Updated: Surf Expo photos

A busy Surf Expo got underway Thursday with the first day’s attendance 15 percent above the first day last year, according to Surf Expo.

A wide range of retailers and brands filled the convention center, which was bustling much of the day.

Surf Expo said more than 3,500 brands are exhibiting, and nearly 12,000 buyer had preregistered to attend.

We have a few photos from the first day, and even more that we will post in coming days.

See the photos in our slide show, above.