In a particular spot, the production of “good” surfing waves depends on external factors such as the characteristics of the incoming swell and the strength and direction of the wind, plus local factors such as the shape and material of the sea bed beyond and around the breaking area.

Surfspots are also under threat by potential developments that would dissipate their energy, for example to prevent erosion or to generate electricity. The conference will explore the consequences environmentally, economically and socially in terms of impacts on the local tourism economy, coastal erosion and climatic disorder.

These 3 questions will be at the centre of the 3-day conference:

1. How to define the value of a wave?
2. What are the current threats to the waves?
3. What strategies can be put in place in order to protect them?

To answer them, Surfers Against Sewage from the United Kingdom, Save the Waves based in Northern California, WiLDCOAST from Mexico, Surf Protection Society of New Zealand, Australia’s National Surfing Reserves, Portugal’s Salvem O Surf (…) and Chapters of the Surfrider international network (Australia, Argentina, Europe, Japan, Morocco and United States), will be present. Representatives from the political and scientific worlds, joined by engineers specializing in coastal development, will also discuss the issue of waves within their respective areas of expertise.
Close Story