Surfing Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Apparel & Accessories, Surfing Boards), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region (APAC, North America), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

Report Overview

The global surfing equipment market size was valued at USD 3.88 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2021 to 2028. The product demand is being driven by growing consumer interest in surfing and aggressive growth tactics undertaken by surfing equipment producers. Leading producers, such as Quiksilver, Channel Islands Surfboards, and Firewire Surfboards, focus on product innovation, which is propelling the industry's growth. For example, in July 2019, Billabong, an Australian firm, announced the debut of Furnace Graphene, a graphene-enhanced surfing clothing. The graphene-wrapped yarns in this product are cleverly constructed to trap and hold heat more effectively, providing warmth to the wearer.

Businesses are implementing strategic marketing programs to grow their consumer base and increase sales. Partnerships with surfing clubs, professional surfers, and surfing superstars, for example, can help businesses get more clients. In addition, the exclusive online community provides a single platform for surf industry businesses. Prominent brands like Quiksilver/Roxy and Billabong represent specialty retail locations, which are increasingly gaining prominence.

Specialty stores are willing to pay a greater price for higher-quality goods, and they try to set themselves apart by marketing themselves as a family store that caters to young teenagers and their parents. Consumers with a lot of disposable cash prefer premium products; however, product features, functionality, and comfortability are important considerations, which may hamper the market growth.

Furthermore, it has been shown that the majority of consumers in low-income countries restrict their surfing products. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market owing to increased foreign tourist arrivals and tourist spending on water sports. Many well-known beaches in the region have become popular surfing locations, including Kuta Beach in Indonesia, Weligama Beach in Sri Lanka, and Pansea Beach, and Bai Dai Beach in Thailand.

Product Insights

The surfing boards segment dominated the market with a revenue share of more than 68% in 2020. During the forecast period, sales of surfing boards will be boosted due to the rising engagement in surfing, growing surf tourism, and increasing disposable income levels. Fins, leash, surf wax, surf earplugs, surfboard bag, surf poncho, boots, hoods, gloves, and surf watches are all essential surfing accessories in addition to surfboards and surfing clothes.

Single-fin, double-fin, quad, five-fin, and thruster settings are common fin types. Although short boards are favored due to their improved performance, professional surfers prefer long boards. The infusion of new surfers has been a major role in fueling market demand. With gyms and other outdoor gaming activities being shut due to the pandemic, young novices and adults alike turned to surfing as a socially isolated, entertaining activity.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline distribution channel segment accounted for the largest revenue share of over 85% and will retain its leading position throughout the forecast period. However, the online segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR from 2021 to 2028 due to technical improvements and the increasing importance given to online platforms for purchasing surfing equipment, particularly by consumers looking for bargains.

The main target demographic for online platforms is customers who are comfortable purchasing things without physically inspecting them. To boost product sales and profit margins, most manufacturers have turned to the direct sales approach. Among the biggest firms offering surfing-related equipment in the United States are Pacific Wave, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Hansen Surfboards, Malibu Surf Shack, Surf N Sea, and Maverick's (Jeff Clark) Surf Shop. Even during the pandemic, most stores used techniques like online ordering, free shipping, and discounts to stay in business.

Regional Insights

In 2020, North America accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 47%. The growing popularity of surfing among adventure enthusiasts in North America is fueling the product demand in the region. In 2020, the surfing boards category held a considerable share of the North America regional market and the trend is likely to continue during the forecast period. In August 2019, there were 2.87 million surfers in the United States, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

The United States has the largest surfing market due to its lengthy beaches, making it a popular location for surfing and other water activities. France is also one of the best surfing destinations in the world. According to a poll performed in 2020, there were approximately 650,000 surfers in France. Thus, Europe is also estimated to witness significant growth in the global market in the years to come.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is fragmented owing to the presence of a large number of domestic as well as international players. However, a majority of the market share is captured by key players like Billabong, Quiksilver, Inc., and Hurley, Inc. These companies control a significant portion of the market and have a global presence. Small- and medium-sized local firms compete in the surfing gear and accessories industry, offering a limited selection of products at significantly lower prices to primarily target regional customers. Smaller players have a better grip and reach in the regional markets, thus, global brands face stiff competition from local players.

To boost their market position, most corporations are focusing on mergers and acquisitions, acquiring shares in regional companies to expand their geographical presence, broadening their product ranges, and expanding customer reach. The brands are also focusing on new product launches and mergers to expand their geographical reach. For example, Volcom, LLC, a California-based board-sports company, has teamed up with China Ting Group to increase its presence in China. Some of the key companies in the global surfing equipment market are:

• Billabong

• Quiksilver, Inc.

• JS Industries

• Channel Islands Surfboards

• Nike, Inc.

• Firewire Surfboards, LLC

• Rusty Surfboards

• Rip Curl. Ltd.

• Cannibal Surfboards

• O’Neill

Surfing Equipment Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2016 to 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global surfing equipment market report on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Surfing Boards

  • Apparels & Accessories

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Region Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2016 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

  • Europe

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Spain

    • Portugal

  • Asia Pacific

    • Australia

    • New Zealand

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa