Surfers and Conservationists Launch Campaign to Save Birthplace of Mexican Surfing Zachary Slobig - TakePart
go to original December 4, 2014

Old Surf Movies: San Miguel, Baja California, Mexico, 1976 (DrAbalone)

There’s a lush arroyo in northern Baja California, Mexico, where a river meets the ocean to create a world-class wave that is prized by surfers but also threatened by development.

Now surfers and conservationists in Mexico and the United States have launched a campaign to preserve San Miguel Arroyo - the birthplace of Mexican surfing - as the first state park in Baja California Norte.

How? They’re appealing to politicians’ wallets rather than their hearts by placing a price tag on the wave.

It’s called “surfonomics.” It’s part of a growing movement to preserve surf spots by calculating the economic value of waves. Researchers do that by tallying up the cash a break generates for a community when surfers and their families spend money on accommodations, surf schools, food, gear, and, of course, beer.

“Creation of the park would ensure access to the beach,” said Fernando Marvan, a marine scientist and a longtime local surfer. “This is a first step in a practice that could be repeated. Between Rosarito and Tijuana, there’s no public access at all. It’s fences and walls everywhere.”

The wave at San Miguel has lured surfers from Southern California since the 1940s, and a vibrant surf scene produced hometown hero and national champion Ignacio Felix Cota.

Read the rest at TakePart

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