Sustainable Surfing

Whilst being an ambiguous and contested concept, sustainability has become one of the twenty-first century's most pervasive ideas, as humanity's increasing impact on the environment, as well as increasing social and economic inequalities, have local and global consequences. Surfing is a globally recognised cultural phenomenon whose unique connection with nature and rapid expansion into a multibillion pound industry offers exciting synergies for exploring various dimensions of sustainability. This book is the first to bring together the world's foremost experts on the themes of sustainability and surfing. Drawing upon cutting edge theory and research, this book offers multidisciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches on the social, environmental and economic components of sustainable surfing. Contributions provide unique discussions that bridge the gap between theory and practice, exploring topics such as sustainable surf tourism, surf-econometrics, surf activism, surfing governance, the surfing industry, and technological advancements. Each chapter produces in-depth insights to provide foundational insights of the relationship between sustainability and surfing. This book will appeal to multiple audiences in different disciplines and sectors. Practitioners will benefit from the insights presented in this volume, while both undergraduate and postgraduate students will find this volume an invaluable companion, including those working in geography, environmental studies, sport sciences, and leisure and tourism studies.

Gregory Borne is a Lecturer in Public Management and Policy at Plymouth University, UK. He is also the founder and Director of the Plymouth Sustainability and Surfing Research Group. Jess Ponting is an Associate Professor and Founder and Director of the Center for Surf Research at San Diego State University, USA.

Part 1: Introduction 1. Sustainability and surfing in a risk society Part 2: A systems approach 2. Surf resource system boundaries Part 3: Technology, industry, and sustainability 3. Surfing in the technological era 4. Towards more sustainable business practices in surf industry clusters 5. Surfboard making and environmental sustainability: new materials and regulations, subcultural norms and economic constraints Part 4: Informing policy domains 6. Surfing voices in coastal management: Gold Coast Surf Management Plan - a case study 7. Surfers and public sphere protest: protecting surfing environments 8. The non-market value of surfing and its body policy implications Part 5: Reconceptualising sustainable surf spaces 9. Sustaining the local: localism and sustainability 10. Spot X: surfing, remote destinations and sustaining wilderness surfing experiences 11. Surfing: a ritual with consequences 12. Culture, meaning and sustainability in surfing 13. Simulating Nirvana: surf parks, surfing spaces, and sustainability Part 6: Conclusion 14. Sustainability and surfing: themes and synergies