Navigating Uncertainty: The Impact of Climate Change on Ocean-Based Sports and Pathways for Adaptation

Surfing, sailing, aquatic marathons, and beach sprint rowing are widely practiced sports with passionate supporters across various regions. Ocean-based sports (OBS) events generate significant societal benefits, attract a variety of sponsors, and drive positive outcomes for the tourism industry. Alongside their substantial economic impact and the elevated prestige of these four Olympic sports, they all critically depend on the health and stability of marine ecosystems. Key factors such as wind direction, wave patterns, and water temperature are not merely environmental variables - they are fundamental to the performance and success of OBS athletes. For these practitioners, the ocean is not only a stage but also an indispensable tool. However, recent extreme weather events have validated climate projections, casting doubt on the stability of oceanic conditions and exposing the potential for devastating consequences. The future of these sports grows increasingly uncertain as ocean warming, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels threaten the conditions essential for their practice. This article adopts an interdisciplinary approach—bridging law and economics—to analyze these impacts, shedding light on the risks to OBS and offering recommendations for adaptation.