Surfing's Economic Powerhouse in Santa Cruz
A new report from Save the Waves Coalition has dropped, and it's clear that surfing is more than just a sport in Santa Cruz—it's an economic engine. The numbers are staggering: 783,000 surf visits annually generate $44.5 million in local spending, and the wider surf economy brings in another $150.2 million. But there's a dark cloud on the horizon—sea level rise could threaten all of this.
The study warns that each foot of sea level rise could cost millions. The solution? Nature-based defenses like sediment management instead of concrete seawalls. As surfer and environmentalist Nik Strong-Cvetich says, 'Surfing is a cultural, economic, and environmental cornerstone.' Let's hope Santa Cruz can ride this wave of change.Read the full report here.