The value of coastal recreational resources: a case study approach to examine the value of recreational surfing to specific locales

LAZAROW, N., 2007. The value of coastal recreational resources: a case study approach to examine the value of recreational surfing to specific locales. Journal of Coastal Research, SI 50 (Proceedings of the 9th International Coastal Symposium), 12 – 20. Gold Coast, Australia, ISSN 0749.0208 Surfing is a major recreational and economic activity involving intimate human interaction with diverse coastal environments and is expanding both in intensity in traditional locations, as well as in reach into new environments often in the developing world. The value of surfing to both Australia’s and the global economy has grown significantly over the past three decades. This combined with the significant growth in participation and rising popularity of surfing and surfing culture in many countries, means that the importance of the economic and social value of surfing to various regions cannot be understated. While there is a growing literature on the value of surfing tourism, especially in the South-East Asian region and of proposed artificial surfing reefs, there is little documented evidence of the value of recreational surfing in more traditional locations such as Australia and the USA, where it has been estimated that over two-million Australians and two-and-a-half million Americans surf on a regular basis. This paper presents findings from a three-year study using proven economic methodologies as well as those from the other social sciences to collect data on the market and non-market value of surfing at two locations in Australia. The findings demonstrate the significant economic, social and cultural importance of surfing amenity to specific locales, including the need to consider any negative impacts on surf breaks and the environment that may occur as a result of development, coastal planning and protection works.