WATERSPORTS AT SURF EXPO

Surf Expo is the largest and longest-running watersports tradeshow in the world, featuring Surf, Paddle, Shoreline and Skate hard goods, apparel and accessories.

View Highlights From September 2024 >
COASTAL LIFE AT SURF EXPO

Surf Expo has the largest collection of Boutique, Swimwear, Resort, Footwear, Coastal Gift and Souvenir products available under one roof.

View Highlights From September 2024 >

About the Show

Produced in January and September at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Surf Expo features thousands of apparel and hard good brands showcasing the latest innovations and must-have products in watersports and coastal lifestyle. Plus, a full lineup of special events, from fashion shows and learning labs to industry parties, networking events and more.

Why Attend?

Successful coastal and watersports retailers know that to keep customers coming back, they need to create a compelling merchandise mix to engage watersports and outdoor enthusiasts as well as resort and beach vacationers. Surf Expo has everything buyers need to cater to customers with a passion for waterborne thrills, outdoor adventure and exploration by the shoreline.

Why Exhibit?

Surf Expo is the largest and longest running watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow in the world. This business-focused marketplace attracts qualified buyers purchasing for thousands of storefronts from across the globe to offer more opportunities to grow your brand and your business. More than 80% of our buyers write orders at Surf Expo.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2025

Each September, Surf Expo hosts an event at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The September show features products from the Watersports and Coastal Life industries, including Surf, Paddle, Skate, Shoreline, Wake, Swim, Boutique, Resort, Footwear and Coastal Gift.

September Show Hours:

Thursday & Friday, 9am – 6pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm

January 7-9, 2026

Each January, Surf Expo hosts an event at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The January show features products from the Watersports and Coastal Life industries, including Surf, Paddle, Skate, Shoreline, Swim, Boutique, Resort, Footwear, Coastal Gift and Souvenir.

January Show Hours:

Wednesday & Thursday, 9am – 6pm, Friday 9am – 4pm

SHOW NEWS

Allen White Wins 2025 Florida Shape Off At Surf Expo Honoring East Coast Craftsman

By Sue DeWerff When it comes to the art of surfboard shaping — there is no such thing as “too old” to continue your craft.That statement proved to be fact at this year’s Florida Shape Off held at the Orlando Convention from Jan. 8-10 during Surf Expo. The highlight of the annual three-day event, hosted…

Surf Expo Kicks Off 2025 with Fresh Opportunities and Industry Enthusiasm

ORLANDO, Fla. (January 6, 2025) – The highly anticipated Surf Expo returns to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from January 8–10, 2025, bringing together the best in watersports and coastal lifestyle industries. With more than 750 exhibitors and thousands of registered buyers, this year’s event is poised to inspire and connect the…

Countdown to Surf Expo January 2025: The Premier Watersports & Coastal Lifestyle Tradeshow

Orlando, FL – December 11, 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…

Surf Expo Swimwear Report: Bright Color, Tons of Texture, and Functionable Fashion

By Kate Robertson | Shop Eat Surf | Published Sep 18, 2024 The cuts are still revealing, and bright colors were far more prominent than neutrals among swimwear brands’ offerings at Surf Expo earlier this month. Color, in both solids and prints, came to life with unexpected combinations, piping details, and reversible and customizable options. …

Surf Expo Expands Reach as The Ultimate Watersports & Coastal Lifestyle Trade Show Returns to Orlando

Surf Expo Expands Reach as The Ultimate Watersports & Coastal Lifestyle Trade Show Returns to Orlando Orlando, FL (August 26, 2024) – Surf Expo, the world’s premier watersports and beach lifestyle tradeshow, is returning with increased international participation to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. From September 5-7, 2024, more than 650 exhibitors…

Surf Expo’s September Edition Set to Showcase Innovation and Growth in the Surf and Coastal Lifestyle Industry

More than 800 exhibiting companies are expected to display their latest lines and products, making it a must-attend event for industry retailers and professionals Orlando, Fla (June 12, 2024)- As anticipation builds for Surf Expo’s September edition, the premier trade show for the watersports and coastal lifestyle industry, organizers are thrilled to announce a robust…

“Consumers today are looking for unique and new products. Surf Expo allowed us to locate some interesting finds to bring some freshness into our store so we can give our shoppers a reason to keep coming back!”

Steve Green, Owner, High Mountain Sports

Oakland, MD

“Surf Expo in September was Seager’s first major trade show. We opened 36 A+ shops over the three days. It was well worth it! Seager will be back at Surf Expo in January."

Tom Ruiz, Seager General Manager

“Surf Expo is more important than ever! It gives you the chance to touch & feel the product, and to have real HUMAN connection with REAL PEOPLE, nothing beats face to face!”

Frank Floyd, Owner, Wind and Wave Watersports

Corpus Christi, TX

“Surf Expo was a success for Rip Curl!  We had over 70 appointments and many new customers stopping by.  It was exciting to see the energy and excitement at the show and in our booth.  We are happy to support Surf Expo, and we look forward to more successful shows.”

Kiki Prince, Rip Curl North America GM

“Surf Expo exceeded our expectations. Our goal was to find some new private label options and we could not believe how many there were. We can't wait to come back in January with a new set of goals.”

Lulu Carson, Buyer, REAL Watersports

Waves, NC

“We are huge fans of Surf Expo.  The way they bring the best retailers and the best brands together continues to foster incredible industry partnerships and connectivity.  The show has and will continue to be a key piece of the Salty Crew seasonal calendar.”

Jason Shelton, Salty Crew General Manager

“The Surf Expo attendees were eager to buy, do business and partner with us. It’s exactly what we were looking for so we will 100% be back in January and we are hoping to be here for a long time.”

Michael Scavuzzo, Kelly Slater Footwear

“It was great to be at Surf Expo this September as we were there to show the Summer ‘25 collection. Accounts were very pleased with how we performed for Spring/Summer ‘24 and the overall growth has been tremendous. We look forward to seeing everyone in January to talk about the Fall/Holiday ‘25 seasons.”

Nick Lhotsky, Dark Seas Global Director

“The September show was great for us! We brought on 4 to 5 new vendors very quickly. We’re already looking forward to January.”

Melissa Warren, Buyer, The Ritz Carlton

Amelia Island, FL

“I always love going to Surf Expo — it’s a perfect chance to walk all the aisles and scout for new opportunities. This year we got to meet with all the new players in the industry.”

Nanette Gordillo, Buyer, KoKoMo Surf Shop

Puerto Rico, USA

“I have been to Surf Expo multiple times. I used the connect tool in the Surf Expo app and I highly suggest everyone to use it.”

Wendi Kaplan, KatyDID

FEATURED BRANDS

… and many more! See the current list of exhibitors here >

FEATURED BRANDS

FOLLOW US @surfexpo

View this profile on Instagram
Surf Expo (@surfexpo) • Instagram photos and videos

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2025

January 7-9, 2026

SHOW NEWS

“Consumers today are looking for unique and new products. Surf Expo allowed us to locate some interesting finds to bring some freshness into our store so we can give our shoppers a reason to keep coming back!”

Steve Green, Owner, High Mountain Sports

Oakland, MD

“Surf Expo in September was Seager’s first major trade show. We opened 36 A+ shops over the three days. It was well worth it! Seager will be back at Surf Expo in January."

Tom Ruiz, Seager General Manager

“Surf Expo is more important than ever! It gives you the chance to touch & feel the product, and to have real HUMAN connection with REAL PEOPLE, nothing beats face to face!”

Frank Floyd, Owner, Wind and Wave Watersports

Corpus Christi, TX

“Surf Expo was a success for Rip Curl! We had over 70 appointments and many new customers stopping by. It was exciting to see the energy and excitement at the show and in our booth. We are happy to support Surf Expo, and we look forward to more successful shows.”

Kiki Prince, Rip Curl North America GM

“Surf Expo exceeded our expectations. Our goal was to find some new private label options and we could not believe how many there were. We can't wait to come back in January with a new set of goals.”

Lulu Carson, Buyer, REAL Watersports

Waves, NC

“We are huge fans of Surf Expo. The way they bring the best retailers and the best brands together continues to foster incredible industry partnerships and connectivity. The show has and will continue to be a key piece of the Salty Crew seasonal calendar.”

Jason Shelton, Salty Crew General Manager

“The Surf Expo attendees were eager to buy, do business and partner with us. It’s exactly what we were looking for so we will 100% be back in January and we are hoping to be here for a long time.”

Michael Scavuzzo, Kelly Slater Footwear

Nick Lhotsky, Dark Seas Global Director

“The September show was great for us! We brought on 4 to 5 new vendors very quickly. We’re already looking forward to January.”

Melissa Warren, Buyer, The Ritz Carlton

Amelia Island, FL

“I always love going to Surf Expo — it’s a perfect chance to walk all the aisles and scout for new opportunities. This year we got to meet with all the new players in the industry.”

Nanette Gordillo, Buyer, KoKoMo Surf Shop

Puerto Rico, USA

“I have been to Surf Expo multiple times. I used the connect tool in the Surf Expo app and I highly suggest everyone to use it.”

Wendi Kaplan, KatyDID

FEATURED BRANDS

… and many more! See the current list of exhibitors here >

FEATURED BRANDS

FOLLOW US @surfexpo

“Surf Expo was a success for Rip Curl!  We had over 70 appointments and many new customers stopping by.  It was exciting to see the energy and excitement at the show and in our booth.  We are happy to support Surf Expo, and we look forward to more successful shows.”

“We are huge fans of Surf Expo.  The way they bring the best retailers and the best brands together continues to foster incredible industry partnerships and connectivity.  The show has and will continue to be a key piece of the Salty Crew seasonal calendar.”