SLOP, SLAP BUT NO SLIP: TEENAGER CREATES SUNSCREEN FOR SURFERS
JOSHUA Apitz became fed up of slipping off his surfboard after applying sunscreen, so he’s come up with a solution.
“Mum was really adamant about me wearing sunscreen because my father and grandfather both have had skin cancer,” Joshua said.
Not wanting to give up the surf the Mudgeeraba 16year-old developed his own slip-free SPF 50+ sunscreen, Seagull Milk, which works through being 100 per cent mineral based with zinc oxide the main active ingredient.
“I hated putting on slippery sunscreen when I went for a surf. My hands would slip and it’d get into my lap and hurt my eyes and everything – it was a messy situation,” he said.
“So I thought many other people might be suffering the same frustration.”
Joshua was right, with the product flying off the shelves before it was even there.
“Last year, we made over $10,000 worth of stock in pre-sales without having the product.”
Joshua tested the product on himself, his friends and professional surfers such as John John Florence and Ace Buchan, and received rave reviews. The product is now available online from Seagull Milk or wholesaler Fresh Farm Organics for $24.95.
“It will soon be available in physical stores and I’d love for it be the ‘alternative’ sunscreen endorsed and used by Surf Life Saving Australia.
“We’re continually being contacted by parents of nippers wanting us to make it available in surf clubs.”