Lindsay E. Usher

Residents’ perceptions of quality of life in a surf tourism destination: A case study of Las Salinas, Nicaragua

Tourism development has been treated as a panacea for the economic woes of lesser developed countries (LDCs). Studies examining the impacts of tourism on local residents have failed to capture the way in which rural residents in LDCs perceive their lives before considering the impact of tourism. To understand residents’ perceptions of their quality of life in the face of tourism development, we present the results of a case study in Las Salinas, Nicaragua. We accomplish our objective by drawing on the perspectives of residents of who have been exposed to the development of facilities and services for surf tourists.

Surf localism in Costa Rica: exploring territoriality among Costa Rican and foreign resident surfers

ABSTRACT This study examines the phenomenon of surf localism among local Costa Rican and foreign resident surfers in Pavones, Costa Rica, a well-known surf break considered the second longest left-breaking wave in the world. A multidisciplinary territoriality framework is used to explore the ways in which surfers expressed ownership, defined boundaries and regulated behavior in the surf break. Using an ethnographic approach, the first author engaged in participant observation in the surf and the community. She also conducted interviews with Costa Rican residents, resident foreigners and tourists. The findings indicate a number of differences between Costa Rican surfers and resident foreigners with regard to ownership, boundary definition and regulating behavior. Costa Rican surfers felt a greater sense of ownership for the surf break, but were less likely to start verbal or physical conflicts with other surfers than resident foreigners. Resident foreigners indicated feeling a right to the surf break, more so than ownership, and were more likely to verbally confront tourists who were not following surf etiquette. There was also evidence of a cyclical pattern of localism. Many participants blamed conflicts between surfers on increased crowding. The results also highlight the importance of constant destination monitoring in order to ensure a positive surfing experience for Costa Ricans, foreigners and tourists in a community highly reliant on surf tourism income.

Surfistas Locales: Transnationalism and the Construction of Surfer Identity in Nicaragua

Surfers have created their own subculture, which has been associated with concepts such as environmentalism, masculinity, place, and nonconformity, yet the increasing global reach of their sport has created transnational surf communities that bring into question the definition of what it means to be a “local” surfer. This ethnographic study examines identity construction in local Nicaraguan surfers, the ways in which their subculture has formed within a transnational context, how they accept/reject resident foreign surfers, and how foreign surfers see themselves in Nicaragua’s globalized surf space. The findings indicate that Nicaraguan surfers have formed their own local surf subculture from globalized influences, and determining whether foreigners are accepted or rejected from this subculture depends on a complex set of factors related to their relationship with local surfers and the local indigenous community.

Surfers as Environmental Stewards: Understanding Place-protecting Behavior at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

ABSTRACT Resource-based adventure activities have a unique potential to foster connections to place that may assist park managers in simultaneously promoting enjoyable visitor experiences and achieving environmental sustainability. Our study examined links among recreation, conservation, and place attachment by comparing the pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors of surfers (n = 52) and other types of recreationists (n = 56) at Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CAHA). Intercept surveys during 2016 revealed that when compared to nonsurfers, surfers were more frequent visitors to CAHA and reported significantly higher levels of place attachment. When controlling for other variables, surfers were also more likely than other recreationists to engage in both high-effort (e.g., participating in environmental groups) and low-effort (e.g., picking up litter on the beach) forms of place-protecting, pro-environmental behavior at CAHA. Managers should consider the potentially powerful role that surfers and other adventure recreationists may play as environmental stewards and park advocates.

Exploring surfers’ perceptions of municipal regulations using grounded theory

The growing popularity of surfing has created management challenges for administrators who want to ensure the enjoyment and safety of beach goers. Virginia Beach, Virginia is one place where surfing has been popular for many years. We explored local resident surfers’ opinions on municipal surfing regulations through focus groups. Using grounded theory, we developed the Surfer Perceptions and Navigation of Regulations Model based on the following themes: positive aspects of regulations, regulations leading to crowding in the surfing areas, enforcement of the surfing regulations and confusion about the regulations and surfers’ navigation of surfing regulations. While we discovered similarities with our findings and other concepts in the recreation literature (crowding, displacement and recreational conflict), we also found support for our results in the surf culture literature. The results of this study could be used to inform quantitative research on surf management practices.

“Foreign Locals”: Transnationalism, Expatriates, and Surfer Identity in Costa Rica

Surfer identity construction has been linked to a number of factors, including a strong attachment to place. Surfers have always been a mobile population, and the search for waves in new places is a central aspect of the sport. The movement of surfers has led to the development of transnational communities in surf destinations. This ethnographic study examined the ways in which expatriates in Costa Rica construct their identities as local surfers. Many expatriates considered themselves local surfers as a result of the time they had lived and surfed in Pavones and their knowledge of the wave. Many Ticos did not think of expatriates as local surfers. Some expatriates’ assertions of local identity and resultant aggression were sources of frustration for Ticos, tourists, and other expatriates.

Sole surfers?: exploring family status and travel behaviour among surf travellers

ABSTRACT Surf tourism is a growing industry making an impact on many countries around the world. Research on surf tourism has increased exponentially in the past 15 years. Previous research indicates surf travellers have spending power and will travel often for surfing. Segments among surf travellers have been explored, but demographics related to family life cycle have been overlooked. An online survey was used to capture a global sample of 198 surfers regarding surf travel habits and preferences. This study explores the relationship between certain demographics, such as age and family life cycle, on six surf travel behaviours. Results showed significant relationships between partnership and parenthood and certain surf travel behaviours. The findings are discussed in light of their relevance for the surf tourism industry and future surf travel research.