Surf Science
Protecting surf breaks is protecting millions in economic value. Our surf science approach gives you the data to prove it.
Coastal development and adaptation decisions can make or break your community’s surf resources—and the economic activity they generate. As the pioneer in surf science, we provide the technical analysis and community engagement expertise you need to objectively assess project impacts on surf quality and build stakeholder support for your coastal initiatives.
What is the value of a wave?
This groundbreaking report reveals that surfing contributes at least $194.7 million annually to the local Santa Cruz economy through 783,000 surf visits per year.
This comprehensive study was conducted as a partnership between Save The Waves Coalition, with Integral Consulting and Black Surf Santa Cruz, and was supported by the Ocean Protection Council.
Surf Science Experts
David L. Revell, Ph.D. Principal, Coastal Climate Risk and Resilience
Andrew Wycklendt, P.E., BCCE Senior Engineering Advisor
Sydney Harvey Economic Analyst
Robert A. Walker, P.E. Principal, Coastal Engineering
Knowledge Share
Transforming Community Opposition Through Surf Science: Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project
Wave Modeling and Analysis
Cutting-edge numerical modeling reveals exactly how your project will affect surf break performance across different conditions. Using high-fidelity tools like XBeach, we simulate individual breaking waves and analyze changes to wave quality metrics that matter to surfers.
Key Capabilities:
- Advanced 2D wave modeling with sub-meter resolution accuracy
- Automated peel angle analysis from wave path extraction
- Multi-scenario assessment across storm and calm conditions
- Quantitative surf quality metrics tied to surfing performance
Surf Community Engagement
Local surfers possess decades of site-specific knowledge that is essential for accurate modeling. Our structured community outreach process captures this expertise while building project support through transparent scientific analysis.
Specialized Services:
- Focus group surveys designed for surf stakeholder input
- Expert surfer interviews to identify optimal modeling conditions
- Post-analysis community presentations with results interpretation
- Stakeholder perception surveys to measure project support changes
Economic Impact Evaluation
Surf breaks generate substantial economic value through tourism, equipment sales, and property premiums. We quantify these benefits using established environmental economics methods, giving you concrete numbers to justify surf resource protection.
Assessment Capabilities:
- Travel cost modeling to estimate recreational values per surf session
- Contingent behavior analysis to estimate potential losses
- Market expenditure analysis for local surf-related spending
- Hedonic property market impact assessment from surf break proximity
- Cost-benefit analysis comparing project alternatives
- Climate vulnerability modeling showing potential economic losses from sea level rise
FAQs
Surf science is most valuable during preliminary design phases when alternatives can still be modified based on findings. Early integration helps avoid costly redesigns and builds community support from the project outset.
We combine advanced wave modeling with surfer community expertise and economic valuation methods. This interdisciplinary approach provides objective technical analysis while addressing stakeholder concerns that traditional studies often overlook.
You’ll receive quantitative surf quality metrics showing project impacts, community perception data before and after analysis, and economic valuations of affected surf resources. This comprehensive approach typically transforms project opponents into supporters.
We work directly with local surf experts who have decades of site experience to identify the most critical wave conditions for analysis. This partnership ensures our models capture the subtle dynamics that determine surf quality.