The Impact of Climate Change on Surfing
How Surfers have to adapt
Since the 19th century the earth‘s average surface temperature has increased by 1,2 degrees Celsius, this is called Global warming and is largely attributed to human activities including deforestation, powering buildings, human consumption and generating power. Global warming has caused our ice caps to melt leading to drastic shifts in our water patterns.
Flooding, droughts, heatwaves and other Climate Change hazards are becoming more intense, longer and frequent and it will become detrimental to all life forms on Earth if we don't do something to change this. Surfing communities around the world are facing threats from climate change, global surfers have started to notice increased ocean temperatures, rising sea levels, shifting wave patterns and ocean acidification which has started to affect the wave patterns and hence the art of surfing.
Let's explore these implications, and use awareness as the first step to change so that we can preserve our waves and surf spots and ensure that we can continue to enjoy the waves for many moons to come!
Shifting Waves and Rising Temperatures
Climate change has a significant alteration on our ocean currents and wave patterns, which in turn make it very difficult for surfers to predict when and where the swell rolls in, making the reading of surf forecasts extremely challenging. This is because climate change has caused a rise in global temperatures, which leads to a rise in ocean temperatures, this changes wind patterns and storm intensity which then changes wave size and frequency. This will decrease the number of rideable waves at popular surf destinations.
Storms are also changing in their intensity and frequency. Tropical storms and hurricanes are occurring more frequently and more intensely, producing larger and more chaotic waves which can be a hazard to surfers. These storms create unpredictable swells and more powerful waves that surfers may not be used to.
Imagine returning to your favourite surf spot in a year to find that the waves are inconsistent and completely different, almost unrideable?! This is what is currently going on in front of our eyes and it is in our hands to take action against this.
Rising Sea Levels
The fastest and most visible consequence of climate change is the rise in sea levels. Rising global temperatures cause ice caps to melt and therefore our sea levels are rising dramatically. This is a serious threat to our favourite Surf Spots in Bali and Surf Spots in Sri Lanka. This is altering the landscapes of our favourite surf breaks.
With the rise in sea levels, we are experiencing altering ocean dynamics, a shifting shoreline and an increase in erosion which is causing the loss of essential sandbars and reefs that create ideal surf conditions. Rising sea levels also drown out our low tide surf spots submerging some of our iconic beaches.
Rising sea levels as a result of climate change are like a double-edged sword, on one hand, it can create new surf breaks and more opportunities for adventure however on the other hand, it brings unpredictable swell and destroys existing surf spots which surfers will need to adapt to. We need to come together to protect the waves we love.
Declining Coral Reefs
Healthy reefs are vital to surfers, for biodiversity of course but also for creating the ideal wave conditions. However, global warming has caused warmer sea temperatures and an increase in acidity which stresses the coral reefs and slowly begins to kill our reefs.
This decline disrupts marine life and impacts the wave quality and consistency at our favourite reef breaks. Recent studies show that half of the world’s coral reefs are already dead and could all be dead in the next 30 years.
Rising ocean temperatures are causing the coral reefs to bleach - expelling beneficial algae that live on them, corals lose their vibrant colours and turn white. Coral bleaching eventually leads to the death of these coral reefs. With the increasing loss of our coral reefs, our shorelines are less protected against storms and high tide which can lead to the disappearance of our reef breaks. Just imagine the loss of Pipeline, Uluwatu, Teahupoo and CloudBreak?!
We need to protect our reefs for the sake of the Ocean’s health and Marine biodiversity but also to preserve the natural beauty and epic waves that attract surfers to the water.
The Future of Surfing
If Climate Change continues at the rate it is going now, surfers will be faced with both challenges and opportunities - a double-edged sword.
Research predicts that sea levels will rise around 12-13 inches by 2050 with this rise in sea levels and ocean temperatures our shorelines and wave patterns will continue to change which will force surfers to adapt to these new breaks or shift their focus to a new surf location. Many famous spots can be fully submerged or eroded beyond recognition.
Increased numbers of storms and extreme weather conditions will increase the unpredictability of surf conditions, requiring surfers to be more flexible and adaptive when it comes to surfing. Also, the decline in our coral reefs will change the wave formations of our beloved reef breaks. Although new surf breaks will form, our favourite and consistent spots will disappear unless we take action!
On the positive side, a growing awareness of Climate change and its impact on our favourite surf spots will encourage surfers globally to take action and start to support initiatives that aim to protect our marine environment and reduce our carbon footprint. This can drive change within the surfing community as we can all unite to protect and preserve our waves!
How Surfers Can Take Action
Imagine being able to teach your children one day how to shred the waves at your local home break? Or even better, surfing your home break together? This is a dream and a reachable one if we can unite as surfers to help our environment and protect our beloved surf spots by adopting sustainable practices inside and outside of the water!
Firstly, we can all try to reduce our carbon footprint, use eco-friendly transport options, and support sustainable surfboard manufacturing processes and also choose eco-friendly surfboards and gear made from sustainable materials. We can also support local conservation efforts, join beach clean-ups and support organizations dedicated to preserving coastal ecosystems. We can educate fellow surfers, families and friends on climate change and the importance of climate action and we can support initiatives that act to combat Climate Change.
Here at Kima Surf Camps, we ensure sustainability practices! We remind our guests to switch off lights and air conditioners when out of their rooms and encourage them to use their towels as often as possible. We have a water-saving button installed for flushing toilets and energy-saving lamps across all our camps. All our camps also participate in beach clean-ups for example with organisations like Trash Hero in Canggu.
We believe it is most effective to tackle these problems at the source, and so we have banned one-way plastic packaging from our camp kitchens and restaurants. Our latest project to protect the climate was the installation of solar panels at our Kima Surf Camp in Canggu. 30 Solar panels on our main camp building producing a daily output of 54.4 kWh. Hence, during daylight hours our main building at Kima Surf Canggu, that can accommodate up to 70 guests, is powered 100% by the natural energy and we are saving 15,876 kg/y of CO2 emission.
We know, there is always more you can do but every step counts and we are motivated to do more for a greener future and to protect our beloved surf spots.
Let's unite through our shared passion for surfing and get involved in sustainability practices, so we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the same conditions that make surfing so special.
