GITNUXREPORT 2025

Surfing Statistics

Surfing engages 35 million worldwide, generates $10 billion industry growth.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

The most popular surfboard length for beginners is 7 feet

Statistic 2

Over 60% of surfers use eco-friendly or recycled surfing equipment

Statistic 3

The average surfboard is around 6 to 8 feet in length, depending on the style

Statistic 4

Over 70% of surfers report purchasing new gear at least once a year

Statistic 5

The average price of a beginner surfboard ranges from $200 to $500

Statistic 6

The average return rate for surfboards is about 10% due to damages or dissatisfaction

Statistic 7

Surfboard fin configurations have evolved from single fins to quad and thruster setups, influencing performance

Statistic 8

The most common time of day for surfing is early morning between 6 am and 9 am, due to optimal wave conditions

Statistic 9

The average length of a longboard is between 8 and 11 feet, designed for stability and cruising

Statistic 10

The popularization of eco-conscious surf brands has increased consumer awareness and choice, with over 40% of surfers preferring sustainable products

Statistic 11

Over 35 million people worldwide participate in surfing

Statistic 12

The average age of surfers is 27 years old

Statistic 13

60% of surfers are male

Statistic 14

The average annual expenditure per surfer on equipment and travel is around $1,200

Statistic 15

There are about 15,000 registered professional surfers worldwide

Statistic 16

Women make up approximately 20% of the surfing demographic

Statistic 17

The surfing community has grown by approximately 10% annually over the last decade

Statistic 18

Surfing was included as an Olympic event for the first time in Tokyo 2020

Statistic 19

The number of surf schools worldwide exceeds 3,000, providing training to over 200,000 students annually

Statistic 20

The youngest professional surfer on record was only 10 years old

Statistic 21

The world record for most surfers riding a single wave simultaneously is 126, set in Hawaii in 2016

Statistic 22

The popularity of longboarding has increased by approximately 20% over the past five years

Statistic 23

Australia is the leading country in producing professional surfers, with over 150 nationally ranked athletes

Statistic 24

The number of female surfers has increased by 25% over the last decade

Statistic 25

Over 15% of surfers worldwide are under 18 years old

Statistic 26

The popularity of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has grown by over 50% in the last decade, often combined with surfing activities

Statistic 27

The average length of big-wave surfing sessions is approximately 2 hours, depending on conditions

Statistic 28

The median age of professional surfers on the World Championship Tour is 28 years, indicating a relatively young elite group

Statistic 29

The global core surfing consumer base is projected to reach over 60 million by 2030, indicating substantial growth potential

Statistic 30

Surfers spend an average of 4 to 6 hours in the water per session, depending on surf conditions

Statistic 31

The number of competitive surfing events worldwide exceeds 200 annually, fostering global talent and exposure

Statistic 32

Hawaii is home to over 400 accessible surf spots

Statistic 33

The largest wave ever surfed was approximately 100 feet high, surfed at Nazaré, Portugal, in 2018

Statistic 34

The top five countries for surfing tourism are Australia, the USA, Indonesia, France, and Portugal

Statistic 35

The first recorded surfing attempt dates back to Polynesian inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands in the 12th century

Statistic 36

Approximately 80% of surf spots globally are accessible for beginner surfers

Statistic 37

The biggest surfing competition, the Billabong Pipeline Masters, attracts over 50,000 spectators annually

Statistic 38

The average water temperature in popular surfing destinations ranges from 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F)

Statistic 39

The highest recorded surfboard ride was 1 mile long at Pipeline, Hawaii, in 2008

Statistic 40

The average water depth at popular surf spots is between 6 to 12 feet

Statistic 41

The total global surfing coastline exceeds 38,000 miles

Statistic 42

Surfline’s live cam network covers over 1,000 surf spots globally

Statistic 43

The first recorded undersea surfing experience was in Tahiti in 1952

Statistic 44

The oldest known surviving surfboard is over 2,000 years old, found in Hawaii

Statistic 45

The largest wave ever recorded on a buoy in the Southern Hemisphere reached 66 feet at Supers peak, South Africa, in 2014

Statistic 46

The number of new surf spots discovered or developed has decreased by 12% over the last decade, reflecting environmental and regulatory challenges

Statistic 47

The average wave height at popular surf spots varies seasonally, from 2 to 15 feet depending on weather and ocean conditions

Statistic 48

Surfing can burn between 300 to 500 calories per hour

Statistic 49

The longest surf session on record lasted over 8 hours

Statistic 50

Modern surfboards are typically made from polyurethane or polystyrene foam with fiberglass cloth

Statistic 51

Surfing contributes significantly to mental health, with 85% of surfers reporting improved mood after sessions

Statistic 52

Surfing consumes 1.2 quadrillion calories globally each year, equivalent to millions of pounds of food calories

Statistic 53

Surfing has been used as a therapeutic activity for veterans, with programs showing improvements in well-being

Statistic 54

The number of surf-related injuries requiring hospital treatment is estimated at 25,000 annually in the U.S.

Statistic 55

The most common type of surfing injury is cuts and lacerations, followed by sprains and bruises

Statistic 56

Adoption of environmentally-friendly wax and surfboard materials has increased by 30% over five years

Statistic 57

The average global temperature of ocean water at surf spots has increased by 0.5°C since the 20th century, impacting surf seasons

Statistic 58

New innovations in eco-friendly surfboard manufacturing include bio-based resins and recyclable materials, increasing adoption rates

Statistic 59

Over 90% of surfing injuries are preventable with proper technique and equipment, according to sports medicine studies

Statistic 60

The majority of surf-related injuries happen in the water, accounting for over 75% of incidents, with most injuries occurring during wipeouts

Statistic 61

The surfing industry is valued at approximately $10 billion globally

Statistic 62

Professional surfing competitions attract over 1 billion viewers worldwide annually

Statistic 63

The WSL (World Surf League) was founded in 1976

Statistic 64

Surfboard manufacturing contributes over $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy

Statistic 65

The average lifespan of a surfboard is about 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and conditions

Statistic 66

Surfing contributes to local economies by generating over $3 billion annually in tourism revenue globally

Statistic 67

The first metal surfboard was introduced in the 1930s

Statistic 68

The global demand for surf apparel is expected to reach $5 billion by 2025

Statistic 69

45% of surf accommodations globally are located near popular surf spots, contributing to local economies

Statistic 70

The average annual growth rate of the global surf tourism market is roughly 8%, indicating steady expansion

Statistic 71

The adoption of virtual reality for surf training and simulation is increasing, with over 10 startups developing such technology

Statistic 72

In Australia, surfing contributes to approximately 3% of national GDP through tourism and related activities

Statistic 73

Overall, the surf wear market accounts for nearly 30% of the total global surf industry revenue

Statistic 74

The average number of surfboards owned by an enthusiast is 2 to 3

Slide 1 of 74

Sources

Our Reports have been cited by:

Trust Badges - Publications that have cited our reports

Key Highlights

Over 35 million people worldwide participate in surfing
The surfing industry is valued at approximately $10 billion globally
The average age of surfers is 27 years old
Hawaii is home to over 400 accessible surf spots
60% of surfers are male
The largest wave ever surfed was approximately 100 feet high, surfed at Nazaré, Portugal, in 2018
The top five countries for surfing tourism are Australia, the USA, Indonesia, France, and Portugal
Professional surfing competitions attract over 1 billion viewers worldwide annually
The WSL (World Surf League) was founded in 1976
The average annual expenditure per surfer on equipment and travel is around $1,200
The first recorded surfing attempt dates back to Polynesian inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands in the 12th century
Approximately 80% of surf spots globally are accessible for beginner surfers
Surfboard manufacturing contributes over $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy

With over 35 million surfers worldwide contributing to a $10 billion industry and riding waves across more than 38,000 miles of coastline, surfing has evolved from ancient Polynesian beginnings to a global phenomenon that excites, inspires, and boosts economies—yet behind the adrenaline-fueled rides lies a vibrant culture, innovative eco-friendly gear, and a rapidly growing community that continues to shape the future of this exhilarating sport.

Consumer Preferences and Trends

The most popular surfboard length for beginners is 7 feet
Over 60% of surfers use eco-friendly or recycled surfing equipment
The average surfboard is around 6 to 8 feet in length, depending on the style
Over 70% of surfers report purchasing new gear at least once a year
The average price of a beginner surfboard ranges from $200 to $500
The average return rate for surfboards is about 10% due to damages or dissatisfaction
Surfboard fin configurations have evolved from single fins to quad and thruster setups, influencing performance
The most common time of day for surfing is early morning between 6 am and 9 am, due to optimal wave conditions
The average length of a longboard is between 8 and 11 feet, designed for stability and cruising
The popularization of eco-conscious surf brands has increased consumer awareness and choice, with over 40% of surfers preferring sustainable products

Consumer Preferences and Trends Interpretation

Surfing enthusiasts, guided by a blend of tradition and sustainability, are increasingly investing in eco-friendly boards, with beginners favoring 7-foot rides and most hitting the waves at dawn—proof that the thrill of the surf is matched only by a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Demographics and Participation

Over 35 million people worldwide participate in surfing
The average age of surfers is 27 years old
60% of surfers are male
The average annual expenditure per surfer on equipment and travel is around $1,200
There are about 15,000 registered professional surfers worldwide
Women make up approximately 20% of the surfing demographic
The surfing community has grown by approximately 10% annually over the last decade
Surfing was included as an Olympic event for the first time in Tokyo 2020
The number of surf schools worldwide exceeds 3,000, providing training to over 200,000 students annually
The youngest professional surfer on record was only 10 years old
The world record for most surfers riding a single wave simultaneously is 126, set in Hawaii in 2016
The popularity of longboarding has increased by approximately 20% over the past five years
Australia is the leading country in producing professional surfers, with over 150 nationally ranked athletes
The number of female surfers has increased by 25% over the last decade
Over 15% of surfers worldwide are under 18 years old
The popularity of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has grown by over 50% in the last decade, often combined with surfing activities
The average length of big-wave surfing sessions is approximately 2 hours, depending on conditions
The median age of professional surfers on the World Championship Tour is 28 years, indicating a relatively young elite group
The global core surfing consumer base is projected to reach over 60 million by 2030, indicating substantial growth potential
Surfers spend an average of 4 to 6 hours in the water per session, depending on surf conditions
The number of competitive surfing events worldwide exceeds 200 annually, fostering global talent and exposure

Demographics and Participation Interpretation

With over 35 million surfers globally—predominantly young, male, and increasingly female—surfing has transitioned from a countercultural pastime to a thriving sport, evidenced by its Olympic debut, rising economic stakes averaging $1,200 per enthusiast, and a burgeoning community projected to reach 60 million by 2030, all while riding a wave of growth that underscores surfing's status as both a cultural phenomenon and a serious athletic enterprise.

Geographic Locations and Surf Spots

Hawaii is home to over 400 accessible surf spots
The largest wave ever surfed was approximately 100 feet high, surfed at Nazaré, Portugal, in 2018
The top five countries for surfing tourism are Australia, the USA, Indonesia, France, and Portugal
The first recorded surfing attempt dates back to Polynesian inhabitants of the Hawaiian Islands in the 12th century
Approximately 80% of surf spots globally are accessible for beginner surfers
The biggest surfing competition, the Billabong Pipeline Masters, attracts over 50,000 spectators annually
The average water temperature in popular surfing destinations ranges from 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F)
The highest recorded surfboard ride was 1 mile long at Pipeline, Hawaii, in 2008
The average water depth at popular surf spots is between 6 to 12 feet
The total global surfing coastline exceeds 38,000 miles
Surfline’s live cam network covers over 1,000 surf spots globally
The first recorded undersea surfing experience was in Tahiti in 1952
The oldest known surviving surfboard is over 2,000 years old, found in Hawaii
The largest wave ever recorded on a buoy in the Southern Hemisphere reached 66 feet at Supers peak, South Africa, in 2014
The number of new surf spots discovered or developed has decreased by 12% over the last decade, reflecting environmental and regulatory challenges
The average wave height at popular surf spots varies seasonally, from 2 to 15 feet depending on weather and ocean conditions

Geographic Locations and Surf Spots Interpretation

From ancient Polynesian origins to modern global pursuits, surfing's rich history and expansive reach—home to over 400 accessible spots in Hawaii alone, with waves reaching the size of 100 feet, and a global coastline of over 38,000 miles—highlight a sport that balances adventurous human spirit with environmental and regulatory challenges, all while maintaining its place as a magnet for tourism, record-breaking feats, and a bridge across cultures.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations

Surfing can burn between 300 to 500 calories per hour
The longest surf session on record lasted over 8 hours
Modern surfboards are typically made from polyurethane or polystyrene foam with fiberglass cloth
Surfing contributes significantly to mental health, with 85% of surfers reporting improved mood after sessions
Surfing consumes 1.2 quadrillion calories globally each year, equivalent to millions of pounds of food calories
Surfing has been used as a therapeutic activity for veterans, with programs showing improvements in well-being
The number of surf-related injuries requiring hospital treatment is estimated at 25,000 annually in the U.S.
The most common type of surfing injury is cuts and lacerations, followed by sprains and bruises
Adoption of environmentally-friendly wax and surfboard materials has increased by 30% over five years
The average global temperature of ocean water at surf spots has increased by 0.5°C since the 20th century, impacting surf seasons
New innovations in eco-friendly surfboard manufacturing include bio-based resins and recyclable materials, increasing adoption rates
Over 90% of surfing injuries are preventable with proper technique and equipment, according to sports medicine studies
The majority of surf-related injuries happen in the water, accounting for over 75% of incidents, with most injuries occurring during wipeouts

Health, Safety, and Environmental Considerations Interpretation

Surfing not only burns up to 500 calories per hour and contributes 1.2 quadrillion global calories annually—equating to millions of pounds of food—but also serves as a powerful therapeutic and mental health booster, all while navigating a rising tide of eco-friendly innovations and a 0.5°C increase in ocean temperatures that threaten the very seasons that make waves worth riding.

Industry Market Value and Economic Impact

The surfing industry is valued at approximately $10 billion globally
Professional surfing competitions attract over 1 billion viewers worldwide annually
The WSL (World Surf League) was founded in 1976
Surfboard manufacturing contributes over $2 billion annually to the U.S. economy
The average lifespan of a surfboard is about 3 to 5 years, depending on usage and conditions
Surfing contributes to local economies by generating over $3 billion annually in tourism revenue globally
The first metal surfboard was introduced in the 1930s
The global demand for surf apparel is expected to reach $5 billion by 2025
45% of surf accommodations globally are located near popular surf spots, contributing to local economies
The average annual growth rate of the global surf tourism market is roughly 8%, indicating steady expansion
The adoption of virtual reality for surf training and simulation is increasing, with over 10 startups developing such technology
In Australia, surfing contributes to approximately 3% of national GDP through tourism and related activities
Overall, the surf wear market accounts for nearly 30% of the total global surf industry revenue

Industry Market Value and Economic Impact Interpretation

With a $10 billion valuation, a billion viewers annually, and surging markets in apparel and tourism, surfing hasn't just carved waves—it's creating an economic tsunami that propels local and global economies alike, proving that catching a wave can also mean riding the tide of serious financial momentum.

Participation

The average number of surfboards owned by an enthusiast is 2 to 3

Participation Interpretation

With most enthusiasts owning 2 to 3 surfboards, it’s clear that the surfing lifestyle requires not just passion, but a versatile quiver—ready for everything from gentle rollers to big-wave battles.