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2015 | DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA

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The World Surf Cities Network (WSCN) Annual Meeting took place between July 2nd and 3rd, 2015, at the Tourist Office in Durban (South Africa), organized by the Durban City Council in collaboration with Fomento de San Sebastián.


The meeting was attended by eight member cities and marked the 3rd Annual Meeting of the network, reinforcing international cooperation around surfing as an economic, social and cultural driver.


WSCN Annual Meeting 2015 – Durban, South Africa

Cities Present

Participants:

  • Arica (Chile)

  • Donostia / San Sebastián (Spain)

  • Durban (South Africa)

  • Ericeira (Portugal)

  • Gold Coast (Australia)

  • New Plymouth (New Zealand)

  • Viana do Castelo (Portugal)

  • WSCN technical team


Meeting Objectives

The main objectives of the meeting were:

  • Evaluate the results of the 2014 Annual Meeting (Santos, Brazil);

  • Review the 2014–2015 Action Plan and the economic and social impact of the network's activities;

  • Approve the 2015–2016 Work Plan;

  • To discuss the future strategic model of WSCN and its sustainable growth;

  • And to reinforce the network's role in promoting surfing and coastal tourism globally.


Review of the 2014–2015 Period

The session began with an analysis of the commitments made in Santos (Brazil) during the previous year.


The main results presented in the “WSCN 2015 Survey” questionnaire showed that:

  • 63% of cities did not have their own budget or staff dedicated to the network;

  • 62% maintained active cooperation with other cities in the WSCN;

  • 75% participated in shared projects;

  • All cities promoted the network through their institutional channels, although with varying degrees of involvement.


The importance of balancing participation between cities with more resources and cities in the consolidation phase was highlighted, ensuring a cohesive and functional network.


Communication and Promotion

During the meeting, the new WSCN website and the updated institutional dossier were presented.


The representative from Durban created the network's official Facebook page, which began to disseminate news from the member cities.


The methodology of the Communication Plan was reinforced, with each city committing to regularly sharing local initiatives and best practices.


Surf Tourism and European Projects

Funding has been announced for the European COSME project, aimed at promoting surf tourism along the European Atlantic coast.

The project — developed with support from the European Commission — will last 18 months and serves as a reference for the creation of transnational tourism packages.


Exchange and Training Programs

Throughout the year, three exchange scholarships were awarded to young people interested in surfing and coastal management projects.


The experiences took place in Arica (Chile), San Diego (USA) and Viana do Castelo (Portugal), covering areas of event organization, beach management and economic impact studies of surfing.


Work Plan 2015–2016

Based on the proposals received from the cities, the following lines of action were defined:

  • Promoting surf tourism and creating a joint strategy (COSME).

  • Strengthening internal communication and social media, coordinated by San Sebastián, Viana do Castelo, Ericeira and Durban.

  • Sharing best practices and local news under the WSCN brand.

  • Creation of social and environmental responsibility strategies led by Durban, Gold Coast and Viana.

  • Developing business partnerships between the cities in the network.

  • Comprehensive training and professional internships in surf-related projects.

  • Identifying and measuring the economic impact of surfing in each city.

  • Continuation of the World Surf Cities Forum and exchange of clubs and surfers.

  • Alignment with international organizations, such as the ISA (International Surfing Association).

 

Upcoming Meetings and Applications

  • 2016: Ericeira (Portugal) – approved as the official host of the next Annual Meeting.

  • 2017: Arica (Chile) – application pre-approved, to be confirmed later.


It was suggested that the 2016 meeting be held jointly between Ericeira and Viana do Castelo, given the geographical proximity and cooperation between the two cities.


Official Meeting Program

The event included activities open to the local surfing community and the sports industry:

  • July 1st: Arrival of the delegations and opening of the "Surf over the Years" exhibition;

  • July 2nd: “Surfers, not Street Children” session, General Assembly and dinner with the industry;

  • July 3rd: International conference “Surf Cities Forum” and technical visits to Ushaka Marine World and Valley of 1000 Hills;

  • July 5th : Visit to the Ballito Pro event (WSL Prime 10,000).


Conclusions

The 2015 Annual Meeting was considered an organizational success and a decisive step in consolidating the WSCN.


The following were highlighted:

  • The professionalism of the Durban organization and the collaboration of the local community;

  • The strong involvement of the industry and sports authorities;

  • The importance of balancing resources and responsibilities between cities;

  • And the growing role of the network as a global platform for promoting sustainable and inclusive surfing.


The city of Durban celebrated the 50th anniversary of surfing in South Africa during the event, reinforcing the symbolic significance of the gathering.


Meeting Data

  • Location: Durban, South Africa

  • Dates: July 2–3, 2015

  • Presidency: Donostia / San Sebastián (Spain)

  • Technical Secretariat: Development of San Sebastián

  • Cities Present: 8

  • Total Participants: 30

  • Next Meeting: Ericeira (Portugal), 2016




 
 
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