This week the Backwoods Promotions team attended the Surf Expo Connect on its brand new digital platform! The three day trade show was jam packed with exciting new product releases, brands from across the country, and show specials to delight anyone from the outdoor and water sports industries. Since 1976, retailers from around the world have relied on the Surf Expo to identify new trends, new products & brands and to get business done. 

This Expo is produced in January and September in Orlando, Florida, and draws buyers from across the U.S., the Caribbean, Central and South America and around the world. It truly is the place to be for anything related to water sports and lifestyle. Normally it is held annually at the Orange County Convention Center, where buyers and suppliers can be seen shuttling in and out of the expansive building. Backwoods Promotions attended the show in person during the month of January, and explored all of the 200+ exhibitors. Models showcasing new trends, artists actively designing new inlays on surf/wakeboards, and charity “build your own” long boards were a few of the exciting activities to be seen! Below are a few new products from this years show that we wanted to share:

1. RSPro Clear Foil Rail Saver - As many enthusiasts know, hydrofoiling is becoming a sensation around the globe. Gaining traction in the United States, this unique and energy driven sport has a massive following in Europe and outlying Pacific countries. It combines the skill of surfing with the finesse and momentum of skateboarding. Check out the YouTube clip below to learn more about this sport: 

 2. YETI New Color Launch - YETI recently added two new colors to their famous cooler lineup; Northwoods and Sagebrush Green. On the last day of Surf Expo the company also launched its newest color Ice Pink. These colors embody the adventurous spirit of those who explore the outdoors, along with diversifying its owner by their colors. Our top pick is Ice Pink which the brand describes as “inspired by the early morning light cascading through the frosted peaks.” This seasonal color is expected to hit retailers soon. You can check out the full line up of all colors here.

 3. 30A Apparel - One of the pillars of the watersports community and Surf Expo is creating awareness for sustainability and protection for the world’s oceans. This brand, 30A, has revolutionized the way we source materials for consumer clothing. This season the brand unveiled its completely crafted women’s clothing line from recycled plastic directly found from the ocean. We applaud the brand for not only working to improve the health of our oceans but to recycle the plastic and place it as a selling point for their women’s wear. We look forward to seeing it in stores next year! 

After exploring the booths of Surf Expo, we listened to several of the learning sessions and webinars. Topics focused on providing suggestions and advice for how businesses can improve and diversify in the future, and how they can connect and reach their consumers in new and unique ways. In addition, these sessions discussed trends that will be happening in the future of 2021. The forecast looks bright for many water sport and water lifestyle brands! Our favorite sessions included live recordings of DJ Lance O and his Reggae music. You can listen to his sessions here. 

To wrap things up, we were inspired to hear the industry's positive outlook for the future in-person Surf Expo, slated for January 2021. This show brings together many innovative and respected companies in the outdoor industry. We look forward to the next Surf Expo in sunny Florida!