2011 | SAN SEBASTIÁN
FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD SURF CITIES NETWORK
The World Surf Cities Network (WSCN) was officially founded on November 15, 2011, in the city of San Sebastián (Spain), during the international event "Surf and Innovation," organized by Fomento de San Sebastián at the Kursaal Congress Palace.
The meeting marked the birth of the first international network of cities united by surfing, with the aim of promoting this sector as an economic, social and cultural engine for sustainable urban development.
Founding Cities
The network began with nine cities across four continents, all with a strong surfing tradition and a coastal economy linked to the sea:
San Sebastián (Spain) – host city and promoter of the initiative;
Arica (Chile);
Durban (South Africa);
Ericeira (Portugal);
Hossegor (France);
Gold Coast (Australia);
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain);
Newcastle (Australia);
Santos (Brazil).
These nine cities signed the agreement establishing the WSCN, committing to international cooperation in developing policies, projects, and innovation strategies related to surfing.
Mission and Objectives
WSCN was founded with the mission of:
To promote surfing as a driver of economic and social development;
To create a business and research ecosystem linked to the ocean economy;
To promote sustainable and locally based tourism;
Sharing best practices in coastal governance, innovation and social inclusion;
To strengthen the cultural identity and international positioning of surf cities.
The concept of "Surf Cities" represented a new form of coastal urban management — where surfing is understood not only as a sport, but also as a creative industry, an investment opportunity, and an instrument of social cohesion.
Declarations of Intent and Commitments
During the founding event, each city shared its strategic vision and priorities:
Santos (Brazil) highlighted surfing as a tool for social inclusion, promoting quality of life and innovation in surfboard production.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) advocated for technical and academic training in surfing, with the involvement of the local University and the promotion of tourism and sporting events.
Arica (Chile) emphasized the development of active tourism, R&D, and technology in the surf industry.
Ericeira (Portugal) presented the Surf Museum and the Surf Reference Center, highlighting the importance of regulating beaches and championships.
San Sebastián (Spain) proposed the creation of innovation, entrepreneurship, and international marketing programs for the industry.
Gold Coast (Australia) focused on promoting surf tourism and international events.
Hossegor (France ) proposed continuing the expansion of its industrial park linked to surfing, a pioneering model in Europe.
Durban (South Africa) focused on attracting large events and developing artificial reefs.
Newcastle (Australia) presented a project to create an industrial surf cluster, combining design, fashion and surfboard manufacturing.
Initial Structure and Functioning
It was established that Fomento de San Sebastián would be responsible for the network's Technical Secretariat, assuming initial management, content promotion, and coordination of joint activities.
The organization committed to developing:
An Action Plan for 2012, with collaborative projects between cities;
An International Communication Plan to position the WSCN brand globally.
The cities agreed to meet annually to present results and define priorities, and it was decided that the next meeting would take place on the Gold Coast (Australia).
First Steps and Strategy 2012
Among the first measures agreed upon:
To define strategic guidelines for economic development, innovation, and sustainability;
Identify leading cities in each thematic area;
To create joint training, exchange, and R&D&I projects;
To promote international recognition of surfing as an emerging economy.
The cities decided that, during the first year, there would be no membership quotas, prioritizing direct investment in concrete and collaborative projects.
Founding Event – “Surf and Innovation”
The launch event included two days of conferences under the theme "Surf and Innovation," with presentations from international experts and entrepreneurs, including:
Jess Ponting, from the Center for Surf Research at the University of San Diego;
Joseba Odriozola, founder of the Wave Garden project;
Urko Esnaola, from Tecnalia, is responsible for the project of surfboards with smart sensors.
The program also included the participation of the San Sebastián Surf City Cluster, which brought together around 50 companies and institutions, and represented the development model that inspired the creation of the global network.
Conclusions and Legacy
The founding of the World Surf Cities Network marked the beginning of a new stage in the relationship between surfing and urban development.
The founding cities recognized surfing as an economic sector with high potential for innovation, tourism, and employment, committing themselves to:
To promote ongoing international collaboration;
To consolidate surfing as an instrument for sustainability and inclusion;
And to build a global network of cities united by the sea and surf culture.
Founding Event Data
Location: San Sebastián (Spain) – Palacio de Congresos Kursaal
Date: November 15, 2011
Founding Cities: San Sebastián, Arica, Durban, Ericeira, Hossegor, Gold Coast, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Newcastle, Santos
Organized by: Fomento de San Sebastián – Cluster Surf City
Event: Surf and Innovation – WSCN International Launch Conference
Next Meeting: Gold Coast (Australia), 2012