Dan R. Reineman & Nicole M. Ardoin (2018) Sustainable tourism and the management of nearshore coastal places: place attachment and disruption to surf-spots, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 26:2, 325-340, DOI: 10.1080/09669582.2017.1352590
Reimeman and Ardoin (2018) consider effects of surfer attachment on the sustainable management of coastal spaces. The article begins by establishing with confidence the significance of The Golden State’s surf spots. Reineman and Ardoin (2018) appeal to the economist at heart by using monetary values of between $2.25 and $7.5 billion in annual revenue generated by California beaches alone. They win over the sentimentalists through the description of personal growth, identity, and community found in the waves by local surfers (PARA 3). These ideas are communicated in order to advocate for the environmental awareness of significant locations. This study was concentrated on place attachment through the analysis of place dependence and place identity, and the interference with such place attachment based on environmental changes. Driving this study was the idea that a better understanding of the users and the attachment to coastal environments would enhance the protection and maintenance of California surf spots through informed “participatory planning and policy”.
The study surveyed 1055 California surfers through an online survey platform in order to answer the question of whether surfers developed a relationship as surf-spots as meaningful places or recreational spaces. Respondents were asked to answer between 48 and 60 questions relating to surfers’ relationships with surf spots they “know best”. Questions included the collection of general demographics, surfing experience, open-ended inquiries regarding preferred surf-spots, and hypothetical impacts of permanent disruption. The survey employed Williams and Vaske’s (2003) 12 item place identity and dependence scale. Findings indicate that there is a positive relationship between place attachment and people’s willingness to be a steward of a geographic location. “With regard to surf-spots, we specifically define disruption as an event, process, or intervention that inhibits a surfer from accessing, visiting, or using her or his surf-spot in the manner and at the quality level to which she/he has become accustomed.” Reimeman and Ardoin (2018) specifically referenced by the research is the risk of modified coastlines and surf spots due to rising sea levels and increased intensity of storm events as a result of global climate change. These changes can destroy, alter the quality, and/or hinder a Californian’s ability to access favorite spots.
Results revealed that surfers rooted their place attachment based on the wave itself, accessibility, personal experiences, and “home-ness” (in that order). Disruptions reported by the respondents included water quality (pollution and other man-made runoff), natural conditions (shark sitings, larger surf, etc.), access issues, and social issues (in that order). At least 1/2 of surfers responded that they had experienced disruptions to their surf spot. Further, the “disruption of surfers’ attachment to surf-spots resulting from impacts to the marine environment could have implications for the value of these places as economic assets in local communities.” These results mean that surfers highly value their surf spots, as well as half of these valued attachments have already been impacted by effects on their spots. This indicates that without resource protection, the meaningful relationship people have with these places and their willingness to take care of them will be severely hurt.
In conclusion, based on a majority of the 1055 surfers who participated, the research indicates that surfers do indeed develop a meaningful relationship to surf-spots. These places are not considered interchangeable or replaceable recreational spaces, but are held with deep personal attachment. This attachment is linked to pro-environmental behaviors and promotional of stewardship. For instance, coastal spaces can be maintained through World Surfing Reserves. These findings will be helpful for the engagement of citizens in managing and governing surf-spots as resources. On a broader scale, this study advocates for sustainable management of all tourism and recreational spots, both for the health of the economy and the significant influence of these places on locals. Proposed is the use of this study for the resource management of heritage areas, cultural sites, nature reserves, and other similar places.
In my opinion, this study was thorough in its conduction and worthwhile in intent. If nothing else, humans have been given the responsibility of stewardship of the earth for future generations. This ideal sounds cliche, but it is my firm belief. After spending this past summer in living and surfing in California, I can truly say that these surf spots hold the utmost value in the hearts of California natives. Local surfers are proud of their familiarity and deep knowledge of their favorite spots, and are seriously impacted by any kind of change to surf spots. As one of the most populated and fastest growing states in America, I believe the goal of this study to shine light on human ties to natural resources will allow society to take necessary steps to preserve spaces. Specifically, the effects of human activities on global warming and in turn, sea-levels and California coastlines. Additionally, Reineman and Ardoin (2018) recognize the dynamic nature and fragility of such locations, and the impact of global warming on sea-levels and waves and human activity on the quality of the water. We often think of places that need to be protected as sources of natural resources of production. However, often overlooked are the sites of significance to the human spirit and local economy, such as these California surf hotspots. Not only are these geographical locations of priceless value to residents, but they are also essential to the ecological tourism industry in California and overall economic health of the state.