Santa Cruz’s Surf Breaks Under Threat From Climate Change and Coastal Erosion

Santa Cruz, California’s famous surf breaks — and its surf-based economy — is at risk due to coastal erosion and a constantly evolving shoreline that could, in coming years, be dramatically reshaped by policy decisions aimed at preserving land.

According to a report from the nonprofit Save the Waves Coalition, the city could lose millions in revenue that depends on surfing, explains Kari Goodbar in The Mercury News. The report “urges city and county leaders to factor surfing’s economic and cultural value into long-term coastal planning, and calls for surf breaks to be made more welcoming to historically marginalized groups, ensuring broader access to the sport’s benefits.”

The report estimates that surf-related businesses generate about $150.2 million for Santa Cruz each year, with an additional $4.5 million in indirect economic activity generated by surfing trips to the city. According to the report, “One foot of sea level rise would reduce surfability across Santa Cruz by 29%, cutting annual surf-related revenue by an estimated $12.8 million.” 

The report notes that projects aimed at protecting coastal infrastructure could change how waves behave and make Santa Cruz a less desirable place to surf. In response to the report, the Santa Cruz city Council voted in November to recognize surfing as a coastal resource.