Investigating the Importance of Surf Resource Sustainability Indicators: Stakeholder Perspectives for Surf Tourism Planning and Development

Abstract

The sustainability and conservation of coastal surfing resources have gained considerable attention in the twenty-first century. Scholars, graduate students, not-for-profit organizations, and commercial and governmental sectors have entered the surf tourism research field in order to better understand and manage surf sites. This research investigates the significance of 27 social, economic, environmental, and governance indicators outlined in the Surf Resource Sustainability Index, a contemporary methodology for measuring the conservation aptitude of surf sites. Twenty-one highly experienced surfers from diverse backgrounds were chosen for in-depth interviews based on their position as key stakeholders and for their practical experience, knowledge, and interaction with the resource. The study finds that surfers placed the highest importance for conservation aptitude on beach quality, water quality, legislative status, biodiversity, and history. Overall, environmental and governance indicators were slightly more significant than social indicators, and economic indicators were the least significant. Stakeholders' comments and corresponding ratings are listed for each indicator and provide insight to their perspectives and evaluations. The research contributes to surf tourism planning and development though the clarification of sustainability indicators and the discernment of indicator importance by surfers. A surf resource conservation action matrix is developed for future policy design and management.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank surf tourism researchers Danny O'Brien and Jess Ponting, and watermen Jonathan McAlpin, Jeff Middleton and Larry Davis. Although we have drawn upon the collective knowledge of the studies found herein, any errors are our own. Particular thanks to the Faculties of International Studies and Hospitality and Tourism at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand, for their support.