Do the Survey for Surfers

Do you consider yourself to be a surfer?

By ‘surfer’ I mean someone who goes out and rides waves as a boardrider, boogie boarder, stand-up paddler, surf skier, kite surfer and even a bodysurfer. I’m thinking that could be quite a few people! If you fall into one of those categories, you need to do the Global Surfer Survey.

Almost 10 years ago we did a survey and conducted interviews of surfers (including some Stanwell Park locals) who had rescued someone in the surf while surfing. The results were published in a scientific journal and received a ton of media attention because we showed that using the most conservative of estimates, surfers make more rescues each year in Australia than lifeguards and lifesavers combined – that’s a big deal. The survey also asked them to tell us about their most serious rescue and 63% reckoned they had saved a life – also a big deal!

Last year my UNSW Beach Safety Research Group was contacted by Surfing NSW, who run a free Surfers 24/7 Rescue program during which surfers are trained in basic CPR and how to use their board to make a rescue. They were keen to do another survey on surfer rescues, so we said sure.

But I also thought this was a good opportunity to learn more about surfers in general. How many people surf? What types of surfers are out there? Who surfs and how often? What are their opinions about the ocean, coastal management and environmental issues? Surfers probably use the ocean more than anybody, but their voices are often overlooked when it comes to coastal management.

The new study then kind of took off as I contacted colleagues and surfers around the world and we created the Global Surfer Survey that can be done in English, French and Portuguese.

The French went crazy and have already lodged 800 responses so we need your help to catch up by doing the survey at globalsurfersurvey.com. If you live in NSW, you’ll go into a draw to win a custom-made surfboard valued at $1000. It’ll only take you 20 minutes, it’s anonymous, fun, for a good cause and don’t worry, we won’t be giving any secret surfing spots away!

Please spread the word on social media to every surfer you know – this really is a survey for surfers!