GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Must-Know Surfing Statistics [Recent Analysis]

Highlights: Surfing Statistics

  • Approximately 23 million people around the world participate in the sport of surfing.
  • In 2019, 3.72 million Americans participated in surfing.
  • The global surf industry is estimated to be worth over $10 billion.
  • The surfboard market in the US was valued at $33 million in 2019.
  • Surfing has more than 720,000 professional and amateur athletes across the globe.
  • 14.9% of people who participate in surfing are female.
  • Surfing makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021.
  • The world record for the biggest wave ever surfed is 80-feet and was set by Rodrigo Koxa in 2017.
  • The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour in 2021 has a total prize pool of $5,242,000.
  • About 6.5% of the Australian population participate in surfing.
  • The average age of recreational surfers is 34 years old.
  • The average surfer spends around $1,608 per year on the sport.
  • There are more than 5,000 miles of potential surf breaks in the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Pro surfer Kelly Slater has won 11 World Surf League Championship Tour titles.
  • Surfing as a market contributes an estimated $5.6 billion to Europe’s travel and tourism sector.
  • The modern surfing wetsuits were invented by Jack O’Neill in 1952.
  • Australian surfer, Stephanie Gilmore, has won 7 Women’s Surfing World Championship titles.

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Surfing is a popular sport around the world, with an estimated 23 million people participating in it. In 2019 alone, 3.72 million Americans took part in surfing activities and the global surf industry was valued at over $10 billion that same year. The US market for surfboards was worth $33 million while Australia’s reached $1.4 billion in 2020 – demonstrating just how much of an impact this activity has had on both countries’ economies.

Surfing holds significant economic impact, and there are intriguing facts about the sport from sources like Statista and Market Research Inc. Globally, about 720,000 professionals and amateurs participate, with females making up 14.9% of surfers. Hawaii boasts 66% of the top 50 worldwide surfing locations.

In a historic move, surfing debuted at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, offering a total prize pool of $242,000 USD. Meanwhile, 6.5% of Australians regularly engage in the sport. In the US, California and Florida house over 50% of all surfers.

The average age of recreational surfers is 34, who spend around $1,608 annually on the hobby. Hawaii’s potential surfing breaks span 5,000 miles. Notably, Kelly Slater holds 11 World Surf League Championship Tour titles, and Stephanie Gilmore has won seven Women’s Surfing World Championships.

In a nod to history, Jack O’Neill invented modern wetsuits in 1952. Europe’s travel and tourism sector reaps benefits from the ‘surf markets’, contributing $5-6 billion annually.

The Most Important Statistics
Approximately 23 million people around the world participate in the sport of surfing. This statistic is a testament to the immense popularity of surfing as a sport. It shows that millions of people around the world are passionate about the sport and are actively participating in it. This statistic is a great starting point for a blog post about surfing statistics, as it provides a baseline for further exploration into the sport’s reach and impact. In 2019, 3.72 million Americans participated in surfing. This statistic is a testament to the popularity of surfing in the United States. It shows that millions of Americans are taking part in this activity, demonstrating that it is a beloved pastime for many. This statistic is an important indicator of the impact that surfing has had on the country, and it is a great starting point for further exploration into the sport.

Surfing Statistics Overview

The global surf industry is estimated to be worth over $10 billion.

This statistic is a testament to the immense popularity of surfing around the world. It speaks to the sheer size of the industry and the amount of money that is being invested in it. It also shows that surfing is a viable business opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors alike. This statistic is a clear indication of the potential of the surf industry and its ability to generate significant revenue.

The surfboard market in the US was valued at $33 million in 2019.

This statistic is a testament to the popularity of surfing in the US, as it shows that the surfboard market was worth a whopping $33 million in 2019. It is a clear indication that surfing is a beloved pastime for many Americans, and that the industry is thriving. This is an important statistic to consider when discussing surfing statistics, as it provides insight into the size and scope of the sport.

Surfing has more than 720,000 professional and amateur athletes across the globe.

This statistic is a testament to the sheer size and scope of the surfing community. It speaks to the immense popularity of the sport, with millions of people around the world taking part in it. It also highlights the potential for growth in the sport, as there is still a large untapped market of potential surfers. Finally, it serves as a reminder of the importance of the sport, as it is enjoyed by so many people around the world.

14.9% of people who participate in surfing are female.

This statistic is significant in the context of a blog post about Surfing Statistics because it highlights the importance of female representation in the sport. It demonstrates that women are actively participating in surfing, and that the sport is not just a male-dominated activity. This statistic can be used to encourage more women to take up the sport, and to show that surfing is an activity that can be enjoyed by all genders.

Surfing makes its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021.

The fact that Surfing is making its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021 is a monumental milestone for the sport, and a testament to its growing popularity and recognition. This statistic is a powerful reminder of the progress that Surfing has made in recent years, and serves as an inspiration to all those who are passionate about the sport.

The world record for the biggest wave ever surfed is 80-feet and was set by Rodrigo Koxa in 2017.

This statistic is a testament to the incredible feats that can be achieved in the world of surfing. It serves as an inspiration to all surfers, showing that with dedication and skill, anything is possible. It also serves as a reminder of the power of the ocean and the importance of respecting it.

The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour in 2021 has a total prize pool of $5,242,000.

The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour in 2021 is a testament to the growing popularity of surfing as a sport. With a total prize pool of $5,242,000, it is clear that the WSL is investing heavily in the sport and its athletes, demonstrating the potential for success and recognition that surfing can bring. This is an exciting development for the surfing community and a great opportunity for surfers to make a name for themselves.

About 6.5% of the Australian population participate in surfing.

This statistic is a telling indication of the popularity of surfing in Australia. It shows that a significant portion of the population is actively engaging in the sport, which speaks to its widespread appeal. This statistic is an important piece of information for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of the surfing landscape in Australia.

The average age of recreational surfers is 34 years old.

This statistic is significant in the context of a blog post about Surfing Statistics as it provides insight into the demographic of recreational surfers. It indicates that the majority of recreational surfers are adults, which can be used to inform decisions about marketing and product development. Additionally, it can be used to compare the average age of recreational surfers to other groups, such as professional surfers or those who participate in other water sports.

The average surfer spends around $1,608 per year on the sport.

This statistic is a telling indication of the financial commitment that surfers are willing to make to pursue their passion. It speaks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the surfing community, and serves as a reminder of the importance of the sport to its participants.

There are more than 5,000 miles of potential surf breaks in the Hawaiian Islands.

This statistic is a testament to the sheer abundance of surfing opportunities available in the Hawaiian Islands. With over 5,000 miles of potential surf breaks, surfers of all levels can find a spot to suit their needs. Whether it’s a beginner looking for a mellow wave or an experienced surfer looking for a challenge, the Hawaiian Islands have something for everyone.

Pro surfer Kelly Slater has won 11 World Surf League Championship Tour titles.

The statistic of Kelly Slater’s 11 World Surf League Championship Tour titles is a testament to his incredible skill and dedication to the sport of surfing. It is a reminder of the heights that can be achieved with hard work and determination, and serves as an inspiration to all surfers. This statistic is a shining example of what can be accomplished in the world of surfing, and is a reminder of the importance of striving for excellence.

Surfing as a market contributes an estimated $5.6 billion to Europe’s travel and tourism sector.

This statistic is a testament to the immense economic impact that surfing has on Europe’s travel and tourism sector. It highlights the importance of the sport and its contribution to the region’s economy, demonstrating the potential for further growth and development.

The modern surfing wetsuits were invented by Jack O’Neill in 1952.

This statistic is a testament to the pioneering spirit of Jack O’Neill, who revolutionized the sport of surfing with his invention of the modern wetsuit. His innovation has allowed surfers to stay in the water for longer periods of time, and has enabled them to explore new and exciting waves around the world. It is a reminder of the importance of innovation and creativity in the sport of surfing, and serves as an inspiration to all surfers.

Australian surfer, Stephanie Gilmore, has won 7 Women’s Surfing World Championship titles.

The statistic of Stephanie Gilmore’s 7 Women’s Surfing World Championship titles is a testament to her incredible talent and dedication to the sport. It is a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work and determination, and serves as an inspiration to all aspiring surfers. This statistic is a reminder of the heights that can be reached in the sport of surfing, and is a powerful reminder of the potential of the human spirit.

Conclusion

Surfing is a global sport, boasting an estimated 23 million participants. In 2019, the sport attracted 3.72 million Americans, and the worldwide surf industry was valued at over $10 billion. The US market for surfboards was worth $33 million, while Australia’s surf industry reached $1.4 billion in 2020.

Over 720,000 professional and amateur athletes compete globally in surfing. Notable competitors include Kelly Slater, who has won 11 World Surf League Championship Tour titles, and Stephanie Gilmore, who holds seven Women’s Surfing World Championship titles. Among these athletes, 14.9% are female, and 6.5% are Australians.

In the US, over 50% of the surfers hail from California and Florida. Hawaii holds 66% of the top 50 worldwide surfing spots. Surfing made its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021, solidifying its global popularity.

Jack O’Neill’s invention of the modern wetsuit in 1952 significantly contributed to the sport’s growth. The average surfer spends about $1,000 annually, explaining the continued prosperity of this beloved pastime.

References

0. – https://www.statista.com

1. – https://www.marketresearch.com

2. – https://www.grandviewresearch.com

3. – https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com

4. – https://www.surfexpo.com

5. – https://www.olympic.org

6. – https://www.oneill.com

7. – https://www.issuu.com

8. – https://www.isasurf.org

9. – https://www.worldsurfleague.com

10. – https://www.xtremespots.com

11. – https://www.erpecnewslive.com

FAQs

What is the approximate percentage of surfers worldwide who are female?

Around 20%-25% of the global surfing population are female.

How many people worldwide identify themselves as surfers?

Approximately 25-30 million people identify themselves as surfers globally.

What is the global average age of a surfer?

The global average age of a surfer is around 34 years old.

What is the estimated annual growth rate of the global surfing population?

The global surfing population is estimated to grow at an annual rate of 12%-14%.

Which region has the highest percentage of surfers per capita?

Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific islands) has the highest percentage of surfers per capita.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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