Surfing in Sustainability
Photography by Olympia Von Woellwarth Lauterburg
Words by Francesca Hughes
Bournemouth has a passionate surfing community that has steadily grown since the 1960s. However, as local awareness of sustainability continues to increase, it is worth considering the role of surfing in the sustainability of our beloved coast.
Surfers and marine life share common interests and threats. Like coastal marine life, surfers rely on healthy, undisturbed ecosystems. The seabed features that create good waves can also serve as abundant marine habitats. The surfing community is particularly climate-focused and by protecting surf spots, they can promote coastal sustainability. For instance, communities designated as World Surfing Reserves by the Save The Waves Coalition can formally and actively protect their local ecosystems for surfers and conservation efforts. North Devon became the first UK designation last year. Surf breaks in Peru and New Zealand have even been granted statutory protection under environmental laws.
Surfing is also a non-extractive coastal resource, meaning that the activity itself does not impact the environment. Surf waves are renewable and offer significant economic value to local communities. Surfonomics is an international term used to describe the economic metrics that assess the value of surf spots and their resources, providing economic incentives for protecting valuable ecosystems. In the UK, a 2013 Surfers Against Sewage study estimated that surfing directly contributes £1 billion to £1.8 billion in economic activity, and almost £5 billion when including indirect and induced effects. The Bournemouth surf community also contributes to the local economy and tourist industry, with businesses hiring equipment, offering lessons, and selling surf goods and apparel.
However, the growth and commercialisation of surfing can lead to increased production and exploitation. Negative side-effects of surfing on sustainability include the carbon footprint of international surf travel, harmful materials used in the production of surfboards and surf equipment, use of jet-skis, power boats, and helicopters in elite surfing, and the excessive production of surf-style clothing and products by major brands.
Most surfboards are made from harmful materials like plastic, polyurethane foam, and polyester resin, generating considerable waste during the manufacturing process. Wetsuits, unfortunately essential for UK surfing all year round, are mostly made from fossil-fuel based plastics like neoprene and nylon, and surf wax is usually made from petroleum-based materials and chemicals. Surf gear is increasingly mass-produced for cost efficiency, sacrificing local production and product durability.
Therefore, while surfing offers sustainable opportunities, surfers and the surf industry could adopt changes to improve their overall impact on the environment.
As BCP locals, we can take steps to become a more sustainable surfer at an individual level. The following ideas can help reduce our environmental impact:
Consumption → First and foremost, we can reduce our own consumption and waste. This includes extending the lifecycle of our equipment. Instead of buying new gear, use what we already have, care for it and repair it, and then sell it second-hand once no longer used. You can also donate surf equipment to local learners or social clubs and check if the company you bought from offers a take-back scheme to recycle the materials. We can resist the urge to buy additional pieces of equipment and gadgets that might enhance or accessorise our surfing. Stick to the basics and only buy new equipment as a last resort. If we do need to buy new equipment, there are more sustainable alternatives made from less toxic or recycled materials.
Travel → Surfing locally rather than travelling reduces the impact of surf tourism, but for many Dorset-based surfers, this can be challenging. Even for surfers with famous home breaks, travelling is a significant part of surfing, and public transport may not be accommodating to surfboard luggage. However, there are still ways to reduce our impact while enjoying the benefits of travelling such as using more fuel-efficient vehicles or car/van sharing and planning surf trips more conscientiously.
Activism → In addition to making individual changes, we can join organisations like Surfers Against Sewage and Sea Shepherd (both have local branches) to participate in conservation activities and campaigns. We can also participate in local elections and use our vote to support more sustainable policies and hold local authorities accountable. By taking part in activism, we can make a difference on a larger scale and help create a more sustainable future for everyone.
