Journal of Marine Science: Research & Development
Open Access

Abstract

In the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific regions there are a variety of beach breaks that could provide epic conditions for surfing, due to their wave and climate characteristics, which still remain unknown to the surfing community. Nowadays, surfing sector is one of the largest and fastest leisure growing industries and a quite significant contributor to regional and national economies around the world, and Colombia should look around to the neighbor countries. The thin line between weather, wave climate, and surfing practice is highly complex, as wave climate represents both, a priceless resource to be exploited and also an important limiting factor that poses risks to be managed by the surfing industry and surfers alike. All surfing destinations are climate-sensitive to an important degree and wave climate has got the main role on travel planning and the travel experience itself. This research work provides a synopsis of the capacities and needs for weather and climate services in the surfing sector in Colombia, including up to date and emerging applications of wave and weather climate services by diverse watersports end-users, and also, a discussion of key knowledge gaps, research and capacity-building needs and alliances that are required to accelerate the application of wave climate information to manage risks and facilitate successful adaptation to climate change.

Biography

Madrazo-Cazorla J.L, Ph.D. (c) Coastal Sciences, MSc. Coastal Research, Oceanographer, International Surfing Judge, Soul Surfer, bilingual, graduated from the University of Cantabria (Spain), and La Salle Foundation for Natural Sciences (Venezuela). Ten years of experience in the field of scientific research in oceanography and civil engineering in universities in Europe and Latin America, with large budget programs. Three years working in remote areas in the Amazonas, combining scientific research and social work. Experience in foreign language teaching, leadership and group management. Knowledge of international standards ASTM, ISO 9000 and 14000 series. Ability to manage industrial machinery, vehicles, vessel and laboratory equipment, and associated software.