The climate crisis is threatening some of the world’s most iconic surfing spots, with rising sea levels and coastal developments putting classic waves in peril. A study of 57 World Surfing Reserves found that over three-quarters are at high risk due to changes in tidal patterns and shoreline hardening.

Surf breaks, created by a complex interplay of seafloor shape, swell direction, and tide, are particularly sensitive to these changes. Global heating alters sea levels and rainfall patterns, disrupting the delicate balance that creates these waves. However, the local knowledge of surfers can help in protecting these waves, as they witness firsthand how the waves are changing.

For example, Croyde Beach in North Devon, UK, and Santa Cruz reefs in California, including Sewer Peak and Wind and Sea, are among the waves rated most at risk. The study, published in Climatic Change, highlights the significant negative implications of climate change and coastal management on the future of these surf breaks and the communities that depend on them.

Where coastlines are more natural, they can adapt better to the changes brought by climate change, shifting inland and relocating sediments. However, development such as sea walls, jetties, and groynes can make beaches and waves less resilient. Local experts like Adam Hall, a co-founder of the North Devon WSR, emphasize the importance of surfing for the local economy, noting that surfers bring in revenue all year round, not just in summer.