Investigating the Importance of Surf Resource Sustainability Indicators: Stakeholder Perspectives for Surf Tourism Planning and Development

Abstract

The sustainability and conservation of coastal surfing resources have gained considerable attention in the twenty-first century. Scholars, graduate students, not-for-profit organizations, and commercial and governmental sectors have entered the surf tourism research field in order to better understand and manage surf sites. This research investigates the significance of 27 social, economic, environmental, and governance indicators outlined in the Surf Resource Sustainability Index, a contemporary methodology for measuring the conservation aptitude of surf sites. Twenty-one highly experienced surfers from diverse backgrounds were chosen for in-depth interviews based on their position as key stakeholders and for their practical experience, knowledge, and interaction with the resource. The study finds that surfers placed the highest importance for conservation aptitude on beach quality, water quality, legislative status, biodiversity, and history. Overall, environmental and governance indicators were slightly more significant than social indicators, and economic indicators were the least significant. Stakeholders' comments and corresponding ratings are listed for each indicator and provide insight to their perspectives and evaluations. The research contributes to surf tourism planning and development though the clarification of sustainability indicators and the discernment of indicator importance by surfers. A surf resource conservation action matrix is developed for future policy design and management.

Surf-riding tourism in coastal fishing communities: A comparative case study of two projects from the Philippines

“…Subsequently, the local council announced to remove the ASR. Overall, sustainability of the surfriding tourism industry remains a predominant theme in much of the research (Martin & Assenov, 2014;Ponting & O'Brien, 2014;Shuman and Hodgeson, 2009;Usher and Kerstetter, 2014).…”

Surf Tourism Development: Perspectives in Alaçati Surf Spot

“…As Krause (2012) stated one of the essential differences between surf tourists and other travelers is that surfers stay longer and prefer local establishments more often than other types of tourists. Lately, recreational surfing and surf tourism have emerged as multibillion dollar industries including equipment manufacturers, clothing firms, amateur and professional sporting events, domestic and international tourism (Martin & Assenov, 2014). In addition, surf sites and surfing activities play a leading role in a region's image, commerce and tourism-based identity (Doering, 2018;Martin, 2013).…”

“…The literature on surf tourism has fundamentally put emphasis on community influences, urbanization problem and entrepreneurial activities in surf tourism locations (Martin & Assenov, 2012). Previous surf tourism studies have explored the sustainability of management plans, regulations and policies in various destinations (Martin & Assenov, 2014;O'Brien & Ponting, 2013;Buckley, 2002). Moreover, researchers have investigated the economic impact of surf breaks using travel cost and ecosystem services methodologies (Margules, 2011;Coffman & Burnett, 2009;Lazarow & Nelson, 2007), performance assessment across genders (Eurich et al, 2010), effects of surfing events (Ahmed et al, 2008;Getz & Fairley, 2003), medical matters such as injuries related to surfing (Hay et al, 2009;Carrasco, 2008) and attachment to surf spots (Reineman & Ardoin, 2018).…”

The Importance of Windsurf Schools in Tourism: The Case of Alaçati

“…The literature on surf tourism topic has mainly focused on community impacts, urbanization threats, and entrepreneurial complexities in surf tourism destinations (Martin and Assenov, 2012). Previous surf tourism researches has explored the sustainability of management plans, policies, and regulations in a range of destinations (Buckley, 2002;O'Brien and Ponting, 2013;Martin and Assenov, 2014;Ponting and O'Brien, 2014). Barbieri and Sotomayors' (2013) study was conducted using a convenient sample of 126 surfers to examine whether the six serious leisure qualities (Effort, Ethos, Career, Identity, Perseverance, Benefits) are associated with surf travel behavior and destination preferences.…”

“…Global growth in the sport of surfing is estimated at 16% per annum (Buckley, 2002). Lately, recreational surfing and surf tourism have emerged as multibillion dollar industries encompassing equipment manufacturers (such as Cobra International in Thailand), clothing corporations (such as Quiksilver, Billabong, and Rip Curl), amateur and professional sporting events, and domestic and international tourism (Martin and Assenov 2014). Surf sites and surfing activities play a leading role in a region's image, commerce and tourism-based identity (Martin 2013).…”