Climate Change Has It In for the World’s Best Surfing
As coastlines change, so do surf breaks. That may spell the end for premier waves and the tourist economies that depend on them.
A recent study examining famous surfing locations across the globe has found that over three-quarters of these iconic waves are at high risk due to climate change. From the "bombing barrels" of Croyde Beach in the UK to the point breaks in Australia and El Salvador, and the reefs in California, these waves are at risk because of rising sea levels, altered rainfall patterns, and shifting sands.
The impacts of this threat extend beyond surfers, affecting entire communities that rely on the surf economy, often in areas with limited other resources. The study, published in the journal Climatic Change, warns that both climate change and coastal management pose significant risks to these surf breaks and the local cultures and economies they support.
The researchers discovered that natural coastlines were more adaptable to these changes, able to shift inland and redistribute sediments, while human-made structures like sea walls, jetties, and groynes made the beaches and waves less resilient. Local surfers, who are often the best judges of their breaks, were consulted in the study.
Trent Hodges, a coauthor and senior programs manager at Save the Waves Coalition, emphasizes that local knowledge can help protect these waves. Adam Hall, a cofounder of the North Devon WSR, highlights surfing's importance to the local economy, with surfers visiting throughout the year, supporting local businesses even in the off-season.
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