The degree will be delivered by Swansea Institute who since 1986, have a track record of providing leading edge, innovative and challenging degrees. Ian Jenkins said "It is the first of its kind in Wales and the first within the UK to combine surfing and beach management. This is an exciting new development, which demonstrates the growth of surfing and its economic value to the leisure and tourism industry."

There are some 250,000 surfers in the UK and the market is expanding with increased participation, especially from females. Surfing has all-round appeal to any age group and gender. It has exponentially grown since the late1950s, when it first appeared in the UK. Surfing is a considerable economic force, generating some £2.4 billion worldwide; touching many areas of the economy from retail through to the media. It needs to develop a professional image as it is closely linked with the emerging 'adrenaline sports' which currently help to boost the UK and Welsh tourism economies.

Ian Jenkins further adds "there has been a call from industry professionals for education and training establishments to provide employees who will have professional management skills within this area."

Wales and especially, Swansea and Gower are ideal places to come and study surfing with access to excellent surfing beaches. It provides favourable conditions all-year-round to study the phenomena of surfing and beach management. Vocational input to the course will be through local companies such as Gower Surf Developments. Simon Jayham, Director of the company said "this degree is an exciting addition to the industry and will provide it with the professional managers who are desperately needed. This sport is also one that females can excel in. There are a number of extremely talented youngsters coming through".

It is planned to take students on a number of field studies to significant international surfing/tourist destinations These locations act as natural laboratories in which to study the impacts of surfing on the local environment, economy and culture.

This degree will produce professional graduates who will be, well motivated and erudite, exhibiting all the management skills needed to take this industry into a strong worldwide position. The aim is that graduates will gain employment within the surf/adventure industry, eco-tourism and leisure/tourism markets.

For more information on this course contact:
Ian Jenkins,
Surf and Beach Management Pathway Director,
School of Leisure,
Tourism and Sport Faculty of Humanities,
Swansea Institute,
Swansea.
01792 481000