ENCINITAS — On a day with less-than-favorable conditions for the seasoned surfer, 22-year-old Torrey Trust demonstrated basic moves to beginners on the beach. As the founder and CEO of Surf eCo, Encinitas native Trust seeks to impart more than just surfing technique to her students. Environmental education and awareness are the foundations of her new business venture that launched in March.

Trust, a lifelong surfer and instructor for several years, was motivated to start her own school after witnessing the damaging impact of deforestation. On her honeymoon in Costa Rica last year, Trust and her husband, Trevor Takayama, saw 200,000 acres of burning rainforest. In an effort to preserve the remaining pristine ecological haven, Trust said she hopes to raise $50,000 to purchase 1,000 acres of Costa Rican rainforest.

After attempting to paddle into waves south of Swami’s, students had a discussion. “We talked about deforestation at the first class,” said Encinitas resident Fred Nehring. “Torrey offers up solutions to the environmental problems, things we can do that will make a difference.”

“I enjoy spreading environmental awareness to my class participants through environmental discussions and beach cleanups,” Trust said. “We talk about everything from greening your lifestyle to ocean pollution.”

Meg Rajan, a student from La Jolla, said she chose Surf eCo over other surf schools because it is more ecologically oriented. “It also has the cheapest price,” she said. Trust offers private and small group lessons with prices starting at $17 per hour compared to other companies that charge upward of $75 per hour.

Running a green business, Trust uses environmentally friendly products in every facet of the operation. Taking the environment into consideration when sourcing materials has an impact on the business’ bottom line she said. “It’s not cheap to buy the eco-friendly version of a lot of the things we use at the school,” Trust said. “But it’s worth it.”

Surf eCo uses biofoam surfboards that incorporate a blank made partially from vegetable matter. Organic, biodegradable surf wax is used as an alternative to petroleum-based wax. “We also use bamboo towels because it’s a more sustainable product,” Trust said. Even the sunscreen is organic.

By creating good stewards of the environment, Trust is achieving the goals established for the surf school. “We have already saved 28 acres of rainforest thus far,” she said. “Surfers are one of the biggest groups of people that should truly care about the environment — especially the ocean, so my company’s goal is to show participants the importance of the environment. This way, the next generation of surfers will, hopefully, do more to take care of what environment is left.”

Beyond the environmental awareness, students said they appreciate the small class size and the opportunity to achieve a personal goal. “I told myself that I wouldn’t let another summer go by without learning to surf,” said Nehring, who relocated from Boulder, Colo., four years ago. “I almost got up today,” he said with a smile.

For more information, visit www.sdsurfeco.com.