Surfing Apparel and Accessories Market

Market Overview

The global surfing apparel and accessories market size was valued at USD 9.44 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach USD 15.03 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.30% over the forecast period (2023–2031). The growing participation in sports has greatly boosted the sales of sporting products, such as surfing apparel and accessories. Moreover, interest in surfing has been growing around the world for a number of reasons, including the desire for a more physically active lifestyle, the impact of surfing culture, and the allure of coastal living. Therefore, there has been a surge in the demand for surfing gear and clothing.

In surfing, played on the sea's surface, the surfer rides the wave's forward or deep face as it moves, usually carrying it toward the shore. Surfing apparel and accessories are worn by individuals while surfing or participating in water sports. These products are designed and manufactured to make them most suitable for water sports and the beach environment. Various clothing items, such as shorts and other accessories, are referred to as surfing apparel when people participate in water sports or surfing. These are excellent products designed especially for water sports and beach use.

Surfing gear is often purchased by people who do not surf because it is comfortable and deemed 'cool.' Several designers are capitalizing on this fad by releasing lines of surf-inspired apparel. Surfwear collections have also been introduced by fast fashion labels such as Zara and H&M. We anticipate strong growth in the surfing apparel and accessories market as these products expand their use beyond the beach.

Market Dynamics

Global Surfing Apparel and Accessories Market Drivers:

Growing Interest in Surfing among Adventure Enthusiasts

An increasing number of people participating in sports has significantly propelled the sales of sporting products, including surfing apparel and accessories. Growing awareness, increasing interest in water sports, and the rising popularity of surfing as a fitness activity are projected to drive market growth over the forecast period. For instance, as per SR analysis in 2020, the share of Americans (aged six years and above) participating in water sports was approximately 11%. Moreover, young people consider surfing a thrilling and fun activity, expanding the surfing apparel and accessories market opportunities. Growing enthusiasm has propelled several players in the market to develop technologically advanced equipment and accessories, which will positively influence the global market.

Furthermore, the increasing awareness among people, especially the youth, that surfing is not just an adventure sport but a lifestyle is a primary factor expected to impact the market significantly during the forecast period. Lately, technological innovations have resulted in the proliferation of several artificial surf pools and boosted the adoption of surfing as a sport. Technological advancements can enhance the accessibility and affordability of surfing for common people, helping the sport go beyond just sports enthusiasts. All such factors drive the market growth.

Global Surfing Apparel and Accessories Market Restraint:

Seasonality of the Sport

Surfing is a sport that is popular during certain times of the year, but its popularity has yet to be widely known in developing nations, which could slow the market's expansion in the coming years. Surfing necessitates suitable and precise weather conditions due to its nature as a water sport. Even a slight amount of distortion has the potential to result in a dangerous accident. The wind — off-shore or on-shore — is the most important element when considering the surfing conditions. Off-shore wind is considered the best condition for surfing. Moreover, long-peeling waves coupled with deep groundswell are ideal for uninterrupted surfing.

Furthermore, tides must be considered for an ideal surfing session. In most cases, the best tide for surfing is low to an incoming medium tide. However, low tide on shallow surf breaks jacks higher waves, leaving less room between the water's surface and the ocean bottom. October through April are ideal for beginning surfers because the waves return to their regular size and the water becomes kinder. Moreover, the demographic factor plays an important role in surfing participation and, subsequently, in the growth of the market. Thus, the seasonal nature of surfing and demographic limitations can restrain the market growth.

Global Surfing Apparel and Accessories Market Opportunities:

Growth of the E-Commerce Industry

The online portal, both e-commerce and company websites, offers various growth opportunities for the market. Consumers prefer e-commerce websites because of increasing access to the Internet, convenience, greater variety, and cost benefits. Consumers can compare a wide range of products on websites and make an informed decision. Moreover, products purchased through e-commerce websites are delivered to the doorstep, thus offering convenience to customers.

An increasing number of individuals are using various e-commerce websites to buy various goods, a trend widely observed globally, particularly in developing nations like China and India. Therefore, the growth of the e-commerce industry is expected to provide growth opportunities for the market over the forecast period. These channels are becoming increasingly popular among consumers due to convenience. Moreover, many websites offer discounts throughout the year, making expensive products such as surfing apparel and accessories affordable. Such offers attract a large consumer base and provide opportunities to increase sales of surfing apparel and accessories.

Regional Analysis

Region-wise, the global surfing apparel and accessories market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global surfing apparel and accessories market shareholder and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.6% during the projected period. The growing interest in surfing among adventure enthusiasts in North America primarily boosts the growth of this region's market. The global market for surfing apparel and accessories is expanding due to the leading manufacturers, like Quiksilver, Channel Islands Surfboards, and Firewire Surfboards, introducing more innovative products. Quiksilver is a famous label that makes gear and clothing with a surf aesthetic. Although it is now called Huntington Beach, California, home, the firm was founded in Australia in 1969. Moreover, the presence of established manufacturers of surf accessories and clothing, such as O'Neill, Hurley International, Roxy, and Volcom LLC, coupled with the predominating existence of a well-established water sports/surfing infrastructure in the region, is a major factor driving the North American market.

Furthermore, the region's growing popularity of surf camps and schools, such as Paskowitz Surf Camp, CoreysWave, and Billabong Surf Camp School, has attracted many surfing enthusiasts worldwide. These institutes offer instructor-based teaching sessions that are designed for people of all ages, with an emphasis on surfing etiquette and safety. Moreover, the adoption of surfing apparel and accessories is also increasing owing to rapid product innovation, which has led to growing consumer awareness about the sport.

The European coast of the Atlantic Ocean has surf beaches that are famous among surf tourists. Many European surf beaches are witnessing growing popularity at local and regional levels to develop surf tourism. All regional surfing apparel and accessories manufacturers adhere to sustainable sourcing of raw materials and seek to deliver environment-friendly products. Manufacturers of surf apparel and accessories have been opting for innovative strategies to develop eco-friendly outdoor clothing that does not negatively impact the environment and supports sustainable development.

Furthermore, the inclination of youth toward surfing, as it is considered a thrilling and fun activity, is driving the growth of the surfing accessories segment. Surfing accessories such as GPS surf watches, tide watches, earplugs, and shark repellents have a stylish look and offer several benefits for a safe surfing expedition. This is expected to help expand the market reach in the future. Moreover, the growing number of new product launches with advanced features by manufacturers is expected to play a key role in boosting the utility of surfing accessories in the years ahead.

Segmental Analysis

The global surfing apparel and accessories market is segmented into product and distribution channels.

Based on product, the global surfing apparel and accessories market has been segmented into surfing apparel and surfing accessories.

The surfing apparel segment dominates the global market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. The incorporation of novel textiles, substances, and patterns in the creation of surfing attire is propelling the expansion of this sector; this pattern is anticipated to persist throughout the projected timeframe. In the same way, producers of surf attire and equipment have been implementing sustainable approaches to create environmentally friendly outdoor clothing that does not harm the environment and to promote the concept of sustainable development. This greatly influences the expansion of the market segment as environmentally conscious surfing enthusiasts choose sustainable products. Consequently, this is anticipated to stimulate the market demand for surfing apparel throughout the projected period.

Based on distribution channels, the global surfing apparel and accessories market has been segmented offline and online. 

The offline segment owns the highest market share and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Key players in the global market, including Walmart, Target, and SPAR, have been increasing their store locations across lucrative markets, including Germany, the U.K., China, India, and the U.S., to expand customer care. Many consumers prefer purchasing surfing apparel and accessories while shopping for surfing equipment. Customers prefer to physically check the quality and durability of surfing apparel and accessories at the store because these products are expensive. Manufacturers of products find it easier to work with one large retailer, such as a hypermarket or supermarket than it is to supply multiple small, independent retailers.

Furthermore, supermarkets generate more revenue since they have access to a larger customer base. New entrants in the market usually opt to sell their products through hypermarkets and supermarkets as it is an efficient way to increase brand awareness. Customers have the option to choose between various brands depending on their budget. Moreover, the growing number of new entrants is predicted to intensify market competition and boost the demand for surfing apparel and accessories in supermarkets and hypermarkets.

Recent Developments

• October 2023- Renowned board sports companies Quiksilver and Roxy introduced an online rental service in France. Customers can rent men's, women's, and children's performance clothing from the Boardriders Rental website. Through this program, people can get access to gear that professional athletes like Travis Rice, Stephanie Gilmore, and Jérémy Florès have approved without having to fill their closets.