Project FR

by Zac Stanning

The ‘Axe-head’ (top) and the ‘Flipper’ (bottom)

The ‘Shark Fin’ (top) and the ‘Cutlass’ (bottom)

Project Description

Project FR (Fully Recycled) was centred around creating surfboard fins out of recycled plastics. The profiles and designs of the fins were inspired by the surfing community, sea life, and beach geography. Recycled plastics were used as a material to tackle the worsening issue of plastics in our oceans, affecting sea-life, the environment, and humans. Tribalism is embedded into surfing culture, with geographical headlands acting as barriers between tribes. The tribalism of surfing communities has caused a shift away from surfing’s connection to nature and replaced it with a constant struggle to keep the beach for the locals. Project FR aimed to shift tribalistic thinking within surfing communities towards broader environmental issues, and to change perspectives of ‘my beach’ to ‘our ocean’.

The four fin profiles and designs, the ‘Cutlass’, ‘Shark Fin’, ‘Flipper’ and ‘Axe-head’, were all created to match the surfer’s unique and distinct style. Products within this industry need to be beautiful aesthetically but also for what they enable a user to do and achieve. With constant input from surfing community members, the fins’ profiles and designs were able to take shape and be perfected. With this direct influence, Project FR was able to create a deeper emotional connection with its users and achieve the specific surfing style. With this, these hand-shaped and crafted fins cut through tribalism, waste, and waves.

Bio

I am a personable, open and outgoing individual who is reliable and hardworking. My passion for design is expressed through my enthusiasm and gregarious nature. I have done many different design jobs and developed many skills through a plethora of projects. Some of my skills include model making, joinery, video editing, hand and digital renders, welding, 3D CAD, and many more. With a background in design, I find myself exploring new concepts and designs within the workshop and by my desk. I hope to work on more projects to expand my knowledge, skillset and my love of design.

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