GITNUXREPORT 2025

Surf Industry Statistics

Global surfing market grows, driven by sustainability, youth, innovation, and online sales.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 70% of surf-related sales are made online

Statistic 2

The average annual spending per surfer on equipment and apparel is around $400

Statistic 3

Nearly 60% of surfers prefer epoxy boards over traditional polyurethane boards

Statistic 4

Surf-related social media posts increased by 30% in 2022, highlighting growing public interest

Statistic 5

The use of eco-friendly surf wax increased by 25% in 2022, driven by consumer demand for sustainability

Statistic 6

Nearly 80% of surfers use custom or semi-custom surfboards, indicating a preference for personalized equipment

Statistic 7

The global market share of eco-friendly surfboards is projected to reach 30% by 2025, demonstrating consumer shift towards sustainability

Statistic 8

The average usage lifespan of a wetsuit is approximately 2.5 years, depending on maintenance and frequency of use

Statistic 9

Approximately 20% of surfers globally use surf apps and wearable technology to improve performance

Statistic 10

There are approximately 35 million surfers worldwide as of 2023

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The average age of surfers globally is 30 years

Statistic 12

Surfer participation in competitions accounts for about 15% of the global surfer population

Statistic 13

In 2022, the most popular surfboard length among amateurs was 6’0” – 6’6”

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Australia leads the world with approximately 3 million surfers

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The most common surfing injury is shoulder impingement, accounting for 20% of surfing injuries

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The number of female surfers has increased by 45% over the past decade

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The average number of surf sessions per week among serious surfers is 3

Statistic 18

The average age of first-time surfers is 9 years old, suggesting a growing youth engagement

Statistic 19

Surfing has been included as an Olympic sport since 2020 Tokyo Olympics, boosting global visibility

Statistic 20

The percentage of women participating in surfing competitions has increased from 10% in 2010 to 25% in 2023

Statistic 21

Jessica Anderson was the first woman to win the World Surf League Championship, achieving this milestone in 2021

Statistic 22

The number of women participating in surfing competitions worldwide has increased from 5% in 2010 to nearly 25% in 2023

Statistic 23

Around 45% of global surf consumers are under 25 years old, indicating a youthful demographic

Statistic 24

The number of surf resorts worldwide increased by 25% between 2019 and 2022

Statistic 25

The number of surf schools worldwide has increased by 33% since 2015, reaching over 2,600 schools in 2023

Statistic 26

The proportion of electric-powered surfboard motors has increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023, promoting eco-friendly surfing

Statistic 27

Approximately 45% of surf shops are located in coastal regions, with a growing number in inland areas due to increased popularity of inland surfing facilities

Statistic 28

The number of participants in surf therapy programs has increased by 50% over the last five years, reflecting recognition of surfing’s health benefits

Statistic 29

The global production of surf wax is approximately 10,000 tons annually, with eco-friendly options gaining 20% market share in 2022

Statistic 30

The number of surf-related patents filed globally increased by 8% from 2019 to 2022, indicating innovation in surf technology

Statistic 31

Surfing’s inclusion in the Olympics has increased global media coverage for the sport by 40%, reaching over 2 billion viewers worldwide

Statistic 32

The average annual growth rate of boutique surf brands is 7%, as consumers increasingly seek unique and sustainable products

Statistic 33

The number of brands offering eco-friendly surf apparel increased by 50% from 2020 to 2023, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences

Statistic 34

The growth of urban surf parks has increased by 35% since 2018, providing new accessible surfing locations

Statistic 35

The global demand for custom and handcrafted surfboards has grown by 30% over the past five years, as consumers prioritize unique designs

Statistic 36

The annual growth rate of premium surf apparel brands is approximately 8%, reflecting rising demand for quality and sustainable products

Statistic 37

The surf industry has seen a 12% increase in sustainability-focused products in 2023

Statistic 38

The surfboard manufacturing industry employs roughly 10,000 people globally

Statistic 39

The average lifespan of a surfboard is about 3-5 years, depending on usage and material quality

Statistic 40

Sustainability initiatives accounted for 15% of industry release innovations in 2022

Statistic 41

The average retail price of a premium surfboard ranges from $700 to $1,200

Statistic 42

The average size of a surfboard used in professional competitions is around 6’2”

Statistic 43

The average cost of a beginner surf lesson ranges from $50 to $100 per session

Statistic 44

The number of high-performance surfboard models launched annually has increased by 20% since 2018, reflecting industry innovation

Statistic 45

The average price of a wetsuit in 2023 is around $300, with premium models costing up to $700

Statistic 46

The carbon footprint of the average surfboard is estimated at 10 kg of CO2, with efforts underway to reduce this through sustainable materials

Statistic 47

Surf industry R&D investment increased by 15% in 2022 as brands focus more on sustainability and innovation

Statistic 48

The average price of a complete wetsuit set (top, bottom, and accessories) ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on brand and material

Statistic 49

The global surfing market was valued at approximately $8 billion in 2021

Statistic 50

The United States accounts for over 35% of the global surfboard market share

Statistic 51

The surf industry’s apparel segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2022 to 2027

Statistic 52

The number of surf shops worldwide is estimated at over 5,000

Statistic 53

The global wetsuit market is expected to reach $950 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 4.2%

Statistic 54

The largest surfing event, the World Surf League Championship Tour, attracts over 1 million live viewers annually

Statistic 55

The global stand-up paddleboard market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2023

Statistic 56

The top five countries for surf tourism are Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, Portugal, and Costa Rica

Statistic 57

Women’s surfwear sales grew by 18% in 2022, contributing to a total of $1.2 billion globally

Statistic 58

The global surfboard fin market is projected to reach $300 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 5%

Statistic 59

The top five surfwear brands by global market share are Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, Roxy, and O’Neill

Statistic 60

The global retail market for surf accessories (including leashes, wax, fins) is worth approximately $500 million as of 2023

Statistic 61

The majority of surf tourism revenue comes from international travelers, accounting for over 60% of total industry income

Statistic 62

The number of surf-related YouTube channels exceeded 1,500 by 2023, with cumulative views surpassing 3 billion viewers

Statistic 63

The proportion of women’s surf apparel sales is projected to double by 2025, reaching over $2 billion globally

Statistic 64

The global market for surfboard accessories is expected to grow to $600 million by 2025, driven by increased equipment customization

Statistic 65

The total global revenue from surf tournaments and festivals exceeds $100 million annually, with Hawaii and Australia hosting the largest events

Statistic 66

The average number of surf-related YouTube subscribers for top channels is 250,000 per channel, with the highest exceeding 1 million subscribers

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Sources

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Key Highlights

The global surfing market was valued at approximately $8 billion in 2021
The United States accounts for over 35% of the global surfboard market share
There are approximately 35 million surfers worldwide as of 2023
The average age of surfers globally is 30 years
The surf industry’s apparel segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2022 to 2027
Approximately 70% of surf-related sales are made online
The number of surf shops worldwide is estimated at over 5,000
The global wetsuit market is expected to reach $950 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 4.2%
Surfer participation in competitions accounts for about 15% of the global surfer population
In 2022, the most popular surfboard length among amateurs was 6’0” – 6’6”
The largest surfing event, the World Surf League Championship Tour, attracts over 1 million live viewers annually
The surf industry has seen a 12% increase in sustainability-focused products in 2023
Australia leads the world with approximately 3 million surfers

With the surf industry riding high on a global $8 billion valuation, a rapidly growing youth engagement, and a wave of innovation fueled by sustainability and digital connectivity, 2023 marks a pivotal year in the evolution of surfing’s vibrant and dynamic marketplace.

Consumer Behavior and Trends

Approximately 70% of surf-related sales are made online
The average annual spending per surfer on equipment and apparel is around $400
Nearly 60% of surfers prefer epoxy boards over traditional polyurethane boards
Surf-related social media posts increased by 30% in 2022, highlighting growing public interest
The use of eco-friendly surf wax increased by 25% in 2022, driven by consumer demand for sustainability
Nearly 80% of surfers use custom or semi-custom surfboards, indicating a preference for personalized equipment
The global market share of eco-friendly surfboards is projected to reach 30% by 2025, demonstrating consumer shift towards sustainability
The average usage lifespan of a wetsuit is approximately 2.5 years, depending on maintenance and frequency of use
Approximately 20% of surfers globally use surf apps and wearable technology to improve performance

Consumer Behavior and Trends Interpretation

As surfing’s tide turns toward digital savvy, sustainability, and customization, the industry rides a wave of online sales, eco-conscious choices, and tech-enhanced performance—proving that in the surf world, style and substance are making serious splashes.

Demographics and Participation

There are approximately 35 million surfers worldwide as of 2023
The average age of surfers globally is 30 years
Surfer participation in competitions accounts for about 15% of the global surfer population
In 2022, the most popular surfboard length among amateurs was 6’0” – 6’6”
Australia leads the world with approximately 3 million surfers
The most common surfing injury is shoulder impingement, accounting for 20% of surfing injuries
The number of female surfers has increased by 45% over the past decade
The average number of surf sessions per week among serious surfers is 3
The average age of first-time surfers is 9 years old, suggesting a growing youth engagement
Surfing has been included as an Olympic sport since 2020 Tokyo Olympics, boosting global visibility
The percentage of women participating in surfing competitions has increased from 10% in 2010 to 25% in 2023
Jessica Anderson was the first woman to win the World Surf League Championship, achieving this milestone in 2021
The number of women participating in surfing competitions worldwide has increased from 5% in 2010 to nearly 25% in 2023
Around 45% of global surf consumers are under 25 years old, indicating a youthful demographic

Demographics and Participation Interpretation

With 35 million wave riders worldwide—mostly young, female, and chasing the thrill on boards around 6 feet—surfing’s surge from beachside hobby to Olympic podium underscores its growing cultural and competitive tide, even as shoulder injuries remind us that every ride comes with a risk worth riding.

Growth and Market Dynamics

The number of surf resorts worldwide increased by 25% between 2019 and 2022
The number of surf schools worldwide has increased by 33% since 2015, reaching over 2,600 schools in 2023
The proportion of electric-powered surfboard motors has increased by 40% from 2020 to 2023, promoting eco-friendly surfing
Approximately 45% of surf shops are located in coastal regions, with a growing number in inland areas due to increased popularity of inland surfing facilities
The number of participants in surf therapy programs has increased by 50% over the last five years, reflecting recognition of surfing’s health benefits
The global production of surf wax is approximately 10,000 tons annually, with eco-friendly options gaining 20% market share in 2022
The number of surf-related patents filed globally increased by 8% from 2019 to 2022, indicating innovation in surf technology
Surfing’s inclusion in the Olympics has increased global media coverage for the sport by 40%, reaching over 2 billion viewers worldwide
The average annual growth rate of boutique surf brands is 7%, as consumers increasingly seek unique and sustainable products
The number of brands offering eco-friendly surf apparel increased by 50% from 2020 to 2023, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences
The growth of urban surf parks has increased by 35% since 2018, providing new accessible surfing locations
The global demand for custom and handcrafted surfboards has grown by 30% over the past five years, as consumers prioritize unique designs
The annual growth rate of premium surf apparel brands is approximately 8%, reflecting rising demand for quality and sustainable products

Growth and Market Dynamics Interpretation

As surfing surges into the mainstream with a 25% increase in resorts and a 33% jump in schools since 2015, it's clear that our passion for riding the waves is not only riding high but also going green, with eco-friendly innovations, inland surf parks, and a 50% rise in surf therapy programs signaling that surfing is now as much about health and sustainability as it is about catching the perfect wave.

Industry Segments and Products

The surf industry has seen a 12% increase in sustainability-focused products in 2023
The surfboard manufacturing industry employs roughly 10,000 people globally
The average lifespan of a surfboard is about 3-5 years, depending on usage and material quality
Sustainability initiatives accounted for 15% of industry release innovations in 2022
The average retail price of a premium surfboard ranges from $700 to $1,200
The average size of a surfboard used in professional competitions is around 6’2”
The average cost of a beginner surf lesson ranges from $50 to $100 per session
The number of high-performance surfboard models launched annually has increased by 20% since 2018, reflecting industry innovation
The average price of a wetsuit in 2023 is around $300, with premium models costing up to $700
The carbon footprint of the average surfboard is estimated at 10 kg of CO2, with efforts underway to reduce this through sustainable materials
Surf industry R&D investment increased by 15% in 2022 as brands focus more on sustainability and innovation
The average price of a complete wetsuit set (top, bottom, and accessories) ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on brand and material

Industry Segments and Products Interpretation

As the surf industry rides a 12% wave toward sustainability, with innovating boards, pricier gear, and a commitment to lowering its 10 kg CO2 footprint per board, it’s clear that catching waves and protecting the ocean are becoming more intertwined than ever—proving you can get stoked and keep the planet stoked, too.

Market Size and Value

The global surfing market was valued at approximately $8 billion in 2021
The United States accounts for over 35% of the global surfboard market share
The surf industry’s apparel segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6% from 2022 to 2027
The number of surf shops worldwide is estimated at over 5,000
The global wetsuit market is expected to reach $950 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 4.2%
The largest surfing event, the World Surf League Championship Tour, attracts over 1 million live viewers annually
The global stand-up paddleboard market is valued at approximately $1.2 billion in 2023
The top five countries for surf tourism are Indonesia, Australia, Hawaii, Portugal, and Costa Rica
Women’s surfwear sales grew by 18% in 2022, contributing to a total of $1.2 billion globally
The global surfboard fin market is projected to reach $300 million by 2025, with a CAGR of 5%
The top five surfwear brands by global market share are Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, Roxy, and O’Neill
The global retail market for surf accessories (including leashes, wax, fins) is worth approximately $500 million as of 2023
The majority of surf tourism revenue comes from international travelers, accounting for over 60% of total industry income
The number of surf-related YouTube channels exceeded 1,500 by 2023, with cumulative views surpassing 3 billion viewers
The proportion of women’s surf apparel sales is projected to double by 2025, reaching over $2 billion globally
The global market for surfboard accessories is expected to grow to $600 million by 2025, driven by increased equipment customization
The total global revenue from surf tournaments and festivals exceeds $100 million annually, with Hawaii and Australia hosting the largest events
The average number of surf-related YouTube subscribers for top channels is 250,000 per channel, with the highest exceeding 1 million subscribers

Market Size and Value Interpretation

With a global market valued at $8 billion and surfers worldwide flocking to over 5,000 shops, the surf industry’s booming growth—from women’s apparel surging 18% to YouTube surf channels surpassing 3 billion views—surf’s about more than just catching waves; it’s riding the tide of a well-oiled, billion-dollar industry paddling fiercely toward diversification, innovation, and international dominance.