1 of 2 Guarda do Embaú, in Santa Catarina, the only Brazilian beach classified as a World Surfing Reserve Photo: GETTY IMAGES via BBC Guarda do Embaú, in Santa Catarina, the only Brazilian beach classified as a World Surfing Reserve ‘ applies Photo : GETTY IMAGES via BBC
There are numerous surfing beaches around the world, but only 12 are designated World Surfing Reserves a program of the NGO Save The Waves Coalition dedicated to preserving and protecting surfing areas around the world.
Beach number 12 has recently been selected: a stretch of shoreline of around 30km around Braunton Burrows, on the north coast of Devon, southwest England.
“We are delighted that this exceptional coastline is being recognized for the quality of its surf and valuable ecosystem,” said Kevin Cook, a surfer and admirer of an area that is also part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves for its spectacular scenery and wildlife and cultural heritage.
“Now we can work together to protect this area for generations to come,” he added.
Sites are selected through a process that considers five criteria: the quality and consistency of the waves, the unique environmental characteristics of the site, its role in surfing culture and history, community support and involvement, and whether it is is a priority nature reserve.
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Recall how Guarda do Embaú was recognized as a World Surfing Reserve in 2019 in the video below:
Guarda do Embaú in Palhoça celebrates the title of World Surfing Reserve
The first beach in the world to earn the title of World Surfing Reserve was Malibu, California — where surfers from all over the world have flocked to find the “perfect” wave for a century.
Back then, Malibu was notable for “its fundamental role in the birth of modern surfing culture” as well as the richness of the ecosystem that surrounded it.
Australia also has other beaches that have received this award: Gold Coast and Noosa.
The only other country that has more than one World Surfing Reserve is the United States Santa Cruz in California and Malibu.
Five beaches in Latin America
With five beaches, Latin America is the bestrepresented region on the World Surfing Reserves list, with Huanchaco in Peru receiving the first award in 2013.
This fishing village of preColumbian origin is famous “for its constant and clean waves” but also for its traditional boats known as Caballitos de Totora.
“Huanchaco has a tradition of surfing waves that goes back thousands of years. I congratulate all Peruvians for their efforts to preserve and protect this unique and historic beach,” said Felipe Pomar, world surfing champion in 1965.
- Todos Santos Bay, Mexico, 2014
This area of Mexico’s Pacific Coast is considered the birthplace of surfing in Mexico and offers plenty of challenges for both beginners and advanced surfers due to the high quality of its waves.
- Punta de Lobos, Chile, 2017
With waves ranging from one to ten meters, Punta de Lobos, Chile has waves that connect and create “tubes” of more than 800 meters.
However, the beach is also known for its biodiversity, with a wide variety of marine species and endemic plants.
- Guarda do Embaú, Brazil, 2019
Located 46 km south of Florianópolis, this beach offers quality waves that break all year round. It is adjacent to the Serra do Tabuleiro State Park, the largest protected area in the state of Santa Catarina.
There is a natural environment that includes the Madre River, an intact estuary and dunes.
VIDEO: Whales are sighted on the beach of Guarda do Embaú (SC).
- Hermosa Beach, Costa Rica, 2022
Playa Hermosa in Costa Rica was named a World Surfing Reserve thanks to its “incredible biodiversity, strong community support, a clearly articulated conservation vision and its worldclass waves.”
There, much of the local business revolved around surfing.
2 of 2 Wave quality is not the only requirement for World Surfing Reserve designation Photo: GETTY IMAGES via BBC Wave quality is not the only requirement for World Surfing Reserve designation Photo: GETTY IMAGES via BBC