Surfing & Sustainability

This Research & Knowledge Exchange Doctoral Project brief summarises our priority areas of research interest under the heading of: Surfing & Sustainability.

We welcome all research degree applications aligned with and in response to this brief.

The natural beauty, and spectacle of surfing engages millions of people all over the world. Whilst not conclusive some figures put the number of surfers globally at over 35 million (O’Brien and Eddie, 2013; International Surfing Association, 2015) whilst those that engage with surfing culture through film, imagery or lifestyle-related products raises this figure exponentially.  This global engagement has created a multibillion-dollar industry. The ‘Surfing -Global Market Trajectory and Analysis’ report estimates that the global market for surfing currently estimated at US2.7 billion is estimated to increase to US3.1 billion by 2026 (Global Industry Analysts 2022).  Other estimates place this figure over US6 billion (SIMA 2023).  In the UK there are an estimated 500000 surfers which generate and estimated £1.8 billion in direct spend – with the majority of this spend on the counties of Devon and Cornwall (SAS 2013). 

And beyond the statistics surfing presents multiple areas of interest for academic study.  For example, realigning valuation to include natural capital and eco-system services, the relationship between culture and subculture, social inclusion, environmental impact, technological advancement, business innovation and development, global and regional impacts, tourism and development, engagement with nature and behavioural change,   health and wellbeing and more.  

Recognising that these areas are interconnected research has begun to coalesce within the broader context of surfing and sustainability (Borne 2018, Borne and Ponting 2017) where connections have been established on a transdisciplinary basis applying theoretical insights to policy and practical solutions based case studies.  

Expressions of interest are sought in any or multiple areas outlined above or any areas within this context that potential candidates would like to propose. Multiple methodological and theoretical approaches will be considered and novel and experimental perspectives are welcome.  Research proposals must sit within one or more of Cornwall Business Schools and Falmouth University research priorities. See table below. 

Projects deriving from this brief are expected to sit within the Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy and the following department.

All successful research degree project proposals must emphasise a clear alignment between the project idea and our Research & Knowledge Exchange strategy.