The countdown is on. Next week, the industry gathers in Orlando as Surf Expo celebrates a massive milestone: its 50th anniversary. Running January 7-9 at the Orange County Convention Center, this show isn’t just looking back at five decades of shaping careers and launching products—it’s looking forward with a significantly expanded Shoreline Outdoor category, parties, and other updates to the surf and coastal lifestyle industry’s biggest trade show.
“As the market evolves from the coasts to the lakes and rivers, the show is adapting to match the modern adventurer who blends surfing, travel, and camping into one lifestyle,” said Surf Expo Show Director and Emerald SVP Roy Turner.
The show will also be chock full of current and former pro surfers, WSL champions and other notable athletes including Yago Dora, Mick Fanning, Luke Shepardson, Lisa Anderson, CJ Hobgood, Shaun Tomson, Peter “PT” Townend, Kolohe Andino, and more.
Several Days of Celebration
To honor the golden anniversary, the schedule is packed with must-attend events:
- Wednesday, Jan. 7: At the OluKai booth, the brand will premiere We Go: Path to The Eddie — Season 2, an intimate look into the lives of four watermen and waterwomen as they prepare physically, mentally, and spiritually for big wave season on the North Shore of Oʻ The screening will include an in-person appearance from the 2023 Eddie winner Luke Shepardson.
- Wednesday, Jan. 7: WSL Pro Surfing The 50th Anniversary – Stories from Deep Inside. Featuring: Peter ‘PT’ Townend, Shaun Tomson and other special guests at the main stage on the show floor.
- Wednesday, Jan. 7: Don’t miss the 50th Anniversary Industry Party at Topgolf from 6 p.m. to 8p.m., sponsored by Shopify. It’s a chance for exhibitors and buyers to connect over food, drinks, and a little friendly competition.
- Thursday, Jan. 8: The East Coast Surfing Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., honoring the individuals who built surf culture. Find out more details here.
- Thursday Night After-Party: The energy continues late into the night at the New Wave Party, an official Surf Expo after-party taking place at Paddywagon Pub from 9 p.m. to midnight sponsored by Dark Seas, Jetty, Marsh Wear, Brixton, Roark, Howler Bros, Rhythm, and Blak Bear. Expect free drinks, brand visuals looping throughout the venue, and live music by Cocoa Beach-based band DUNIES.
With a solid lineup of retailers attending including core shops like Ron Jon and 17th Street to major players like REI and Academy Sports + Outdoors, next week should be a productive—and fun—way to kick off 2026.
There’s still time to register. Click here to find out more details about attending the show.
