Responsible Surfing

In a recent article in The Times ‘Green and Confused’ section, surfers have been accused of being ‘a restless bunch’ that fly all over the world emitting huge amounts of greenhouse gases. And it is true; the search for waves leaves surfers with an insatiable appetite for travel. Does this mean that a surfer who is concerned about the environment will have to make do with their local break, be it the south-east coast that might see a wave twice a year? Do Londoners have to wait until the wave machine is built until they can next surf guilt-free? Will I have to brave Scarborough beach in the snow once again this winter? Here are some hints and pointers about what you can do as an eco-surfer to put your mind at ease.

For your weekend surf-trips, take the train

There is surf all over Britain, including Scotland, Scarborough and occasionally even places such as Norfolk and Brighton, but for more reliable and clean waves Devon and Cornwall are the better-known surfing destinations. Newquay is the most infamous surf-spot in the country, but now better known for its drunken hen and stag-dos then for its surf. Developers are trying to re-vamp the towns image by catering for rich ‘urban surfers’ flocking from the City at the weekends. As part of this development plan there are new ‘Surf Pods’ being built near Fistral Beach, consisting of a large, imposing, brash and modern block of studio-flats. Developers say they are aimed at ‘the guy in Canary Wharf who wears a suit all week, sees on the net that the surf is up, books his flight and comes down for the weekend.’ This gas-guzzling mind-set will create a carbon footprint so huge you’d have to plant a rainforest to offset it.

If you want to be a Responsible Surfer, take the sleeper train from Paddington to Penzance. In 2005 the Government had planned to stop the train, until the Cornish community petitioned and campaigned to keep it. Stopping the train would be a massive blow to Cornish businesses, not only because of the tourists it brings but because of the ease with which somewhat isolated Cornish folk can reach London. By opting to take the train you can do your bit for the environment and support the continuation of the sleeper train which helps local Cornish businesses. Responsible Travel offers weekend surfing breaks staying in a contemporary converted barn with sea views, just ten minutes away from Penzance station. The surf company adopts Cornwall Sustainable Tourism benchmarking system by matching their tenets of sustainability, and it was the first Carbon Neutral Surf School and Vacations Company in the world.

For your summer holiday, avoid flying

But when the Cornish coast resembles a millpond during the summer months, and you are in dire need of a sunny holiday, the chances are you will want to take a trip to the continent. For your summer holidays why not cut down on your carbon emissions, and travel overland instead of flying. Here are five good reasons why surfers should do so:

Not all airlines will take surfboards. In 2007 British Airways surprisingly banned the carriage of surfboards on their flights, forcing the professional British surfing teams to use other airlines to access international competitions.
Those airlines that do take surfboards often charge huge amounts to do so. I tried to take my brand spanking new surfboard to Bali with me, only to find that the airline was going to charge more than the board itself cost to take it there and back.
Most importantly, many surfers are put off taking their board simply because it is not in safe-hands. Upon arriving in California airport, a friend of mine witnessed his board being carelessly thrown about by the baggage staff. He had eagerly hoped for an afternoon surfing session, but instead he was left broken-hearted with a board snapped in half.
Driving is more practical for the surfer; you can easily strap your board on top of your vehicle and chuck your wetsuit in the back without having to worry about baggage allowance and airport transport.
Taking your car on a surf trip gives you the freedom to explore different breaks and beaches, and suss out the best surf spots according to the conditions.

I recently went on a surfing holiday to the South of France with eleven other friends. We took the ferry from Portsmouth to Le Havre and drove in convoy all the way there. It was fun, cheap and hassle-free. Moreover, a group of you travelling in a car will emit far less carbon than if you all flew. Why not make a similar journey to the epic surfing beaches on the northern coast of Spain? Responsible Travel has Learn to Surf and Surfari holidays based in the beautiful area of Asturias. You could even stop off at surf spots such as Hossegor and Biarritz on your way. Alternatively, there is an overnight ferry from Plymouth to Santander, where you can be picked up from and taken to your accommodation. Ask about their exclusive agreement with Brittany Ferries.

For your winter holiday, make a positive contribution

Those looking for waves during the icy winter months are probably going to want to ditch your penguin-like hoods and clumsy wetsuit gloves and instead take a flight to somewhere with more friendly temperatures. It is undeniable that surfing is more enjoyable in the comfort of a pair of board shorts or a bikini rather than a thick rubbery wetsuit. So the ultimate question is can the responsible surfer embark on a long distance surf trip guilt-free?

Well, yes. Surf-tourism can have a very positive impact on a country, its people, and their businesses. It provides a huge source of income, and is especially important in the developing world. In places such as Bali it is obvious from the minute you land how dependent the island is on surf-tourists: huge banners plaster the arrivals lounge advertising surf shops, schools and lodges, with taglines such as ‘Welcome, Surfers!’ This does not mean that all surf-tourism has a positive effect; there are drawbacks to be wary of. The financial gap between tourists and locals can create cultural tension. In Bali for instance, many of the bars and clubs in Kuta Beach do not allow locals in, or charge them a hefty entrance fee which tourists do not have to pay. This demotes local people to second-class citizens in their own towns.

To be a responsible surfer you must use your search for waves to actively improve the well-being of local people, and ensure that you promote cultural harmony. Here are some tips on how to do so:

Leave your board at home. Not only will this save you cost and damage, but by hiring a board you can support the livelihood of local people who earn their living this way. In low season it becomes more difficult for them to hire out a board, so pay them a fair wage, baring in mind it may be their only source of income for a week.
If you need lessons use a local surf instructor. This will help them to earn a living and a profession, and it will also ensure you get the most out of your surfing experience. Local instructors have the best knowledge of their own waves, so you will be in the safest hands. It will also provide you with an opportunity to mix with local people and learn more about them.
Respect the locals in the water. Remember you are a guest on their beach, so don’t hog their waves. Waves should be shared!
Respect the locals out the water. Don’t support businesses that alienate local people from the tourist scene. Instead, make sure you use accommodation and restaurants that are owned and ran by local people; buy food that is sourced locally; and use local transport.

In popular surf resorts such as Tamarindo in Costa Rica there are already large western owned hotels that take business away from local people rather than help them. Responsible Travel uses a surf lodge in the less crowded Playa Hermosa which employs only local people, sources locally produced food, and promotes local tours. It also supports the local church and school in various ways. Or why not escape the tourist track and venture further north to the less visited and extremely beautiful Nicaragua. Responsible Travel can put you up in eco-friendly beachside bungalows with pristine and empty waves rolling in at your doorstop. Staying here will mean your money will support the local economy, as the surf lodge sources all their food, furniture and gifts locally. Since the lodge also employs locals from the surrounding rural communities, your custom allows men and women to earn a living near their families.

Do a little bit more

If you want to be more of a pro-active Responsible Surfer, it is easy to get involved. Surfers Against Sewage was established in 1990 as an environmental campaign group tackling sewage across the British coast. It has taken a leading role in challenging industry, legislators and politicians to clean up their act, and end their ‘pump and dump’ policies. One of their current campaigns ‘Climate Chaos’ pushes for more investment in offshore renewable energy technologies. You can help them out by becoming a member, and donating your time or money to support their campaigns. Membership starts fromas little as £18 a year.

Words by Sophia Sleap

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