Photography: N and M Photography
Ericeira is not alone anymore regarding the World Surfing Reserves – WSR – existing in the ‘Old’ European Continent: North Devon (United Kingdom) became the 12th recipient of the Save The Wave Coalition distinction.
This British region located in the South West of England, bordering Cornwall, has a coastline of more than 30 kilometers where numerous quality waves can be found.
surf spots need to be celebrated, recognized and protected, just as we recognize the beauty of natural parks
The Save The Wave Coalition (a North American NGO that has awarded World Surfing Reserve distinctions since 2009) announced recently that these waves and their ecosystems are now being protected under its program.
The area was recognized not only for the high quality and diversity of its waves, but also for the surrounding natural beauty, its surf culture and its importance to the community in general.
“We are delighted to welcome North Devon as a World Surfing Reserve alongside other iconic protected surfing locations around the world,” said Nik Strong-Cvetich, CEO of Save The Waves. “We hope this designation will help give surfers more voice in decisions about North Devon’s beautiful coastline and protect such a diverse range of waves.”
The objective will be to protect waves and the surfing experience from threats such as harmful coastal development, water pollution, limited access to the coast, climate change and a host of other factors that affect the delicate ecosystems on which quality waves depend.
waves such as Croyde, Woolacombe, Westward Ho!, Saunton, Putsborough or Lynmouth now have increased exposure and protection
North Devon is a hub of British surfing culture, home to the Museum of British Surfing and home to brands, all located in Braunton, within easy reach of the best beaches. A 2008 study estimated that surfing brings over £50 million to this area every year and supports around 1,500 jobs.
The main surfing season in the second WSR on European soil (Ericeira, consecrated in 2011, was the first) is Winter, as in our country, with waves such as Croyde, Woolacombe, Westward Ho!, Saunton, Putsborough or Lynmouth.
North Devon thus succeeds Playa Hermosa, which had been the last region declared WSR, although it is still pending official consecration. To these two Reserves, there are also Malibu and Santa Cruz (California, USA), Manly, Noosa and Gold Coast (Australia), Guarda do Embaú, in Brazil, Todos Santos, in Mexico, Huanchaco, in Peru, Punta de Lobos, in Chile, and Ericeira.
Esta publicação também está disponível em | This article is also available in: Portuguese (Portugal)
