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Work is good. But some work is better than others. And we can think of no better way
to honor Labor Day than spending 20 minutes describing your waveriding habits [www.surf-first.org]
to help all surfers defend their breaks for years to come.
But you better do it fast.
Next Monday’s holiday not only signifies the end of summer — it’s the
official cut-off for the Surf-First survey [www.surf-first.org]. (Actually, in
the spirit of surfing slackness, we’ll give you until midnight Tuesday.) At
that point, we’ll stop gathering info and start crunching the data. Our goal? To
better depict how the average American surfer spends their lives — and
cash — on a spot-by-spot basis in hopes of keeping every U.S. break clean
and accessible forever. We’re even going to put that info live online,
state-by-state, so anyone, anywhere, can arm themselves to meet any fight head
on. And in case you think such fights are rare — or the info unnecessary
— just check out New Smyrna Beach, where there’s an effort to extend Ponce Inlet, potentially wrecking one of
Florida’s most popular breaks, where surfers generate more than $6 million each year.
Every single one of us could
one day face a similar issue. Whether we have the hard data and dollar signs to
convince decision-makers to seriously consider surfers’ interests and impacts
depends on whether you take the survey
[www.surf-first.org] (assuming you
haven’t already). And with two recent tropical swells back East, right now’s the
best time to do your part, because as of midnight on Tuesday, the next stage of
our job begins. And you’ll have one less opportunity to stand up for your
homebreak.
EXTRA CREDIT FOR WILLING
WORKERS!
Are you an economics major with a passion for surfing? Or a surfing major with
a passion for studying economics? Read the info below to find out how to spend
this fall working on the Surf-First Economics project. Apply by October 2nd. As
a paid intern, you’ll earn college credit, make some cash yourself — and
most importantly — help produce the first comprehensive surfing survey of
its kind — one that stands to help fellow surfers for years to come.
Surfrider Foundation/ Surf-First
Surf Economics Project Internship
Fall
2009
The
Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine seek an undergraduate or graduate student for an internship to work at the Surfrider
Foundation on the Surf-First Surf Economics project, which will include
analyzing recreational and economic survey data from surfing areas around the
United States to develop state-level profiles of recreational uses and economic
impacts of surfing.
Surf
Economics:
Surfing is a major recreational and economic activity at diverse coastal
environments throughout the United States. The rising popularity of surfing in
the United States and significant growth in participation has increased the
economic contribution of surfing to local communities. Despite the popularity
of surfing, it is often challenging for the sport to be taken seriously in
coastal management decisions. Surfing and surfers are very sensitive to
environmental conditions, and changes in these conditions can negatively impact
surfing. At present there is little research on the value of recreational
surfing. It is estimated that over three million people surf on a regular basis
in the U.S. and surfers are in the ocean more than any other ocean user group.
To make informed decisions, coastal professionals require information about
surfers and how they will be affected by coastal policies and activities. In
recent years, there has been an increase in research on the economics and
management of surfing.
In
a collaborative effort, the Surf-First survey — the first national survey
of its kind — was developed to capture socioeconomic and recreational use
information about surfers. The survey ran for approximately one year. This
internship will help analyze the survey data to develop demographic and
economic profiles for surfers from around the U.S.
You
can learn more about this project and Surf Economics at:
www.surf-first.org and www.surfeconomics.blogspot.com
Preferred
education & experience:
-Must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school program
-Proven ability to use Microsoft Excel to manipulate large data sets
-Knowledge of natural resource economics
-Statistics experience a plus
-Demonstrate ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Start
Time: Flexible, Fall 2009
Duration: 12-week minimum/ full-time
Pay: $3500
Location: San Clemente, CA
Please
send/ e-mail a short cover letter and resume to:
Chad
Nelsen, Surfrider Foundation
P.O. Box 6010
San Clemente, CA 92674
Ph: 800-743-SURF
cnelsen@surfrider.org
E-mail preferred. Please
title resume and cover letter documents using this convention: lastname_resume.doc
& lastname_cover.doc
Applications due October 2nd, 2009
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