Surfonomics

Using research and economics to protect surfing resources.

“Surfonomics” aims to document surfing’s financial contributions to local and regional economies. Through Surfonomics research, we determine the economic value of a wave and surfing to local communities to help decision makers make better choices to protect their coastal resources and waves.

Surfing is an example of a non-extractive coastal resource. As long as the environment is protected, a surfing wave is a completely renewable resource, and the economic contribution that a surf area bestows is integral in the understanding of coastal economies.

'The Unexpected Benefits of Surfing'

As science, economics and the love of surfing align, they hope to leverage the power of their waves to protect coasts in a way that benefits not just hard-core wave-riders but everyone who enjoys, and relies on, the sea. Read full article.

Case Studies

Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica

Guarda do Embaú, Brazil

Conducted 2013 / 2014

Uluwatu, Bali

Conducted 2014

Mavericks, California

Conducted 2009

Mundaka, Spain

Conducted 2008

SPOTLIGHT:

GUARDA DO EMBAÚ, BRAZIL

Findings of the Surfonomics study, conducted during the summer which is the peak season for tourism, shows that surfer tourists and their travel partners account for approximately 44% of the tourists visiting Guarda do Embaú. In general, they spend on average twice as much as tourists and are responsible for around 77% of the tourism contribution to the local economy. In conclusion, surf tourism plays a substantial role in the economy of Guarda do Embaú.

Daily Expenditure: US $61.00

Annual Total Economic Local Expenditure: US $4.2 million

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