How Many Surfers Are There In The World?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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People around the globe flock to the coast to relax, exercise, and enjoy the ocean. Growing exponentially at 12% per year, the current surfing population is estimated at approximately

23 million

participants.

What percent of the world are surfers?

If both figures are correct, the number of worldwide surfers represents

slightly less than 10 percent

of football’s global active amateur and professional players.

Which country has the most surfers?

As many will have guessed,

Hawaii is the worlds number 1 surf nation

(although Hawaii is technically part of the USA, the WSL recognises it as its own sovereign surfing nation). Home of the sport and the winner of the Men’s Championship Tour 2017, the nation was represented by 7 surfers during the 11 events.

How many surfers are there in USA?

There are

over 3.5 million

surfers in the US, with youth accounting for approximately 32% of that demographic. The average surfer in the United States is 34 years old and will drive approximately 10 miles to surf, spending approximately $40 per session.

What percentage of surfers are male?

We find that surfers are male (

90%)

, 34 years old, educated (62% have a Bachelor’s degree or above), and employed full-‐time earning $75,000 per year.

Is surfing a male dominated sport?

Even with the recent WSL policy changes,

worldwide surf lineups are still generally male-dominated

, which can be an intimidating experience for women paddling out on their own.

How many surfers get injured?

Surfing is regarded as a safe sport. Compared to some other sports the overall risk of injury is low (

2.2 injuries per 1,000 surfing days or 0.26 injuries per surfer per year

) and the large majority of injuries are not serious.

What percentage of surfers are female?

“Women now make up between

20 to 30 percent

of surfers, and that number continues to grow,” writes professional surfer/writer Lauren Hill, in the foreword to her new book, “She Surf”.

How many surfers are in Japan?

Japan’s hang-ten obsession — there are an estimated

two million surfers

here — supports a thriving local beach culture, from the cafes and gear shops of seashore mecca, Chigasaki, to a cottage industry of artisans.

Who is the number 1 surfer in the world?

Rank Name 1 3

Filipe Toledo

Brazil
2 1 Kanoa Igarashi Japan 3 5 John John Florence Hawaii 4 2 Kelly Slater United States

Who is the most famous surfer?


Kelly Slater

on the beach in Fiji. Slater, a Cocoa Beach native, has won 55 major titles. He is the most famous surfer in the world.

Where is the surfing capital of the world?

Beautiful and calm spa located in

the central zone of Chile

, in the last decades has become worldwide famous because of the quality of its waves and beautiful landscapes that go from the sea to the mountain range, everything together brings the qualified name: Pichilemu, The World Surfing Capital.

How many surfers are in Australia?

Demographics. There are approximately

2.5 million

recreational surfers in Australia, 420,000 annual surf participants, 107 surf schools and 2,292 accredited surfing coaches. Over 1 in 10 Australians surf as a recreational activity.

Is surfing growing?


Surfing is one of the fastest growing sports

Growing exponentially at 12% per year, the current surfing population is estimated at approximately 23 million participants.

Is surfing big in Japan?

As an island nation with great beaches, Japan offers plenty of exciting spots where you can hit the waves.

Japan has a thriving surfing scene that grows in popularity every year

.

Who invented surfing?


Hawaiians are credited for having invented surfing

or he’e nalu. The length of the surfboard, as well as the type of wood the surfboard was made of, differentiated the royalty from the commoners. Ali’i (royalty) surfboards, called olo, were 14–16 feet long, and were made from wiliwili trees.

When did surf culture began?

The earliest evidence of surfing history can be traced back to

12th century

Polynesia. Cave paintings have been found which clearly illustrate ancient versions of surfing. Along with many other aspects of their culture, the Polynesians brought surfing to Hawaii, and it became popular from there.

How big is the surfing market?

The global surfing equipment market size was valued at

USD 3.88 billion in 2020

and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2021 to 2028.

Is surfing a sport?

Surfing is

a sea sport

made by riding on the waves with the help of a longboard.

How many surfers have died at Jaws?

How many surfers have died at Jaws?

Seven surfers have died at the break

and many more have suffered serious injuries. Once such surfer was Tamayo Perry, a local Hawaiian who was known as one of the best surfers there. In 2005 he was struck by another surfer’s board, the fin lodging in his head.

How many surfers died at Mavericks?

Since Hawaii’s Pipeline was first surfed in the 1960s, it has been universally known as one of the most dangerous waves in the world.

Seven surfers have died at the break

and many more have suffered serious injuries.

What wave has killed the most surfers?


Pipeline, Hawaii

The data is irrefutable. Pipeline has killed more surfers than anywhere. Since 1989 it has taken the lives of seven surfers, and threatened the lives of countless others.

What is a female surfer called?

There is no specific term for a female surfer. You can call a girl who surfs just “surfer”, although, there are terms like

gurfer, wahine

that are used to refer to a female surfer.

Which country is famous for surfing?

The

United States of America

has tons of great surf spots. Oahu features some of the biggest waves in the world and California is a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels. Australia also has some of the world’s greatest breaks.

How many surfers are in Europe?

This type of surfing is generally considered one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Estimates of the actual market size vary. In 2012 the ISA reckoned that 35 million people surf worldwide, which may rise to 50 million by 2020 . Some

4.5 million

(around 13%) of these surfers are estimated to be European.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.