Surf Expo

Surf Expo January '25 brought incredible energy to the industry, showcasing over 750 exhibitors and welcoming thousands of buyers from across the globe! Highlighting innovation, sustainability and collaboration, Surf Expo once again proved to be the ultimate destination for the watersports and coastal lifestyle industry. Read our full post-show recap here: https://lnkd.in/eDabnF_5 #SurfExpo2025 #IndustryMomentum #Watersports #CoastalLifestyle #Sustainability Shop Eat Surf Outdoor

It’s encouraging to see the surf and snow industry come together to support Los Angeles fire relief efforts. Read more about the efforts and the brands involved here: https://lnkd.in/gPQUCix7 Shop Eat Surf Outdoor

When Jetty first attended Surf Expo in 2007, we were in a much different place. For anyone that pays attention, so was the surf industry. We grew up with the heritage surf brands—the companies born in the ‘70s that matured in the ‘80s, saw massive growth in the ‘00s, and steered surf culture for decades. But at the same time, they tamped down emerging brands with their volume and wholesale pricing, let the quality of their products drop, and diluted surf culture. Most recently, the former industry leaders sold their labels to international conglomerates and the decisions are now being made by folks who don’t have any connection to surf culture. Jetty has long been proud to be surfer-owned-and-operated—22 years, to be exact. Our ranks aren’t filled with former pros, rather everyday surfers who still fit morning sessions and surf adventures into their busy schedules while meeting deadlines and the high standards that define Jetty. From our C-suite and warehouse crew, to our marketing team, screen-printing division, and non-profit arm, we not only ride all manner of surfcraft but also fish, snowboard, skate, camp, and embrace the outdoors. Of the fledgling East Coast brands that were coming up at those first few Surf Expo trade shows, we’re the only one that’s survived and continues to thrive. Our brand was built on passion, and it continues to fuel us to today. As we come off a bustling week at Surf Expo, we’re excited about the change we see in the surf industry. It also marked our success after a year of prioritizing putting our most authentic foot forward and getting back to our roots.   Surf retailers are beginning to favor core brands that are still connected to the culture and community. Surfers and families that live the coastal lifestyle appreciate our authenticity. We have even aligned ourselves with other founder-led brands that share our enthusiasm and vision for surfing and determined work ethic. Are we competing with these brands? Of course, but we’re on a level playing field. We respect what they do, and they inspire us to make more comfortable boardshorts, more durable flannels, and more functional outerwear—we care as much about the stuff we make, as the culture that makes us. Last Thursday night at Paddywagon Irish Pub in Orlando, we joined forces with our surf brethren to co-host a “New Wave” industry party that was energized and most importantly, fun. It was a watershed moment for us as we planted our flag and solidified our commitment to see this thing through, now that it’s on our watch. A sustainable future will take relentless discipline, passion, and comradery. We’re here for it and we’re stoked you are, too! Looking for deeper insights on the state of the surf industry from our co-founder Cory Higgins, read more here: https://lnkd.in/g4MhKJcp

Last week's show was a huge success with incredible feedback coming in from our brands and buyers! Thank you to all the exhibitors, retailers and the amazing community that made it happen. Your energy and support keep the stoke alive. 🤙 Building the Revolution's Mike Vavak just shared a great recap: https://lnkd.in/ewbm3EMU

🌊😎 This year’s Surf Expo wasn’t just a celebration of water sports and outdoor activities, it was a showcase of creativity, sustainability, and brands with purpose.👇 🛑 It was a contrast to this week’s decision by BlackRock to pull out of the United Nations Climate Coalition. ‼️ My day trip to Orlando was a stark reminder that while big corporations may be scaling back on ESG, smaller brands and niche players are stepping up👉 proving that sustainability and social responsibility is not just about checking boxes, but resonating with consumers. 📣 There were a number of bright spots: 😎🕶️👓🕶️ DIFF Eyewear Eyewear, which blends fashion with a mission to give back, shows how powerful business can be when it supports a cause. Roslyn Moody, director of sales, shared that Diff Eyewear donated over 1.4 million pairs of reading glasses worldwide and funds vision-restoring surgeries. 💪 Nomadix creates versatile, eco-friendly towels made from post-consumer recycled plastic, diverting waste from landfills. 🪸🌊 Sand Cloud donates a portion of every sale to marine conservation efforts, including saving reefs and protecting sea life. 🌞💄🧴Dermatone is #madeinisa, supporting American jobs, is women owned, cruelty free, paraben free, and now Climate Neutral Certified. 🎯 The takeaway? Now is the time for brands to lean in, not step back. Surf Expo 2025 illustrated that giving back is more than good business—it’s the right business. #Sustainability #ESG #SurfExpo2025 #CorporateResponsibility #positiveimpact

Lots of brands and retailers are on hand at Surf Expo as the industry looks for new opportunities and partners given the changes in the marketplace.

🌊 Day 3 at Surf Expo = Connections & Creativity! Wrapping up an incredible experience at Surf Expo, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who share our passion for surf culture and innovation. 🙌 One highlight of the day? Watching Juju dive into a conversation with the amazing owners of Lakeside Surf in Washington State. She shared her vision for her new solo bodyboard designs—specifically crafted for standing waves like the ones at their incredible wave park. The synergy between their innovative surf spot and Juju’s cutting-edge designs was electric! ⚡ This is what Surf Expo is all about: fostering collaboration, sparking inspiration, and building relationships that move the industry forward. Here’s to all the entrepreneurs, creators, and visionaries making waves—both literally and figuratively. 🌊💡 #SurfExpo #TANDMSurf #Innovation #Collaboration #Entrepreneurship #StandingWave #Bodyboarding Tags: Juliette Clark Jack Turbeville Daniel Lubetzky Shark Tank ABC Manya Clark Orlando Convention Center Margaritaville Rep from Surf Expo: Rod Tomlinson Thank you Roy Turner for a great show in Orlando!

Thanks Surf Expo for an incredible show! 2025 was our first year exhibiting at Surf, and WOW – the response was amazing! We had an awesome time connecting with new retailers, hanging out with our friends, and sharing how we can help you grow your brand with custom apparel. Our 100% Recycled RENEW line stole the show, and the custom graphics from our insanely talented in-house design team were a huge hit! We’re making waves in the surf and outdoor space this year, and we’d love to help your brand ride the momentum. Let’s connect and create something awesome together! 🌊

Surf Expo Kicks Off 2025 with Fresh Opportunities and Industry Enthusiasm: https://lnkd.in/ehzVrmCN We look forward to welcoming our exhibitors, retailers and industry partners this week in Orlando for an epic event! 🤙 Orange County Convention Center Freeman Company Board Retailers Association Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA) Shop Eat Surf Outdoor

Cobian Footwear's Salt + Light Movement Brings Uplifting Stories of Service to Surf Expo