ABSTRACT

Whilst being an ambiguous and contested concept, sustainability has become one of the twenty-first century’s most pervasive ideas, as humanity’s increasing impact on the environment, as well as increasing social and economic inequalities, have local and global consequences. Surfing is a globally recognised cultural phenomenon whose unique connection with nature and rapid expansion into a multibillion pound industry offers exciting synergies for exploring various dimensions of sustainability.

This book is the first to bring together the world’s foremost experts on the themes of sustainability and surfing. Drawing upon cutting edge theory and research, this book offers multidisciplinary perspectives and methodological approaches on the social, environmental and economic components of sustainable surfing. Contributions provide unique discussions that bridge the gap between theory and practice, exploring topics such as sustainable surf tourism, surf-econometrics, surf activism, surfing governance, the surfing industry, and technological advancements. Each chapter produces in-depth insights to provide foundational insights of the relationship between sustainability and surfing.

This book will appeal to multiple audiences in different disciplines and sectors. Practitioners will benefit from the insights presented in this volume, while both undergraduate and postgraduate students will find this volume an invaluable companion, including those working in geography, environmental studies, sport sciences, and leisure and tourism studies.

part I|20 pages

Introduction

part II|18 pages

A systems approach

part III|65 pages

Technology, industry, and sustainability

chapter 3|31 pages

Surfing in the technological era

chapter 5|17 pages

Surfboard making and environmental sustainability

New materials and regulations, subcultural norms and economic constraints

part IV|40 pages

Informing policy domains

chapter 6|18 pages

Surfing voices in coastal management

Gold Coast Surf Management Plan – a case study

chapter 7|12 pages

Surfers and public sphere protest

Protecting surfing environments

part V|93 pages

Reconceptualising sustainable surf spaces

chapter 9|18 pages

Sustaining the local

Localism and sustainability

chapter 10|11 pages

Spot X

Surfing, remote destinations and sustaining wilderness surfing experiences

chapter 11|26 pages

Surfing

A ritual with consequences

chapter 13|19 pages

Simulating Nirvana

Surf parks, surfing spaces, and sustainability

part VI|12 pages

Conclusion

chapter 14|10 pages

Sustainability and surfing

Themes and synergies