Rising Seas Threaten Santa Cruz's Surf Economy
A just-released report by Save the Waves Coalition quantifies the economic value of surfing in Santa Cruz, showing that wave-related activities pump a staggering $194.7 million into the local economy each year. But the report also warns that without better coastal management, sea level rise could erode those numbers.
The study found that Santa Cruz sees 783,000 surf visits annually, generating $44.5 million in local spending. Gear sales, lessons, and services add another $150.2 million. But each foot of sea level rise could cost the city millions, with the first foot alone projected to lose $12.8 million.
The report calls for nature-based solutions like sediment management and managed retreat instead of relying on seawalls. It's a wake-up call to protect not just Santa Cruz's waves but the broader coastal economy. Read the full report here.