Have you ever stopped to think about how much money surfing brings into the community? There's been a growing awareness this decade for knowing just how much revenue surfing can generate for a town.
Getty Images, ASP- Mark Ralston
Every body in the background represents a few bucks.
Of course the ocean is a resource that attracts people like any resource. But how about the actual waves? Unless you are the dude who's Mom packs him a lunch, only buys gas at that place on the other side of the highway where it's 3 cents cheaper, and avoids paying for parking, you probably support the economy of the place you surf.
What's that you say? You live in the town where you surf. Well, then you contribute to it everyday — because of the wave there.
How much revenue did Huntington Beach make this week? The municipality probably made $4 mil in Jaywalking tickets alone.
I recently did a feature for my local news magazine on our local surf economy. Over a long talk with a friend of mine who manages a local shop, we estimated there are two hundred people directly tied to the surf industry on our little Island, in the summer. And that doesn't count the folks who rent houses near the surf beach, the coin they drop in restaurants, the gas they buy in town, or the heinous $20 they pay that gets them into a crowded bar where shirtless monkeys play cover songs.
In 2006, Vans contracted Honolulu-based Markrich Research to estimate just how much money the Triple Crown brings in. How does $9 million sound? That six weeks keeps the North Shore economy moving.
I'm sure you've read about the potential for waves if the Long Beach breakwater is removed. The Surfrider Foundation recently released a report with extensive legwork by Sean Collins of Surfline which included how much cash could be generated if the breakwater came down. Collins estimates 400,000 visitors a year if there were waves to be had.
Surfrider Foundation
Marinas and yachts may bring in bigger dollars than waves and wave seekers, but there is potential for more revenue in the long run from surfers.
Oahu is obviously an extreme example, but in every town that attracts surfers, it's a considerable amount. Look at Hermosa Costa Rica, or Tofino, Brittish Columbia. You can wave your incense and talk about wildlife in San Mateo all you want, but the people of San Clemente know how much money Trestles brings in.
This is the point of Surf First. And if you haven't been to that site yet, fill out the survey. This is part of a movement designed to empower surfers.
Surfers aren't just the 18-year-old demographic. There are entire families whose quality time revolves around the ocean and the act of riding waves. We're reaching a point of legitimacy in our sport where we can really quantify how valuable a break is. If you pray at the alter of the sea and consider the green room your church, the idea of putting a price on a wave might be sacrilegious, but it may be the future of saving waves.
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Contributors
Jon Coen
Jon is from New Jersey and continues to reside there with his wife and dog—which means occasional empty barrels and the occasional session in the snow.The state isn't as dirty as people might think, but he'll let them keep believing that.
Jake Howard
Jake lives, writes and surfs in San Clemente, Calif. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the past 10 years has been contently surviving behind the Orange Curtain.
Kimball Taylor
Author of "Return by Water," as well as books on Jeffreys Bay and Pipeline, Kimball drives a red-hot Camero, and back in the '70s, he used to party with your dad.
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Daniel surfs like a hippie, but dresses like a homie. The Native Hawaiian originally hails from Hilo, but now resides in Honolulu. He enjoys twin-fins, new sneakers and being ESPN's "Cuz On The Scene" in the 50th State.
Jason Kenworthy
About as majestic as a turkey vulture, when he's not schlepping his lens around the world or looking for roadkill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point, Calif., tending to his growing brood.
