Surf’s up! Participation Regimes and Motivations for Surfing in Wales Jon Anderson Katie Jones June 2008

We wanted to find out about what surfers favoured in beaches. In order to explore this, respondents were asked to select three of their favourite places to surf – these may not necessarily have been the most frequent or the most popular places they visit – they were then asked about why they chose to surf at these particular locations. This data was first analysed by removing the ‘place’ element to uncover the most significant qualities surfers seek in a beach. Secondary analysis then compared these findings with the places chosen by respondents in order to access place-based data.

The ‘top five favourite’ beaches that respondents chose were:

1. 
   Rhossili (n=44)
   
2. 
   Ogmore (n=34)
   
3. 
   Aberavon (n=25)
   
4. 
   Broadhaven South (n=24)
   
5. 
   Horton (n=23)
   

The table below outlines the reasons surfers gave for these beach’s popularity:

This section is designed to explore the provision of, and need for facilities at beaches across Wales. As shown in Chapter Three about surf schools in Wales, there is a need for some facilities in surf locations to cater for the growing interest in surfing and the effects this has on beach sites. Questionnaire respondents were asked about what they felt was needed in terms of facilities from their experience of surfing in Wales. The questionnaire asked them if they felt there was ‘enough’ or ‘not enough’ of a range of facilities at the locations they surfed at. The results in the table below have been ordered to highlight which facilities surfers perceive to be lacking in Wales. The findings therefore make valuable suggestions as to the role the Sports Council for Wales could play in improving facility provision for surfers.

• 
  68% of surfers identified that there is not enough pollution monitoring at surf beaches across Wales. As stated earlier the potential exists for the SCW, in association with other organisations such as The Environment Agency to implement pollution monitoring and clean water policies at beaches.
  

• 
  Similarly, the provision of waste and recycling facilities was also identified as lacking at Welsh beaches by 63% of surfers. This is something the SCW could also address, in association with other organisations.
  

• 
  Over 40% surfers think there are not enough showers or sheltered areas at beach locations, something that the SCW and local authorities could seek to implement.
  

• 
  22% respondents felt there were not enough lifeguards at beaches, whilst this may not be a significant issue for more experienced surfers, the provision of lifeguards in areas used by beginner and intermediate surfers is an important issue.
  

As explained in Chapter One, given the time of year that this research was undertaken, it is likely that the study has captured mainly the voices and experiences of experienced, local surfers rather than surf tourists. The needs of these groups are likely to differ significantly, so for example, surf tourists who are relatively new to the sport, and who have travelled to the area from some distance away are likely to place greater emphasis on the need for car parking facilities, life guards and cafes/bar, rather than local people.

Allied to the provision of facilities other barriers were cited by respondents as significant in preventing them participate in surfing on a regular basis. These include:

• 
  The lack of public transport to access beaches
  
• 
  The lack of equipment available to hire in some areas, especially important for beginners
  
• 
  Overcrowding at certain beaches
  
• 
  Poor parking facilities
  
• 
  Risk of car theft and petty crime
  
• 
  Environmental risks and pollution
  
• 
  Localism
  
• 
  Lack of showers, changing facilities and sheltered areas
  
• 
  Unreliable weather conditions in Wales!
  

“Overcrowding in surf spots near cities in the summer; poor parking facilities; risk of car theft and petty crime (Rest Bay, Porthcawl!); pollution in SE Wales; not enough guidance for beginners; lack of campsites and cheap accommodation; lack of public transport to beach breaks; finally... freezing cold water in winter!”

This section explores conflicts that can occur between surfers and other beach users. Given the nature of coastal sites as multi-use environments, the potential exists for conflicts to arise between users, especially perhaps those with different needs, activities and socio-demographics. Surfers were asked about the prevalence of conflicts in areas they frequent between surfers, surfing and other water sports, and surfers and other beach users.

• 
  The majority of respondents (64.9%) felt that conflicts between surfers were not very prevalent, compared with 7.5% who felt they were very prevalent. 25.4% felt there was not an issue at all.
  
• 
  Similarly the majority of respondents (55.6%) felt conflicts between surfers and other water sports were not that prevalent, compared with 17.3% who felt they were very prevalent. 23.3% felt there was not an issue
  
• 
  39.8% of respondents felt conflicts between surfers and other beach users were not very prevalent, compared with just 6.8% who thought they were very prevalent. The majority (50.4%) felt they were not an issue.
  

Questionnaire and interview responses revealed that conflicts or tensions, although rare, occur for the following reasons:

• 
  When people do not surf safety or demonstrate surf etiquette
  
• 
  During peak seasons when popular beaches become crowded
  
• 
  Tensions sometimes arise between locals and new-comers, often called ‘localism’
  
• 
  Beginners are often less aware of basic surfing safety regimes and etiquette
  

In the majority of cases, the problems manifest themselves in verbal altercations between surfers rather than physical forms of violence. Suggestions or recommendations to avoid such tensions arising include:

• 
  Providing signage at beaches displaying safety information and surf etiquette
  
• 
  Surf schools and surf clubs teaching basic safety rules and surf etiquette
  

The following quotations from questionnaire and interview responses highlight some of the main issues summarised above:

Questionnaire and interview responses revealed that tensions occur in the sea between surfers and other water sports for the following reasons:

• 
  Canoeists, kayakers, jet skis, kite surfers and wind surfers are perceived to have less control over their equipment, especially beginners
  
• 
  Those undertaking water sports are often not aware of the etiquette rules associated with other water sports activities
  
• 
  The problem is often exacerbated during peak season when the water is busy with many different activities competing for waves/space
  

Again, conflicts are rare but can be potentially very dangerous and cause serious injury; therefore it is an important issue to consider. Byelaws in certain areas and life guard patrols control the use of some equipment such as jet skis, which are deemed a significant risk. As with the previous example, signage at beach areas about safety and awareness of other water sports could help alleviate the problem.

It is not just in the water that conflicts and collisions occur. With many people visiting coastal areas, often other tensions can occur on land. Questionnaire and interview responses revealed that tensions occur between surfers and other beach users for the following reasons:

• 
  During peak seasons when beaches are crowded
  
• 
  Bathers are particularly problematic, especially when they do not stay within the designated swimming areas
  
• 
  Tourists and incomers who do not respect the local area, for example by dropping litter are also a source of conflict and annoyance
  
• 
  Car crime is a particular issue in some areas, making it difficult for surfers to leave equipment in their cars and find suitable hiding places for their car keys when surfing
  

Suggestions to help alleviate problems in certain areas include:

• 
  Signs to warn motorists about car thieves operating in the area
  
• 
  Lockers on beaches
  
• 
  Lifeguards using flags to separate water sports from other beach users
  

“Because most surfers love the beach, ocean and the environment we HATE it when non-beach savvy people turn up and spoil the environment i.e. chavs leaving litter, cans, broken glass, disposable BBQ's that are left on the beach when finished with etc”