The Sea is filled with more than just fish. Water sports such as surfing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking, and kite and wind-surfing, have all increased in popularity over the past several decades as technology has improved and prices have fallen. More and more, people are actively choosing travel destinations not just because of the unique biodiversity of a coral reef, or the warm clear water, but also for the wind, waves, and other activities the marine environment provides.
Surfing, for example, has grown in popularity to well over a 10 billion dollar-a-year industry. While the latest clothing and gear is a major part of that estimation, the travel and overall support services associated with a surfing have also grown dramatically. Like many marine ecosystem services, the value of a service a good surf spot, or more specifically, the waves provide, is finally getting the attention it deserves. Famous breaks like Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii are known to be great places to learn because of the slow and gentle wave. In contrast, large and powerful waves like Teahupoʻo in Tahiti, draw the world’s best. But in both cases, the draw of travelers from around the world has had a major impact on the community and the marine environment. Over the last few years, a number of articles highlighting the economics of surfing, called “surfonomics” have shown the intrinsic value of a good wave - and consequently, the impact a damaged wave or degraded marine environment can have on an economy. (Continued on page 10)
Finding Waves and 5 Tips before Riding Them
By Andrew Hume
8- SEVENSEAS