Pristine coastline and quality surfing waves have an enormous social and economic value – a value that is often underestimated by political leaders and businesspeople. Save The Waves’ research and "Value of Waves" studies are helping to change that.

Mundaka – Save The Waves commissioned an economic study in 2007 on the value of the surfing wave in Mundaka, Spain, to the local economy, through Oregon State University’s College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Sciences. It’s a comprehensive study that factors in tourism revenue as well as local surf industry revenue, including the annual Billabong Pro contest held there every October. Click here for a summary of the results.

Maverick's – In 2009 Save The Waves initiated a joint study in conjunction with the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) at Stanford University and the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, on the economic value of Maverick's. Utilizing progressive travel cost models to calculate the value of the wave and area to visitors, the study estimates the positive economic, social and cultural benefit generated by the world-famous break. Click here for a summary of the results.