Exploring surfers' perceptions of municipal regulations using grounded theory. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Usher, Lindsay E.; Goff, Jennifer; Gómez, Edwin
• Is Part Of: Annals of leisure research. Volume 19:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: surfing -- grounded theory -- crowding -- recreational conflict -- displacement; Leisure -- Periodicals; Recreation -- Periodicals; Sports -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Tourism -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 306.481205
• DOI: 10.1080/11745398.2015.1066260
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1174-5398

Abstract

Abstract : The growing popularity of surfing has created management challenges for administrators who want to ensure the enjoyment and safety of beach goers. Virginia Beach, Virginia is one place where surfing has been popular for many years. We explored local resident surfers' opinions on municipal surfing regulations through focus groups. Using grounded theory, we developed the Surfer Perceptions and Navigation of Regulations Model based on the following themes: positive aspects of regulations, regulations leading to crowding in the surfing areas, enforcement of the surfing regulations and confusion about the regulations and surfers' navigation of surfing regulations. While we discovered similarities with our findings and other concepts in the recreation literature (crowding, displacement and recreational conflict), we also found support for our results in the surf culture literature. The results of this study could be used to inform quantitative research on surf management practices.