The Changing Nature of Surfing

Trends

The industry has changed significantly since the inception of the Southern California culture. Surfer were mainly teenagers in the 1960's. They followed a beach lifestyle Their clothes consisted of baggies, or board shorts as they are called today. The bikini was popular with the girls that admired the surfers. They were called beach bunnies. Very few women surfed in the early 60;s Surf music was born with groups like Dick and The Deltones. They played instrumental surfing music The Beach boys group was formed. Jan and Dean sang surfing and skateboard songs.
Skateboards were a way to surf on land and become part of the surfing culture. Retailers have more brand choices but are carrying fewer brands and product categories. While only 23% of core retailers use Internet/Catalog sales, those who use it have seen a 29.5% increase in sales. Overall shoe sales are down, but sandals sales are up to over $300 million - an increase of over $50 million since 2004. Apparel is the largest product category with an increase of 9.9% in sales in 2006 and currently has sales over $8 billion. Men's board shorts have continued to see strong growth. Wetsuits represent a small percent of core sales, dollars are up 30% due to price points. Accessories: sunglasses, watches, bags, hats, saw slight sales growth of 4.3%. Most of the increase was due to sunglasses. Hard goods: surfboards, skateboards, snowboards, wake boards, sales are up 24% from 2004 to 2006 There are more female surfers now and surfers are getting older. Females make up 36% of the surfing population The median income of a surfer is $75,000 Artificial waves created at a wave break park could have a significant positive influence on the surfing market. The growing popularity of long boards has made the industry grow. It is easier to learn how to surf on a long board. The only choice of boards in the 60's was the long board. They were heavy about 4 lbs and long, 9 to a little over 10 feet. The short boards and other models that are on the market today are faster, lighter, shorter and more maneuverable. We now have stand up paddle boards available ranging 10=12 feet in length SIMA - Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, and others have increased visibility through promotional and educational programs.

Positive Attributes of Surfing

Health Benefits

Surfing has gone from a 60's cult sport to the mainstream with bona-fide stars, major surfing competitions.

The surfer look is an important style for America's youth.

By 2017 the surfing market will make 13.24 billion dollars

Surfing is a health and fitness sport that can be done at any age.

Great cardiovascular benefits.

Strengthens core strength in back shoulders and legs.

A great way to spend time outdoors.

Reduces stress and tension.

Join the surfing community today and feel the benefits of this great sport.

You men will look amazing in Quicksilver's board shorts. They are made of tough material, feature a Velcro front and come in sizes small, medium, large, extra large.	After a long day of surfing, slip into one of our hoodies and get warm. It is fully lined with fleece and they come in a multitude of styles and colors.
Look your best in this handsome blue, Billabong T-shirt. It goes with jeans and is great to put on right after you get out of the water. It is guaranteed not to shrink or fade. It comes in all sizes and is reasonable priced.	Don't be worried about that long walk back to you Woody. You can stroll in comfort in these specially designed Birkenstock sandals. They also go great with jeans or shorts at those surfer parties.