Merijn Tinga, better known as the Plastic Soup Surfer, is back on his board and once again on a mission. As a proud Prolimit ambassador, he embodies the values we stand for with NaturePrene, our commitment to sustainability through 100% neoprene-free wetsuits. Merijn continues to take on plastic pollution in the most action-driven way possible: by windsurfing across Europe on a board made from plastic waste.
A New Expedition: Paris to Nice – “Windsurf to Sender”
On May 9, 2025, Merijn will launch the latest stage of his journey from Paris, paddling and windsurfing 1,250 kilometers to Nice, where he’ll arrive on June 8—World Ocean Day—during the United Nations Ocean Conference. This stretch marks the third leg of an epic expedition that started in Oslo and has already spanned thousands of kilometers, all powered by wind, water, and a deep determination to end plastic waste.
A Board with a Message
As with previous missions, Merijn will travel on a custom-built board made from plastic litter. The board itself is a moving symbol, both literally and figuratively, of what’s possible when activism, innovation, and passion come together. But for Merijn, this journey isn’t just about covering distance, it’s about making an impact.
Several years ago, while sailing along Norway’s rocky coastlines, he discovered Dutch and English plastic bottles washed ashore, hundreds of kilometers from where they originated. That moment sparked a mission that has since grown into a Europe-wide movement. His goal is to promote Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), proven systems that can reduce litter by up to 80% within just six months.
Part of a Bigger Expedition: Oslo to Rome
This journey from Paris to Nice is just one part of a far larger mission: a 4,000 km expedition from Oslo to Rome, passing through London and Paris. Along the way, Merijn will stop in cities like Dijon, Lyon, Valence, and Avignon, meeting with mayors, local politicians, environmental organizations, and grassroots activists.
His mission? To inspire and equip local communities with the tools they need to pressure the French government to adopt a national deposit system.
“My work in France isn’t finished,” says Tinga. “Last year, we sent a strong message from Paris. Now it’s time to go deeper into the country—sharing lessons from the Netherlands, where we’ve seen an 80% drop in littered bottles since DRS was introduced. I’m also calling on activists to begin using AI-powered litter research to further strengthen their cause.”
The Route
- Start: May 9 – Paris
- Finish: June 8 – Nice (World Ocean Day)
- Total distance: 1,250 km
- SUP: 1,050 km
- Windsurfing: 200 km
- Key stops: Dijon, Lyon, Valence, Avignon
Why Prolimit Supports This
At Prolimit, we believe that true performance is only meaningful when it serves a greater purpose. That’s why we proudly support Merijn’s mission. Through NaturePrene, our sustainable wetsuit line that’s 100% free of neoprene, and our continued focus on eco-conscious innovation, we’re committed to protecting the waters we ride.
Follow Merijn’s journey on social media and stay tuned as he makes his way south.
Let’s turn local efforts into a powerful force for global impact.
