Which Meteorological and Climatological Information Is Requested for Better Surfing Experiences? A Survey-Based Analysis

Abstract

This paper extends the work of previous research by investigating surfing practices and surf-recreation companies from a behavioral perspective. The study’s main aim is to gain insights into the role of meteorological/climatological information in decision-making related to the surf-tourism activities market. This information was gathered employing an online survey that asked respondents about where they surf and how they check forecasts for surfing. Climate services (CS) are promoted to support the decision-making process to better prepare for and adapt to the risks and opportunities of climate variability and change. The current market for CS is still in its early stages. In this paper, we report the findings from our recent investigation into the actual and potential market for CS for the Iberian Peninsula surf-tourism sector. Based on surfers’ and surf companies’ demands, it was found that an improved surfing climate service (herein, SCS) will have clear implications in the management of these tourism areas and provide insights into whether surfing activities may be successful. At the same time, such services can help to manage adaptive actions in regard to the impacts of climate change in surfing areas.

Exploring the Climatic Potential of Somo’s Surf Spot for Tourist Destination Management

“…The present research bridges the gap between users and producers of climate information in line with our previous study, in which surfers and surf companies identified which meteorological and climatological information they need access to for better surfing experiences [9]. The new contacts that were gained through the survey conducted in the previous study helped the researchers of this study refine its focus.…”

“…The enjoyability and safety of the surfing experience are enhanced when the right information is communicated in the right way. Boqué et al [9] surveyed surfers in Spain to explore which meteorological and climatological information they find necessary for a better surfing experience.…”

“…De Andrés et al [53], who studied surfers' balance during surfing activity between competitive surfers and non-competitive surfers in Somo, in collaboration with Escuela Cantabra de Surf and Somo Surf Center, defended that surfing in training and competition is characterized by a great variability of environmental factors such as different sizes and breaking shapes of the waves and changing weather conditions. Nevertheless, there are limitations and possibilities for the world surfing reserves [54] that can be assessed by surfing climatology and surfing forecasts [9].…”

“…are constantly changing, there is no general surf clue that can help the surfing community. For this reason, the present research has focused on developing those different needs identified from the survey profiling different kinds of surfers: beginners, intermediates, advanced, and big wave riders [9]. Relatedly, future research may explore the provision of an app with reactive programming for surfers that could help them to set preferences for meteo-oceanic variables.…”

Turismo activo y deporte: perfilando una línea de investigación en ciencias sociales

“…En este momento, puede sostenerse que este panorama indica que los destinos turísticos donde se implementar actividades de turismo activo se caracterizan por tener una amplia y variada oferta de actividades y deportes, permitiendo la diversificación de sus actividades y huir de la estacionalidad en su oferta, o bien ser destinos altamente especializados en una actividad física o deporte (Ciurana & Aguilar, 2021;Martín-González, Swart, & Luque-Gil, 2021a), apostando por intensificar las visitas y engrandecer su prestigio frente a los turistas que demandan alguna actividad física o deporte concreto enmarcado en el modelo turístico de turismo activo.…”