ORLANDO, FLA. – August 28, 2018: With Surf Expo just weeks away, the show is pleased to announce that the new Bluewater section will showcase over 30 exhibiting watersports brands that celebrate the waterman lifestyle. The Bluewater Lounge, located at the epicenter of the show floor, will feature a special appearance from Flats TV’s Captain C.A. Richardson, free happy hour events on Thursday and Friday afternoon beginning at 4:45 pm, and daily raffles from AFFTA (American Fly Fishing Trade Association) including a Thomas and Thomas 12 weight rod and rolling duffle from Patagonia.
The Surf Expo opener event for buyers and media kicks off Wednesday September 5 at Bill Frederick Park on Turkey Lake from noon to 5 pm. Sponsored by Costa, this BBQ & Bluegrass Event isn’t your typical demo. In addition to checking out the latest gear and products from over 20 watersports brands in action and on the water, attendees can enjoy delicious BBQ and live bluegrass from Vero Beach’s Blue Cypress Bluegrass band. All buyers and media are welcome to attend. A Surf Expo Buyer or Media badge is required for entry. Registration and badge pickup will be available at the event.
Bluewater at Surf Expo celebrates the coastal lifestyle and the convergence of the surf, beach, watersports and inshore/offshore lifestyle. Bluewater will showcase distinguished inshore and offshore brands that are celebrated from the sand and surf. Featured products range from performance and lifestyle apparel to outerwear, sportswear, footwear, accessories, gear and more.
“The addition of Bluewater allows us to present the complete coastal lifestyle and waterman experience at the show,” said Kenneth Andres, Surf Expo sales manager. “People that like to surf and wakeboard also enjoy fishing and diving. People are no longer categorized by a certain watersport of activity anymore; they share a passion for being on the ocean regardless of what they’re doing. The Bluewater lounge is expanding the coastal footprint of the show with new watersports brands, and will be a great way for buyers and retailers to expand their product offerings and be on the cutting edge of this lifestyle trend.”
Matt Dvorak, President of Florida’s Ponce Inlet Water Sports added, “There are fewer consumers who see themselves as a fisherman, or a wakeboarder, or a surfer. They see themselves as a waterman.”
Bluewater exhibitors include Badfish Gear, Bimini Bay Outfitters, Blea Watersports, Calcutta, Filthy Anglers, Flood Tide, Gillz, Hell’s Bay Boatworks, Heybo Outdoors, Hooked Soul, Intertrade, Inc., Ipson, Lewis N. Clark, Lucky Rod, OtterBox/Life Proof, RovR Products, Salt Life, Salty Bum, Sanofee, Sunday Afternoons, Wavelife, XTRATUF and more.
