Surfonomics 101

Dr. Chad NelsenSurfrider Foundation

What is Surfonomics?

• Demographics• Behavior• Economic Impact• Economic Value• Measuring change• Sustainable tourism

California Beaches:17.8 million

visits $15 billion/year(Source: Pendleton et al. 2011, King, 1999)

(Source: CIC Research, July 2009)

Solana Beach, CA Beach Use

Surfonomic steps

• Study design• Survey surfers (in person/internet)• Data Collection• Data Analysis

– Spending– Economic Value

• Reporting

Economic Impact vs Economic Value• Economic Impact (Local Spending):

– Support local businesses– Create jobs– Provide salaries and wages

• Economic Value:– Travel Cost Model– Willingness to Pay (Consumer Surplus)

Demand Curve

Surfonomics Studies

• Trestles (Nelsen, 2007, 2012)• Mundaka (Murphy (STW), 2007)• South Stradbroke (Lazarow, 2008) • Bastion Point (Lazarow, 2008)• Mavericks (Coffman, 2009)• Oregon Rec. Study (2010)• Socioeconomic & Recreational Profile of

US Surfers (Nelsen, 2011)

Opt-in Data Results: Ocean Group

Coastal Visitation in Oregon: 2010

• 21 million estimated coastal trips in Ore.• $87 average trip expenditure• $2.4 billion in expenditures in 2010 (estimated)

What’s Next

• More Site Studies• Larger regional studies• More studies / experts• Academic partners / centers• Clearing house for information• Case Studies

Questions

Chad Nelsencnelsen@surfrider.org t: chadenelsenwww.surfrider.org/coastal-blog