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California designated surfing as its state sport in 2018. More than just a tourism draw, the designation meant the Golden State would have to take on greater responsibility in caring for and preserving its coastline.
Southern California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s proposed legislation, AB 2177, appears to be a logical move toward accomplishing that. It’s borrowing from the state’s 1963 Scenic Highways Program, which defines both the criteria and process for establishing a Scenic Highway System for historical or recreational uses. In turn, development, outdoor advertising, and earth moving are limited or protected in the areas of eligible and designated highways in California.
According to a fact sheet from Assemblymember Irwin’s office, surfers in the U.S. spend as much as $3.3 billion on local surf trips alone, with “professional surfers” bringing in $140 billion through surf tourism in California in 2018. As a result, the state has an obvious economic interest in preserving its historic surf spots and best waves. So much like the Scenic Highways system, AB 2177 is being proposed so that the criteria for state surfing reserves can be established, hopefully earning more of its coastline government-supported protections. And it is putting the California Coastal Conservancy in charge of approving these designations.
“Like scenic highways, the onus of designating a surfing reserve would be on a local government to propose. The reserve would consist of a designated stretch of coastline, such as a known surf zone like Maverick’s as a surfing reserve. The local agency would apply to the Conservancy to request approval of designation,” Irwin writes.
A surfing reserve would be defined as a specific area that features protected waves, surf zones and surrounding environments and would recognize the surfing area’s environmental, cultural, and historical significance.
“California has a long history of celebrating the unique qualities of our coastline, with our state leading the country in promoting access and protection of our surfing zones,” Irwin told the News-Press. “This designation will serve to recognize the cultural, historical, economic and ecological importance of surf zones that make our Golden State proud to be home to some of the world’s best surf destinations.”
