This document discusses surfonomics, which analyzes the economic impact and value of surfing. It provides examples from California beaches, which see over 17 million visits annually contributing $15 billion to the economy. A case study of Solana Beach, CA is presented on beach use. Economic impact refers to local spending while economic value considers travel costs and willingness to pay. Methodology for surfonomics studies is outlined. Examples are given from sites like Trestles, CA, which sees $8-13 million in annual economic impact and $10-26 million in consumer surplus. The potential for surf parks to expand surfing access and the surf industry is discussed.

1. Surfonomics 101
Dr. Chad Nelsen
Surfrider Foundation

4. What is Surfonomics?
• Demographics
• Behavior
• Economic Impact
• Economic Value
• Measuring change
• Sustainable tourism

5. California Beaches:
17.8 million visits
$15 billion/year
(Source: Pendleton et al. 2011, King, 1999)

8. Solana Beach, CA Beach Use
(Source: CIC Research, July 2009)

9. Economic Impact vs Economic Value
• Economic Impact (Local Spending):
– Support local businesses
– Create jobs
– Provide salaries and wages
• Economic Value:
– Travel Cost Model
– Willingness to Pay (Consumer Surplus)

10. Surfonomics steps
•
•
•
•
Study design
Survey surfers (in person/internet)
Data Collection
Data Analysis
– Spending
– Economic Value
• Reporting

11. Demand Curve

12. Surfonomics Studies
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Trestles (Nelsen, 2007, 2012)
Mundaka (Murphy (STW), 2007)
South Stradbroke (Lazarow, 2008)
Bastion Point (Lazarow, 2008)
Mavericks (Coffman, 2009)
Oregon Rec. Study (2010)
Socioeconomic & Recreational Profile of
US Surfers (Nelsen, 2011)

13. Trestles
Photo: Craig Copoolla

17. $0
Photo: TKO

19. Trestles: Economic Impacts
Total Visits
367,000
Surfer Visits
330,000
Ave Expenditure/Visit
Range
Economic Impact Range
(Nelsen, Pendleton 2007)
$23 - $40
$8-13 million
Per year

20. Trestles: Economic Value
Total Visits
367,000
Surfer Visits
330,000
Value/Visit Range
Consumer Surplus Range
(Nelsen 2010)
$29 - $80
$10-26 million
Per year

23. Site Specific Studies in Bali, Chile & Peru

24. Opt-in Data Results: Ocean Group

25. Coastal Visitation in Oregon: 2010
• 21 million estimated
coastal trips in Ore.
• $87 average trip
expenditure
• $2.4 billion in
expenditures in 2010
(estimated)
http://www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog/entry/ocean-recreation-in-oregon

27. What’s Next
• More Site Studies
• Larger regional studies
• More studies / experts
• Academic partners / centers
• Clearing house for information
• Case Studies

28. Photo: Surf Park Central

29. Surf Parks
“Surf parks could mean a lot to the surf industry.
Surfing is obviously limited by geography today
and the ultimate potential “unlock” is
substantial when you think of all the places that
don’t have natural surf…
… the opportunity for surf parks is massive for
our industry ”
Doug Paladini - CEO Vans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBKQc1E545M

30. • 3,000 Skate parks
• 250+ Wake Board Parks

31. Wave Garden Video

32. Challenges to Surf Parks?
• Energy costs
• Siting & associated costs
• Site management
– Waste management
– Human health
– Facilities
• Others?

33. Benefits of Surf Parks
• More access to surfing
• Surf industry “unlock”
• Advanced tricks
• Olympic!

34. More..
US Surf econ study: http://bit.ly/us_surfecon
Coastal Blog:
surfrider.org/coastal-blog/c/surf-protection
Chad Nelsen
cnelsen@surfrider.org
twitter: chadenelsen

35. Questions
Chad Nelsen
cnelsen@surfrider.org
t: chadenelsen
www.surfrider.org/coastal-blog