YOUNG eco warriors are taking part in a groundbreaking project on Thursday to recycle broken bodyboards to help reduce beach pollution.

More than 40 children will be working alongside volunteers to deconstruct dozens of discarded polystyrene bodyboards as part of the Bodyboard Breakdown event being hosted at Newquay Junior Academy at 11am.

The bodyboards, which have been collected over the summer from recycling stations installed at South Fistral, Porth and Towan, will be stripped down to their component parts for safe recycling by national environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

Former UK bodyboard champion Rob Barber will be joining the mayor Cllr Drew Creek and representatives from environmental groups at the event. Mr Barber will share his expertise with the pupils and local businesses, highlighting the critical importance of choosing high-quality, reusable bodyboards over cheap, disposable alternatives.

The event marks a significant escalation in the ongoing campaign led by Newquay Clean, a coalition including Newquay Town Council, Cornwall Council, the Newquay Marine Group, and local councillors to protect the local environment and enhance water safety.

A town council spokesperson said: “This hands-on workshop is more than just a recycling drive; it is a powerful lesson in environmental stewardship.

“The children will learn firsthand about the harmful impact of single-use polystyrene boards, which break down into dangerous microplastics and pose a serious risk to marine life.”

The event is supported by Newquay BID, which is working to encourage local retailers to stock safer, more sustainable alternatives.

Cllr Creek plans to meet with local retailers to try and persuade them to stop selling the polystyrene bodyboards and instead stock more durable alternatives.

He said: “I see the damage caused by these cheap polystyrene bodyboards washing up on our stunning beaches every single day. They break apart quickly, litter our shores, and harm precious marine life becoming toxic confetti in our waves.

“This summer, our community came together to reinstate bodyboard recycling stations, and the response was overwhelming.

“Now, we’re taking the next logical step. By educating our children and engaging with retailers, we are attacking this problem at its source. We are determined to cease the sale of these environmentally destructive polystyrene boards, which are not only harmful to our ecosystem but are also unsafe in Newquay’s often ferocious riding conditions.

“The goal is to foster a collective shift away from products that damage Newquay’s precious coastal environment and jeopardise visitor safety.

“It is a wonderful way to teach our next generation about caring for our seas. But recycling, while vital, is just step one. As a bodyboarder who loves our waves, I know there are far better, durable alternatives available. Boards that ride better, last longer, and are often available for hire right here in Newquay.

“Let’s offer visitors quality, eco-friendly choices instead. Our stunning coastline and precious marine environment are the heart of Newquay. They are worth infinitely more than the small profits made from selling these damaging, short-lived boards.

“Sacrificing our natural heritage for short-term gain is simply not an option. Let’s work together, residents, businesses, and visitors, to ensure Newquay’s beauty thrives forever.”