The tragedy of the waves. Issue 1 (14th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Deats, Justin; Martinez, Michael; Shearer, Robert; Shearer, William
• Is Part Of: Sport, business and management. Volume 6:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 97
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2016-03-14
• Subjects: Discrete event simulation -- Common-pool resource -- Surfing; Sports -- Management -- Periodicals; Sports -- Economic aspects -- Periodicals; 796.06905
• DOI: 10.1108/SBM-07-2013-0026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-678X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between the number of waves a surfer will catch, the surfer's characteristics, and the surf conditions; and utilize this relationship to explain wave allocation strategies chosen by surfers. Design/methodology/approach: – The study employed a discrete event simulation to model surfers at a well-known surf break in Southern California. Several experimental designs were implemented in the simulation to measure the effect of a surfer's characteristics and surf conditions on waves caught; and compare different wave allocation strategies. Findings: – The number of waves that a surfer will catch is largely dependent upon the surfer's skill level and the wave allocation strategy used at the surf break. Common wave allocation strategies fail with large crowds. Originality/value: – This study is the first to model the entire lineup at a surf break, providing quantitative insights into why surfers choose different wave allocation strategies.