A national assessment of the economic and wellbeing impacts of recreational surfing in Australia

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Surfing is a cultural ecosystem service, providing recreational benefits to over 50 million people worldwide and fostering economic activity through retail and tourism industries. Despite its growing popularity and threats to natural environments, surfing’s economic and social impacts remain sparsely documented. This study provides a nationwide assessment of surfing’s impact on Australia’s economy and participants’ wellbeing, using an online survey of Australian surfers (n=569). Domestic surf-related expenditure was estimated at A$3719 per surfer per year, including retail (A$1858) and travel (A$1861). Heterogeneity analyses reveal differences in expenditure patterns across regions, age groups and modalities of engagement in the sport. Aggregating across a population of 727,328 Australian adult surfers, the direct input into the market economy is estimated at A$2.71 billion per year. Standardized wellbeing measures indicate that over 80 % of participants experience positive effects from surfing, particularly in community connectedness, physical, and mental health. However, major concerns exist regarding the sustainability of surfing environments due to erosion and overcrowding pressures. Following the SEEA EA’s ‘logic chain’ framework, this study provides a set of baseline results that may be inputted into accounting processes considering recreational ecosystems services. Further, the systematic approach used in this study could be replicated by comparative analyses across time and other prominent surf regions. As coastal areas worldwide urgently respond to climate threats and the need to support the ‘blue economy’, a better understanding the socio-economic values derived from ocean-based recreation can help inform coastal polices aimed at fostering more resilient environments. • Surfing ecosystems provide recreation services with wellbeing benefits to participants and monetary flows into the economy. • The average Australian surfer spends A$3719 per year on retail (A$1858) and domestic travel (A$1861). • Direct input into the Australian economy is A$2.71 billion per year; A$4.88 billion/yr including indirect effects. • Surveyed surfers perceive benefits for their physical health (95 %), mental health (99 %) and community connectedness (80 %). • Overcrowding, climate impacts and poor water quality are surfers’ top concerns, while fewer worry about shark risks.