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

(Nelson and Taylor, 2005: 203)

Contents 3

Acknowledgements 7

Executive summary 8

West Wales 18

Mid and North Wales 23

Chapter One: Introduction 26

1. 
   Background 26
   
2. 
   Aims and objectives 26
   
3. 
   Methodology 27
   
4. 
   Accessing formal surfing practices 28
   
   1. 
      Telephone interviews with surf clubs 28
      
   2. 
      Telephone interviews with surf schools 29
      
5. 
   Accessing informal surfing practices 30
   
   1. 
      Web-based questionnaire 30
      
   2. 
      Telephone interviews with surfers 33
      
6. 
   Structure of the report 34
   

Chapter Two: Surf clubs in Wales 36

2.2 British Surfing Association surf club affiliation 38

2.3 The Welsh Surfing Federation 40

2.4 Benefits of surf clubs 40

Case study: Supporting female surfers 44

Case study: Involving young people 44

2.5 Funding for surf clubs 45
Chapter Three: Surf schools in Wales 49
3.1 Contacting surf schools 49

3.2 Motivations for establishing surf schools 50

3.3 Regulation of surf schools 50

3.4 Coaching qualifications and accreditations 52

3.5 Health and safety and risk assessment 56

3.6 Types of surf training provided 58

3.7 Student socio-demographics 59

3.8 Financial viability of surf schools 63

Case study: A mobile surf school 63

Case study: Organising surf trips abroad 64

3.9 Surf training from the perspective of questionnaire respondents 64

3.10 Benefits of surf training 66

3.11 Tensions surrounding surf schools 66
Chapter Four: Surfers in Wales 70
4.1 Disseminating the web-based questionnaire 71

4.2 Socio-demographics of those who surf in Wales 71

4.3 Surfing biographies of those who surf in Wales 77

4.4 Participation in surfing 78

4.4.1 Most popular surf beaches in Wales 79

4.4.2 Most frequently visited surf beaches in Wales 81

4.5 Favourite beach qualities 84

4.5.1 Generic qualities 84

4.5.2 Location qualities 85

4.6 Facilities at beaches 87

4.7 Barriers preventing participation in surfing 88

4.8 Conflicts 89

4.8.1 Conflicts between surfers 90

4.8.2 Conflicts between surfers and other water sports 92

4.8.3 Conflicts between surfers other beach users 94

4.9 Surfing communities 95

4.9.1 Surfing communities in local areas 95

4.9.2 The Internet 96

4.10 Motivations for surfing 101
Chapter Five: Thematic chapter 105
5.1 Surfing and the local economy 105

5.2 Surfing and young people 106

5.3 Surfing and Welsh and local identities 108
Chapter Six: Conclusions and recommendations 110
6.1 Summary of main findings 110

6.2 Limitations of the research 114

6.3 Recommendations 114

6.4 Directions for future research 116

Appendices

Appendix I: Surfing literature and web resources 119

Appendix II: Letter sent to surf clubs/schools 122

Appendix III: Groups/individuals contacted to disseminate web-based questionnaire 123

Appendix IV: Letter sent to surf shops / accommodation 127

Appendix X: BSA guidance about forming a surf club 129

Appendix XI: Surf Schools

Figure ii: Map showing surf spots in South West Wales

Figure iii: Map showing surf spots in mid and North Wales

Figure 1.1 Flyer used to publicise the web-based questionnaire

Figure 2.1 Surf clubs in Wales

Figure 3.1 Level of surf training in each region

Figure 4.1 Respondent definitions of their ethnic origin 1

Figure 4.2 Respondent definitions of their ethnic origin 2

Figure 4.3 Respondent definitions of their ethnic origin 3

Figure 4.4 Respondent definitions of their ethnic origin 4

Figure 4.5 Respondent’s professional status

Figure 4.6 Location of respondents 1

Figure 4.7 Location of respondents 2

Figure 4.8 Location of respondents 3

Figure 4.9 Length of time surfing

Figure 4.10 Popularity of beaches by region

Figure 4.11 Top ten most popular beaches

Figure 4.12 Most frequently visited beaches in Wales by region

Figure 4.13 Top ten most frequently visited beaches

Figure 4.13 Non-placed data for favoured beach qualities

Figure 4.14 Place based data for favoured beach qualities

Figure 4.15 Provision of, and need for, facilities at beaches

Figure 4.16 Prevalence of conflict between surfers and others

Figure 4.16 Surfing communities

Figure 4.17 Motivations for surfing

List of photographs
Photograph i : Surfer at Freshwater West Beach, Pembrokeshire

Photograph ii: Ogmore, South Wales

Photograph iii: Manorbier, West Wales

Photograph iv: Surfers at Welsh Nationals, Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

Photograph v: Surfer at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire

Photograph vi: Newgale, West Wales

Photograph vii: Whitesands, West Wales

Acknowledgements
We would like to thank all the people who assisted us with this report. Our particular thanks go to all the surfers, surf schools and surf clubs who responded to our web-based questionnaire and gave up their time to participate in interviews.
We would also like to thank Matthew Leismeier and Jan Edwards at The School of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff University for their invaluable technical support and advice in developing the on line questionnaire.
Executive summary
The following report presents the key findings of the research Surf’s up! Participation Regimes and Motivations for Surfing in Wales. The research was carried out by the School of City and Regional Planning, Cardiff University on behalf of the Sports Council for Wales (SCW). The findings and recommendations are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of SCW.
Introduction
Surrounded by sea on three sides and with outstanding water conditions throughout the year, surfing is an increasingly significant sporting and economic activity for Wales. Surfing directly generates revenue for the local and national economy (an estimated £10m per annum, see Davies, 2006), indirectly contributes through associated tourism (an estimated 100,000 people come to Wales every year to surf, ibid), as well as encouraging local people from a range of ages to participate in water and sporting activities in general.
Aims and objectives
This report is designed to investigate participation regimes and motivations for surfing in Wales. It aims to investigate:

• 
  The importance of clubs and schools in mobilising participation
  
• 
  The level and scope of training provision available across Wales
  
• 
  The adequacy of associated facilities from a surfer’s perspective
  
• 
  The socio-demographics of surfers in Wales (including: age, socio-economic group, gender, ethnicity, geographic location)
  
• 
  The frequency and geography of surfing participation
  
• 
  The motivations for participation in surfing activity
  
• 
  The importance of social networks in sustaining surfing communities (be they face-to-face or virtual in nature)
  

• 
  The conflicts between surfers and other water and beach users
  
• 
  The general contribution surfing makes to the local economy
  

Data to answer these objectives were obtained through four main methodological sources, namely:

• 
  A web-based questionnaire, which was completed by 134 surfers in Wales
  
• 
  Telephone interviews with 14 surf schools in Wales
  
• 
  Telephone interviews with 6 surf clubs in Wales
  
• 
  20 in-depth telephone interviews with people who surf in Wales
  

• 
  In areas where surf clubs exist and are active, they play an important role in promoting and encouraging participation in surfing. 16 surf clubs were identified in Wales, predominantly in South Wales, Pembrokeshire, and West Wales. Three clubs are formally affiliated to the British Surfing Federation (BSF), thus benefiting from the BSF’s experience, skills, and most notably, insurance. Interviews with surf clubs reveal that they have relatively few overheads but still require some finances to organise and subsidise activities such as trips, competitions, equipment and social events. Clubs mainly rely on membership subscriptions, although some run their own fund raising activities. Others have managed to secure funding from local/private companies. It was suggested that limited funding is available from non-corporate sources, however this is often imbued with complicated administrative tasks.
  

• 
  21 surf schools were identified across Wales ranging from regular surf schools attached to a surf shop, multi-water-sports training providers, and outdoor activity centres. The majority of surf schools provide training at the beginner or intermediate level, few organisations provide more advanced level training, or training for coaching and judging qualifications – these are more readily available outside of Wales.
  

• 
  In terms of the people requiring surf training, there appeared to be no average age group or gender. The minimum age for receiving a surf lesson was between 8 and 12 years old. However, all surf schools report that the majority of their students come from across the UK and are tourists or visitors (rather than being based in the local area). For this reason, beaches used for surf training are close to popular tourist resorts, with wave conditions suitable for beginners. However, the surf schools feel facilities such as car parking spaces, showers and toilet blocks could be provided at more beach locations.
  

• 
  Due to the popularity of tourists wanting to surf on their holidays, all the surf schools interviewed were financially viable. However, there is a clear seasonality to the work, with demand for lessons being highest during the summer months (May-September).
  

• 
  Surf training was highlighted as particularly important in terms of teaching beginners basic health and safety and surf etiquette.
  

• 
  In terms of equipment provision, all surf schools describe themselves as being relatively ‘self-sufficient’. However, in terms of facilities at beaches, surf schools identified a need for more car parking facilities and for shower and toilet blocks, especially for young children needing to get changed. In addition 68% of questionnaire respondents identified that there is not enough pollution monitoring at surf beaches across Wales. The potential therefore 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. Similar to the surf schools, over 40% of questionnaire respondents 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.
  

• 
  Participation in surfing is undertaken by people from a range of different backgrounds. It is a sport enjoyed by a range of ages, from youngsters through to retired people. Although males have traditionally dominated the sport, it is becoming increasingly popular with females. The research found that more females than males are participating in surf training, and certain surf clubs are encouraging female members by organising ‘female only’ activities to encourage their participation and build confidence. Surfing is growing in popularity and accessibility, in part due to the Internet, which means it is no longer just people who live in coastal areas that are surfers. People are willing to travel from further a field to participate in the sport.
  

• 
  The research found that both the most popular beaches and the most frequently visited beaches spanned the Gower Peninsula, Porthcawl, South Wales and Pembrokeshire. The top 10 most popular beaches are: Llangennith; Porthcawl; Rhossili; Langland; Caswell; Freshwater West; Whitesands; Oxwich Bay; Gower Reefs; and Newgale. The top 10 most frequently visited beaches are: Llangennith; Porthcawl; Langland; Caswell; Gower Reefs; Rhossili; Llantwit Major; Rest Bay; Freshwater West; and Horton. While there is some degree of overlap between the most popular and most frequently visited beaches, these are the beaches that should be targeted in terms of facilities provision in order to ensure maximum impact.
  

• 
  According to questionnaire respondents, the most significant reasons for participating in surfing is to interact with the waves and the sea – a way of getting closer to nature. The second most important reason given was due to the social links and spirit of camaraderie that is achieved both in the water and on land, even through non-face-to-face communities on the Internet. For the majority of respondents interviewed, surfing was more than a hobby or a sport they ‘just did’; it was very much a way of life.
  

• 
  Given the nature of coastal areas as mixed used activity places, the research explored the potential for, and nature of, conflicts between surfers and other beach users. It was found that while generally conflicts are minimal they originate due to overcrowding at beaches and other surfers (or water sports participants) lacking in knowledge and use of surf etiquette. Conflicts could potentially be alleviated if the Sports Council for Wales, or other organisations, were to provide signage at beach areas detailing surf etiquette rules.
  

• 
  It has been widely acknowledged throughout this report that surfing comprises an important part of the Welsh landscape, making a significant contribution to local economies across coastal Wales. Many participants feel the Sports Council for Wales can play an active role in promoting the sport within Wales, especially in regard to encouraging participation amongst young people and in particular raising its profile as a recognised sport such as football or rugby.
  

• 
  However there appears to be a fine line between encouraging participation in surfing and creating problems of overcrowding and competition at local beaches. The Sports Council for Wales should remain mindful of this tension. If areas are to sustain an influx of surf tourism, important measures have to be taken in order to ensure the safety and well being of all beach users.
  

• 
  Safety in the water when surfing has been an important concern of participants throughout the research. The Sports Council for Wales, in coalition with local authorities could help alert surfers and beach users to dangers through the use of appropriate signage detailing basic safety advice and surf etiquette.
  

• 
  The lack of funding for surf clubs or surf school to provide subsidised surf lessons for those in lower income brackets has been highlighted. The Sports Council for Wales could play a role in either allocating more funding to surfing themselves, or through identifying potential funding sources, removing many of the administrative tasks surf club committee members do not have time to do. However the resourcefulness of surf clubs and surf schools can not be overlooked, many are active in organising their own fundraising events, or finding alternative means of providing surf training for young people (for example through encouraging them to participate in beach cleaning activities in return for a free surf lesson). Such initiatives could be promoted as an example of good practice by the Sports Council to other surf schools across Wales.
  

• 
  In terms of facility provision, many research participants highlight concerns for the safety of their belongings on shore when they are out surfing. The Sports Council for Wales could potentially work with local councils to provide locker facilities in beach areas to enable surfers to leave items such as car keys and wallets safely locked away. In addition, in environmental terms, respondents noted that pollution monitoring and the provision of waste and recycling facilities were lacking in beach areas, again this is something the SCW, in association with other agencies could seek to address.
  

“Celtic passion is alive and well on the Welsh coast. From Porthcawl to the Gower and beyond – up the west coast to the wilderness lands – Welsh surfers are as core as they come.” (Alex Wade in Alderson 2008: 255)

“This area is the centre of Welsh surfing and although relatively neglected by the media when compared with Cornwall, the standard of surfing here is every bit as high. There’s an enormous variety of waves in the area, from mellow beach breaks, ideal for beginners, to gnarly, expert-only reefs. The South Wales Coastline is an eclectic mix of wild, untrammelled beauty, cheap ‘n’ cheerful beach resorts and heavily industrialised bleakness; conversely Gower Peninsula is a lovely region of picturesque cliffs and coves, beaches and headlands, narrow, twisting country roads and small villages, and was Britain’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.” (Alderson 2008: 255)

(Source: Alderson 2000: 114)

Photograph ii: Ogmore, South Wales

West Wales

“The southwest of Wales is a land of rolling greenery and beautiful rugged coastline in the finest Celtic tradition. Tourists are drawn here from all over the world to sample the stunning scenery and crystal clear waters of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Its jagged coastline provides an immense area to explore for waves, the lure of uncrowded spots to be found just around the next bend in the road. The sandy expenses of St Brides Bay and Freshwater West are home to excellent beach break waves for surfers of all abilities, and there are always hidden reefs for those who like a real challenge. …The wild coast, with sheltered bays and windswept cliffs, is a perfect place to explore when the swells kick in. It has the advantage of bays facing virtually all points of the compass meaning that as long as the swell is big enough you can usually find a sheltered spot somewhere. The huge beach at Freshwater West is South Wales’ most consistent swell catcher.” (Nelson and Taylor 2005: 214)

Photograph iii: Manorbier, West Wales



Photograph iv: Surfers at Welsh Nationals, Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire



Photograph v: Surfer at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire


Photograph vi: Newgale, West Wales

Photograph vii: Whitesands, West Wales



Figure ii: Map showing surf spots in South West Wales

(Source: Alderson 2000: 126)

Mid Wales and north Wales

“In surfing terms, North and [mid] Wales are regions that can have great wave-riding potential. The beaches around Porth Neigwl, with its ready-made surf population in neighbouring Abersoch, are popular as are the breaks around university town Aberystwyth. The points in-between remain relatively quiet. But sitting on their doorstep are the large metropolitan areas of Liverpool, Manchester and the Midlands, whose hoards of wave-hungry city surfers descend on the region with the advent of every swell. Like the surfers of Northeast England, locals have become excellent meteorologists and with a similarly narrow swell window, they constantly scan the charts for those tell-tale low pressures that push precious south-westerly swells up the Irish Sea.” (Nelson and Taylor 2005: 205)

“North Wales has more consistent surf than mid Wales, with Hell’s Mouth on the Llyn Peninsula in particular having been a regular haunt for surfers from North Wales and the big conurbations of northern England since 1960s. Other spots in North Wales and Anglesey can also get waves fairly regularly, although nowhere near as often as the breaks on Wales’ south coast, while mid Wales is more of a winter surf venue, when it can produce some absolutely classic point breaks (usually lefts) … the whole area is generally unspoilt although there are parts of the north coast such as Llandudno and Colwyn Bay that have been heavily developed for the summer holiday trade.” (Alderson 2008: 305)



Figure iii: Map showing surf spots in mid and North Wales

(Source: Alderson 2000: 136)