Established in San Diego, CA, ISLE is the original surf and SUP company manufacturing products and accessories to keep you balanced, equipped, and inspired for adventures on the water. Since its inception in 2004, the brand has expanded its watersports offerings to include variations of hardtop and inflatable paddleboards, surfboards, hybrid kayaks, paddles, bags, and accessories. Learn more at: https://www.islesurfandsup.com

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ISLE Paddle Boards

Website: https://islesurfandsup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islepaddleboards/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/islesurf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISLEpaddleboards