Orlando, FL — January 15, 2026 — Surf Expo kicked off its landmark Fiftieth 12 months with an electrifying January present, unequivocally reaffirming its dominance because the premier world market for the watersports, coastal, and shoreline out of doors life-style industries. With a 15% enhance in attending retail corporations, the occasion pulsed with palpable power as main manufacturers and retail consumers converged for 3 days of commerce, signaling a thriving market fueled by ongoing innovation and powerful client demand.
The present ground buzzed with optimism, organising a strong and assured trajectory for 2026. Following a stellar vacation season and an exceptionally sturdy This autumn—the place retail spending surged in comparison with the earlier 12 months—consumers arrived energized, with open-to-buy budgets and clear methods. This uptick in vacation and year-end gross sales has set an optimistic tone for the upcoming retail season, fueling confidence throughout the trade as Surf Expo January opened its doorways.
Exhibitors reported targeted conferences, continuous site visitors, and decisive order-writing—clear proof of a resilient trade poised for explosive development.
“Surf Expo January mirrored a market that’s assured and able to do enterprise,” mentioned Roy Turner, Present Director. “Patrons weren’t simply searching — they got here with plans formed by sturdy vacation efficiency and a transparent imaginative and prescient for the 12 months forward.”
Momentum surged throughout all classes, with the rising Shoreline Outside section seeing distinctive exercise. Crossover manufacturers in Shoreline Outside captivated consumers with versatile collections bridging surf and journey life. Retailers confirmed sturdy curiosity in attire designed for energetic coastal life, reinforcing sustained demand and continued momentum inside the broader out of doors market.
“The Shoreline Outside section carried out strongly, with consumers actively seeking to broaden and refine their assortments,” added Turner. “It’s a transparent indicator that out of doors stays a resilient and evolving class at Surf Expo.”
Concurrently, the Dive exhibitors skilled profitable engagement, with manufacturers corresponding to Cressi, Riffe, and the Dive Trade Affiliation reporting excessive site visitors.
“Final week’s Surf Expo was the busiest we have now ever skilled,” added Theo Knevel, Nationwide Scuba Division Supervisor, Cressi. “We’ve clearly seen a big shift in Dive class at Surf Expo through the years with our consumers.”
Exhibitors throughout the ground, from eyewear to attire, celebrated the occasion’s distinctive capacity to ship certified consumers and facilitate significant, high-value connections.
“We had a gradual stream of consumers on the sales space for your complete present,” mentioned Tony Prisco, CEO, Matrix. “We couldn’t have been extra thrilled and will likely be coming again in a much bigger sales space subsequent time.”
Past the sturdy enterprise, the occasion efficiently celebrated the tradition and group that defines these industries. The Fiftieth-anniversary ambiance introduced a renewed sense of enjoyable to the commerce present ground, mixing commerce with celebration.
“This 12 months’s Surf Expo was superior,” added Dani Bihlear, Purchaser, Palmetto Moon. “It felt like an old-school present, with vogue reveals, surf simulators, and artists portray surfboards—these parts add additional aptitude and enjoyable.”
“Particularly in its Fiftieth 12 months, Surf Expo represents excess of a commerce present,” mentioned D. Nachnani, Proprietor, Coastal Edge. “It’s the place our group comes collectively to work, play, be taught, and develop aspect by aspect.”
As Surf Expo celebrates 5 a long time of connection, the January present’s exceptional success underscores its continued relevance as a trusted, evolving market. Momentum is now firmly in place because the trade seems to be towards September with confidence.
About Surf Expo:
Surf Expo is the most important and longest-running watersports, resort, and coatsal life-style tradeshow on this planet. Produced twice yearly in January and September, Surf Expo attracts consumers from shops throughout the U.S., the Caribbean, Central and South America, and world wide. The present options tons of of attire and hardgoods manufacturers and a full lineup of occasions, instructional alternatives and extra. Surf Expo is a TRADE ONLY occasion for exhibiting producers, certified retailers and media and isn’t open to the general public. For extra data go to surfexpo.com
About Emerald:
Emerald Holding, Inc. is the most important U.S.-based B2B occasion organizer, empowering companies year-round by increasing significant connections, creating influential content material, and delivering highly effective commerce-driven options. Because the proprietor and operator of a curated portfolio of B2B occasions spanning commerce reveals, conferences, B2C showcases and a scaled hosted purchaser platform, Emerald additionally delivers dynamic options throughout main industries via its sturdy content material and e-commerce market. Emerald is a trusted accomplice for its 1000’s of clients, predominantly small and medium-sized companies, enjoying a pivotal function in driving ongoing commerce via streamlined shopping for, promoting, and networking alternatives. Powered by an skilled crew, Emerald is fostering impactful engagement and delivering unparalleled market entry with a dedication to driving enterprise development twelve months a 12 months. For extra data go to: www.emeraldx.com
