In total, we‘ve completed over 12 Surfonomics Studies around the world, asking ourselves and stakeholders “How do you put a value on a wave?“

We use Surfonomics to get a seat at the table to guide informed decisions that ultimately protect surf breaks and promote intact surf ecosystems. 

A few of our Surfonomics results include: 

Next, we asked: “How is that value threatened by climate change?"

In 2025, we published “Climate Vulnerability Of California’s Natural Surfing Capital.”  This groundbreaking report combines an analysis of Surfonomics, surf break vulnerability to sea level rise, and accessibility barriers to determine the natural capital of surfing in Santa Cruz. 

Research estimated that surfing has an economic value of at least $194.7 million per year in Santa Cruz, CA with over 783,000 surf visits annually. 

Studying 31 surf breaks, the report also identified the degree to which Santa Cruz surf breaks will be impacted by rising seas – referred to as ‘surf break vulnerability’. 

The result: an understanding of the economic contributions of surf to Santa Cruz and the potential losses due to damaged and lost surf breaks. 

Now, we want to find new solutions and solve a new question: “How do you safeguard that value and protect the surf ecosystem and the community?"

Introducing “Surf Ecosystem Insurance” to safeguard both the surf ecosystem and the livelihoods of the local community. 

Using the economic value of surf breaks as a driver, Surf Ecosystem Insurance is a financial tool that protects surf ecosystems and the coastal communities that depend on them from climate-fueled extreme weather events. 

When an extreme weather event like a destructive storm disrupts the surf economy, the surf break or its surrounding ecosystem, Surf Ecosystem Insurance releases rapid funding for recovery, response and restoration, helping both the ecosystem and local economies recover faster.

Explore our entire Surfonomics program here.