Methodology

Surfing Areas

Surfing areas were evaluated on both information availability and status. We reviewed Surfer Magazine's The Surf Report, a series of guides to surfing areas around the nation, and surveyed our Surfrider Foundation chapters to better understand the number of surfing areas and their general condition. Specific criteria used in this report were quality of inventory, perception of status, and recognition by state. In this regard, California and Hawaii are believed to be the only states that provide the location of surfing areas as part of their coastal access program. These states also recognize waves as natural resources to be protected. Puerto Rico's surfing areas are included in a popular chamber of commerce map.