What can 10,000 cigarette butts tell us about the health of our ocean—and our ability to change it?
The Cigarette Surfboard, directed by Ben Judkins, follows surfer and activist Taylor Lane as he transforms 10,000 cigarette butts collected from California beaches into a functional surfboard. What began as an unconventional creative project grew into a powerful platform for ocean advocacy, bringing together professional surfers, scientists, and activists to explore the impact of cigarette waste and challenge Big Tobacco’s role in creating toxic, plastic pollution.
At its core, the film is about the power of individual and collective action. A single cigarette butt may seem insignificant, but multiplied across beaches and coastlines around the world, those small actions have an enormous impact. The same is true for solutions.
Seatrees + The Cigarette Surfboard
Seatrees has been proud to work alongside The Cigarette Surfboard for several years, helping to “wipe out” the carbon impact associated with the film’s production and distribution by supporting the restoration of critical ocean ecosystems.
The partnership reflects a shared belief that storytelling can do more than raise awareness—it can inspire meaningful action for the ocean. While The Cigarette Surfboard uses surfing, art, and activism to change the way people think about ocean pollution, Seatrees works with restoration partners around the world to plant, protect, and restore ecosystems including mangrove forests, kelp forests, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, coastal watersheds, and shellfish reefs.
Together, it’s a reminder that the environmental impact of filmmaking doesn’t have to end when production wraps. Creative projects can use their platforms—and their resources—to give back to the places and communities that make their stories possible.
Watch the Online Premiere
Now, The Cigarette Surfboard is coming to audiences everywhere.
The award-winning environmental documentary will be available to watch online September 15–27, 2026, timed around International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 19.
Optimistic, engaging, and solution-driven, the film invites viewers to experience the ocean through surfers’ eyes while asking a bigger question: What role can each of us play in protecting and restoring the ocean?
With a ticket, viewers will also have access to a series of live virtual Q&As with professional surfers and ocean advocates featured in the film:
- September 15 at 8 PM PT: Ph.D. chemist and professional surfer Cliff Kapono
- September 16 at 8 PM PT: Ocean activist and professional surfer Hannah Bennett
- September 17 at 12 PM PT: Regenerative farmer and professional surfer Fergal Smith
- September 18 at 12 PM PT: Ph.D. in Environment & Society and professional surfer Easkey Britton
- September 19 at 12 PM PT: Surfers Against Sewage co-founder Chris Hines
Whether you surf, work in ocean conservation, or simply care about the future of our coastlines, The Cigarette Surfboard is a reminder that creativity and action can turn even a piece of waste into a catalyst for change.
Watch The Cigarette Surfboard online September 15–27 and join a global community taking action for a healthier ocean.
