Academic's book on surfing available on open access

Released: 05.02.19

Plymouth Marjon University Academic Dr Gregory Borne will have his book, Sustainable Stoke: Transitions to Sustainability in the Surfing World, available as a free open access book through the Marjon University CREST open access repository.

Published in 2015 and co-edited by Dr Jess Ponting of San Diego State University, the book brought together leading figures from within the surfing world to discuss sustainability-related issues from multiple sectors. The book will now be distributed by an open access format, opening up new audiences for the research.

Dr Borne said: “It is excellent news that the publishers have now allowed this book to be distributed in an open access format.

“Open access will mean that the insights and analysis in the book will be available to a huge global audience; inspiring and informing people across all ages and sectors.”

The book includes views and opinions from more than 40 recognised global experts, including world champions, environmental campaigners and directors and founders of some of the surf industry’s most recognisable brands and charities. It was the first academic book released to discuss issues related to sustainability and surfing and helped create a global movement to galvanise this area of study and research.

The book formed the basis for an international conference at San Diego in 2015, where Dr Borne delivered the key note speech alongside Senator Fred Hemmings. The book also led to the publication of two further texts in this area,  Sustainable Surfing and Surfing and Sustainability

Dr Borne is hopeful that the book can continue having an impact across sectors and inform teaching and research with it now being available via open access.

Dr Borne concluded: “Whilst the focus of the book is firmly on the activity of surfing, the issues raised by the contributors transfer to multiple areas of sustainability, economically, socially and environmentally.”