The USA Surfing Tourism Industry is expected to experience consistent growth. It is projected to rise from an estimated USD 17.8 billion in 2025 to USD 35.7 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of surfing as a sport and leisure activity, a growing demand for surf-centric travel experiences, and a rising interest in coastal tourism both domestically and internationally.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated US Industry Size (2025E) | USD 17.8 million |
| Projected US Value (2035F) | USD 35.7 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.2% |
The demand for surf tourism continues to grow as more individuals seek unique coastal destinations that offer top-tier surf spots. High-quality surf resorts and camps are emerging along popular coastal destinations, providing tourists with guided surf experiences, surf school packages, and custom surfboard rentals.
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The following chart highlights the changes in CAGR for the base year 2024 and the forecast for 2025, reflecting evolving market trends.
CAGR Values for USA Surfing Tourism Industry (2024 to 2025)
The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 6.0% in the second half. In 2025, the growth rate is projected to rise to 6.2% in the first half and peak at 6.5% in the second half due to a surge in interest for tailored surfing holidays, particularly in premium surf resorts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Value | The USA surfing tourism industry is estimated to generate USD 16.8 billion in 2024, contributing 75% of North America's surfing tourism market. |
| Domestic Market Share | Domestic tourists account for 65%, with notable surfing destinations like Huntington Beach (California), Cocoa Beach (Florida), and the North Shore (Hawaii). |
| International Market Share | International tourists make up 35%, with key visitors from Australia and Europe who frequent world-class spots such as Malibu (California) and Jaws (Hawaii). |
| Key Destinations | Top surfing destinations include California's Huntington Beach, Hawaii's North Shore, and Florida's Sebastian Inlet. |
| Economic Impact | Surf tourism generates billions annually, benefiting local businesses through accommodations, restaurants, surf shops, and surf camps. |
| Key Trends | Growth in surf resorts with wellness packages, increased interest in eco-conscious surf camps, and rise of surfing as a competitive travel sport. |
| Top Travel Seasons | Summer and fall months dominate as peak seasons, particularly in California, where the weather and waves align perfectly. |
The USA Surfing Tourism sector is actively an essential part of North America's surfing culture, with important centers such as California, Hawaii, and Florida attracting both local and foreign surfers. Important destinations such as Huntington Beach and Waikiki Beach continue to be popular destinations for tourists wishing to blend surf culture with relaxed vacation activities. Hawaii’s legendary North Shore remains a popular spot for international surfers seeking world-renowned waves, while Florida’s Cocoa Beach continues to be a favorite among domestic tourists.
One of the standout trends in the industry has been the development of sustainable surf camps, such as those along California's Central Coast and Florida's Gulf Coast, that bridge sustainable operation with surf instruction. Moreover, the inclusion of wellness experiences—such as yoga retreats at surf resorts-has been increasing, appealing to visitors who want adventure and relaxation.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of Surf & Yoga Retreats: Cali Surf Resort (California) launched a new "Surf & Yoga Retreat" package, providing a mix of surf lessons, yoga instruction, and beach wellness activities for individuals seeking a well-rounded surfing experience. |
| Dec 2024 | New Surf Experience Package: Hawaii’s Turtle Bay Resort unveiled an exclusive "Surf Concierge Service," providing guests access to top surf instructors, private surf tours, and customized surfboard designs to enhance their surf experience. |
| Nov 2024 | Launch of Family Surf Camp: Surf & Sea Adventures (Florida) launched a family surf camp program that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. The camp offers beginner classes, family packages, and parent rooms with children. |
| Oct 2024 | Opening of Surf Park in California: The San Diego California Surf Park opened its gates with a cutting-edge artificial wave pool. The new park enables novice and expert surfers alike to experience reliable surf conditions throughout the year. |
| Sept 2024 | Surf Competition Hosting: The USA Surf Open in Huntington Beach introduced a new "Pro-Am" division, combining elite professionals with amateur surfers in a competitive but supportive setting, aimed at attracting tourists from across the globe. |
Independent Travelers Lead the Surfing Tourism Segment:
By 2025, independent travelers will be the largest segment of the USA surfing tourism market, accounting for 55% of all bookings. This trend is fueled by the increasing number of surfers who prefer the freedom to design their own surf itineraries. Unlike the traditional tour-based vacations, individual surfers can now plan their vacations as they please, selecting the surf camps, resorts, and surfing experiences that are most suitable to them.
The ease of surfing platforms has played an important part in this tendency. Surf travel and mobile-specific surfing websites and applications, such as Surf Travel and The Surfing Guide, make it easier for surfers to search extensively through different choices and easily reserve their stays. These web portals offer accurate surf spot reports, local school reviews, as well as surfing and accommodation offerings, and sometimes even surf guide bookings. This flexibility and customization appeals to surfers who want to ensure they get the most out of their trip, whether that means surfing world-renowned spots like California’s Huntington Beach or chasing the perfect wave in Hawaii’s North Shore.
In addition to well-known surf destinations, independent travelers are more and more drawn to lesser-known surf destinations with a unique type of experience. Tofino, a west coast Canadian surf haven, or Costa Rica's undiscovered beaches offer off-the-beaten-path experiences. These lesser-known spots embody the allure of fewer tourists, a higher connection with nature, and the possibility of authentic, local experiences to many surfers.
This trend reflects a greater search for independence and customization. Free-surfing surfers like to have the freedom to make their own experience, selecting surf schools, local guides, and accommodations that fit their surfing style. From a laid-back surf camp in a beach utopia to a grueling surf odyssey, these travelers appreciate being able to make their own adventure, building tailored experiences that cultivate their love of the sport.
Surfers in the 25 - 35 age group are expected to make up 35% of the USA Surfing Tourism Industry by 2025, representing the largest and most dynamic segment. This group of enthusiasts is particularly attracted to well-established surf destinations like Hawaii’s Waikiki, Bali, and Costa Rica’s Playa Hermosa, where they can refine their surfing skills while balancing other leisure activities. Surfers within this age group generally look for a combination of adventure and relaxation, and therefore popular spots are the ideal setting for both mastering their skills and relaxing after a session.
Most of those in the 25 - 35 age group prefer independent travel, relishing the opportunity to create their own surfing itinerary. They also tend to enroll in surf clinics or coaching camps at world-class locations, where they can be given expert tuition to improve their performance. This do-it-yourself option is particularly attractive to competitive surfers who are serious about advancing their sport but would like to do this while mixing in the thrill of discovering new locations.
Beyond surfing, this group is seeking out balanced experiences. Local cuisine, cultural activities, and vibrant beachside recreational activities are some of the key considerations in their decision-making. They will choose locations that offer a rich cultural experience, and surfing is only a component of their holiday. For instance, a holiday in Bali can be more than merely surfing at the world-famous Kuta Beach but may also include trips to local temples, trying out Balinese cuisine, or indulging in a spa retreat.
Accommodation options in this category tend to be mid-range to high-end, favoring comfort, accessibility, and social environment. Surfers in this group enjoy those that provide a balance of affordability and value, from boutique hotels to trendy surf resorts, making them ideal for visitors seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. This age category's demand for balanced experiences has them as the backbone of surfing tourism, driving growth in surf-focused as much as leisure tourism.
The USA Surfing Tourism Industry is moderately fragmented. Major players in the industry include AGIT Global North America, Inc., AJW Surfboard, and Boardriders, Inc., while other regional surf camps and resorts cater to niche tourist groups.
2025 Market Share of USA Surfing Tourism Players
Leading players with notable market share include AGIT Global North America, Inc., AJW Surfboard, and Boardriders, Inc., followed by smaller regional surf destinations and camps offering specialized experiences for unique tourist groups.
The industry is segmented into Domestic and International tourists.
The market is analyzed by gender (Men, Women).
Segmentation includes Independent Traveler, Tour Group, and Package Traveler.
The industry is segmented into Below 25 years, 25 - 35 years, 35 - 45 years, and Over 45 years.
The US Surfing Tourism Industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is projected to reach USD 35.7 billion by 2035.
The key drivers include the increasing popularity of surfing as a sport, rising demand for surf-centric travel experiences, and the expansion of surfing resorts and camps catering to diverse tourists.
Key players include Huntington AGIT Global North America, Inc., AJW Surfboard, and Boardriders, Inc..
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USA Surfing Tourism Market
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