Surf Expo gets underway Wednesday at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida with a diverse lineup of brands and buyers.
Retailers looking to diversify their floor space will find a lot of options – the 700-plus exhibitor list includes Reef, Oakley, Bajio, Olukai, VISSLA, Melin, Outerknown, Sector 9, Firewire Surfboards, Slater Designs, Chubbies, FLORENCE, Rhythm, Rusty, Katin, goodr, Tommy Bahama, Birkenstock, Sun Bum, Jetty, THRILLS CO., Salt Life, Elan, Simply Southern, Hook & Tackle, Exist, Guy Harvey, ALOHA Collection, Sanuk, Dark Seas, HUK, Fahlo, Salty Crew, Body Glove, Seager Co., BN3TH, Free Fly, Vineyard Vines, Baja Llama, Dippin Daisy’s, INSTINCT, Roark, Costa Del Mar, I-SEA, Skullcandy, Sharp Eye, Haydenshapes, TAHE, Goorin Bros., GCI Outdoors, Smith & Quinn, and more. Check out the full list here.
The show is forecast to be the largest January event since 2020.
“We are excited to see everyone in Orlando this week,” said Surf Expo SVP and Show Director Roy Turner. “Our buyer registration is tracking significantly above last year, and retailers will be looking to find new brands and solidify relationships with existing vendors. There are also lots of events, parties and happy hours planned for networking and mingling.”
An array of independent retailers will be on hand including Cinnamon Rainbows, Rooster Bus, Heritage Surf Shop, Hi Tech Surf Sports, Emerald City, Coastal Edge, Glik’s, Palmetto Moon, Bird Rock Surf Shop, Hansen Surfboards South End Surf Shop, Hawaiian Island Creations, Hobie Surf Shop, Sun Diego, McKevlin’s Surf Shop, Kitty Hawk Kites, Wave Riding Vehicles, Archies, Ron Jon Surf Shop, Surf The Earth, Outer Banks Boarding Company, Parrot Surf & Skate, Wind & Wave Watersports, Town and Country Surf Shop, 17th Street Surf Shop and more.
Large retailers are also attending including REI, Urban Outfitters, JCPenney, Walmart, Sam’s Club, L.L. Bean, Spencer’s Gifts, The Paper Store, Marshall Retail Group, Academy Sports, Hibbett Sports, Play it Again, Fleet Feet, Sandals Resorts, and Foot Locker.
Notable events include:
- World Surfing Champion, best-selling author, entrepreneur, environmentalist, and leadership expert, Shaun Tomson, will deliver a session titled The Code – How to Empower and Unite Your Teamon Wednesday, January 8 at 2:30 p.m.
- Well known professional surfer Rob Machado will premiere his short film By Design, followed by a live Q&A on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 4:30 p.m.
- Mavericks Big Wave Champion, Guinness World Record holder, author, and ocean pioneer, Chris Bertish, will present his keynote based on his latest book, ALL IN! The Atlantic SUP Crossing – 93 Days Alone at Sea on Thursday, January 9 at 10:30 a.m.
- The 2025 Florida Shape Off returns to celebrate the artistry of hand-shaped surfboards, honoring the legacy of Pete Dooley of Natural Art, a pioneer in surfboard craftsmanship. This year’s competition will feature Greg Loehr, Allen White, Chris Birch, Tommy Maus, Bob Rohmann and Scott Busbey. Winners will be announced on Friday, January 10, during an awards ceremony.
- An Industry Party featuring Rage Against the DJ takes place on January 9 at 6 p.m. on the lower level of the convention center near registration, and there will also be multiple happy hours, and fashion shows each day.
Find our more information about Surf Expo January here.
