“I need the sea because it teaches me” A qualitative case study on the current integration of ocean literacy in surf education and what actors and factors can influence surf instructors in Lisbon, Portugal.

Sammanfattning: Ocean sustainability is more prevalent than ever. With our oceans degrading at rapid speeds many states and organizations turn to increasing ocean literacy in populations as a way of ensuring sustainable behaviors. While states and organizations work with it effectively in their policies it is important to look at how it is for the people that work with recreational sports that can promote ocean literacy. The purpose of this qualitative case study is to examine the current integration of ocean literacy in surf instruction in Lisbon, Portugal, and the actors and factors that can influence the surf instructors to integrate it. It focuses on identifying the main actors and factors influencing the challenges. Iris Marion Young’s theory of social connection and a Penta Helix model of governance is used to analyze the findings. The study utilizes a combination of semi-structured interviews and participatory observation to explore how surf schools are integrating ocean literacy concepts into their teaching practices. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis, and then coded to reveal the actors and factors influencing the surf instructors. Overall, the study highlights the complexity of social connection in regards to integrating ocean literacy in the context of surf schools. It found that the main actors that influenced were the government, the Portuguese surf federation, the surf schools, and the students. The main factors were larger societal structures, such as the capitalist economic system, social norms and values, power dynamics, and the context of the lesson. The findings have implications for surf schools in Portugal and beyond, as well as for the broader movement towards ocean literacy education.