Three-quarters of famous waves at high risk

Analysis of dozens of waves in World Surfing Reserves found more than three-quarters were at high risk because of changing tide levels, hardened shorelines, and shifting sands.

Which waves face the greatest danger

The waves rated at most risk include the bombing barrels of Croyde Beach in North Devon, UK; the point breaks at Noosa in Australia and Oriente Salvaje, El Salvador; and Santa Cruz reefs of California…

How climate change destroys surf breaks

Global heating is pushing up sea level and changing rainfall patterns that affect sediment movement, which can upset the delicate balance and destroy the wave. Surf breaks are incredibly unique oceanographic phenomena.

“Surf breaks are incredibly unique oceanographic phenomena, a confluence of all these factors that fit together just right to make the wave happen, and so those processes are really sensitive.”

Natural coastlines adapt better than developed ones

Where coastlines were more natural, they could adapt better to climate change by shifting inland and relocating sediments. Development such as sea walls, jetties, and groynes made beaches and waves less resilient.

Surf economies depend on wave survival

The impacts matter to communities that depend on the multibillion-dollar surf economy, often located in places with little else. Surfers fill pubs, restaurants and car parks year-round when swells are good.

“Surfers will come throughout the year. They fill up the pubs, restaurants, and car parks when the swells are good in January, February, and March, where if you go to any other tourist destination that doesn't have surf, they're dead on their knees.”