Exciting things are happening in the world of water sports! Surf Expo, the world’s premier watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow, is returning next week to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. From January 8-10, 2025, hundreds of exhibitors from across the globe representing over 700 brands will gather to display the latest in watersports, beach, resort, swim, outdoor, and coastal life products across an expansive show floor.
This event is sure to be of interest to your audience as Surf Expo January 2025 will feature an impressive array of products and innovations from top global brands in surf, shoreline, skate, paddle, boutique, resort, coastal gift, swimwear, and footwear categories. Top tier speakers will also round out the educational sessions, including Chris Bertish, Mavericks Big Wave Champion, and Shaun Tomson, World Surfing Champion, best-selling author, entrepreneur and environmentalist.
Orlando, FL – December 2024 – The largest gathering of watersports and coastal lifestyle professionals returns in just one month to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. With over 700 exhibiting brands and an exciting lineup, it promises to deliver an unmatched event for retailers and manufacturers. From resort destinations and gift shops to surf stores and sporting goods outlets, the event is drawing an impressive array of buyers ready to discover the latest trends and products for their customers.
Surf Expo Show Director and SVP Roy Turner shared his excitement for the upcoming event, saying, “The momentum for our January show is incredible. Buyer registration is tracking well above last year, and we are thrilled to welcome an outstanding mix of returning and new exhibitors and brands.”
Attendees can explore offerings from some of our favorite brands such as Firewire Surfboards, Slater Designs, Olukai, Melin, Outerknown, Chubbies, Rusty, Katin, goodr, Jetty Life, AVVA Brand, Salt Life, ALOHA Collection, Sanuk, HUK, Salty Crew, Body Glove, Seager Co., BN3TH, Free Fly, INSTINCT, Roark, Costa Del Mar, I-SEA, Haydenshapes, and many more. View the full list of exhibiting brands HERE >
Surf Expo is also proud to welcome a diverse roster of retailers to the January show, ranging from globally recognized chains to boutique shops rooted in their coastal communities. The show floor will be buzzing with buying power and business opportunities.
Major retailers including, JCPenney, Walmart, Sam’s Club, REI, L.L. Bean, Glik’s, Spencer’s Gifts, The Paper Store, Marshall Retail Group, and Urban Outfitters, are set to attend, alongside specialty lifestyle outfitters like Academy Sports, Hibbett Sports, Play it Again, and Fleet Feet.
In addition to the large-scale players, an array of independent retailers will also be attending, highlighting the grassroots spirit and authenticity that make Surf Expo unique such as, Cinnamon Rainbows, Rooster Bus, Hi Tech Surf Sports, Emerald City, Coastal Edge, Palmetto Moon, Bird Rock Surf Shop, Hansen Surfboards and South End Surf Shop.
The January show will also welcome buyers from San Diego Zoo, The Ritz-Carlton, Starboard Cruises, Caesars Entertainment, Noble House Hotels and Resorts and Travel Traders, further illustrating the breadth of industries participating at Surf Expo.
“This is going to be a fantastic show. Start planning now—we’ve got a packed schedule of events, and key players from the surf and watersports community. And don’t forget your baggies, bikinis, or spring suit for the wave machine!” Turner added.
Surf Expo January will feature an exciting new addition sure to “make waves” on the show floor: Surf-Days Pop Up Wave Machine. This inflatable surf station uses advanced “flow” technology to deliver an authentic surfing experience that’s perfect for beginners or seasoned riders. Attendees will have the chance to ride waves—right on the show floor!
In addition to the Learning Labs sessions held throughout each day of the show, Surf Expo will also welcome an impressive lineup of keynote speakers:
Shaun Tomson: He is one of our favorite people in the industry. I like to call him President Mojo. World Surfing Champion, best-selling author, entrepreneur, environmentalist, and leadership expert, Shaun Tomson, will deliver a session titled The Code – How to Empower and Unite Your Team on Wednesday, January 8 at 2:30 PM. Shaun will present a powerful framework for creating a unified, purpose-driven team. Geared for retailers and exhibitors navigating today’s challenging business environment, offering actionable strategies to boost morale, foster collaboration, and achieve lasting success. He will also be in the newly relaunched INSTINCT booth during the show.
Chris Bertish: Mavericks Big Wave Champion, Guinness World Record holder, author, and ocean pioneer, Chris Bertish, will present his keynote based on his latest book, ALL IN! The Atlantic SUP Crossing – 93 Days Alone at Sea on Thursday, January 9 at 10:30am. He will share the gripping journey, defying all odds and pushing the limits of human endurance. His keynote will challenge you to think big, pursue your dreams, and take bold steps toward achieving the impossible. Chris will also be onsite for book signings all three days on the Boardwalk.
The 2025 Florida Shape Off returns to celebrate the artistry of hand-shaped surfboards, honoring the legacy of Pete Dooley of Natural Art, a pioneer in surfboard craftsmanship. This year’s competition will feature talented shapers including Greg Loehr, Allen White, Chris Birch, Tommy Maus, Bob Rohmann and Scott Busbey. Winners will be announced on Friday, January 10, during an awards ceremony.
With networking events like the Industry Party and Happy Hours, along with daily professional Fashion Shows, Surf Expo January 2025 will offer invaluable opportunities for commerce and connections to those in the watersports and coastal lifestyle industries.
About Surf Expo Surf Expo is the largest and longest-running watersports, beach and resort lifestyle tradeshow in the world. Produced twice annually in January and September, Surf Expo draws buyers from stores across the U.S., the Caribbean, Central and South America, and around the world. The show features hundreds of apparel and hardgoods brands and a full lineup of events, educational opportunities and more. Surf Expo is a TRADE ONLY event for exhibiting manufacturers, industry-specific qualified retailers and media and is not open to the public. For more information visit surfexpo.com.
About Emerald Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com.
Media Contact: Angie Marks, Marketing Manager, angie.marks@surfexpo.com