Surfing Statistics: 2023 Round-up

Surfing has long been a fringe sport playing second fiddle to mainstream activities like soccer, basketball, rugby, etc.

However, since its introduction into the Olympics in 2021 surfings popularity has soared, with media giants like Netflix, ESPN, and Apple TV, all jumping on the bandwagon and showcasing surfing around the globe.

Whether the surfing industry’s growth is a good or bad thing is up for debate, regardless it makes for some interesting statistics nonetheless.

In this surfing statistic roundup you’ll learn:

How many people surf in the world (and where they’re from).
Where the biggest waves in the world are surfed.
The surf industry’s highest earners.

And a whole lot more.

So without further ado, here’s a roundup of the most news-worthy and bizarre stats around surfing.

SURFING WORLD RECORDS

Below is a roundup of surfing’s world records setters: Biggest wave, longest tube, and more.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST WAVE EVER SURFED?

The biggest wave ever surfed was ridden by Sebastian Steudtner at the iconic big wave spot Nazare, on the West Coast of Portugal in October 2020.

The record breaking wave took scientists 18 months to calculate its exact size with the final wave height measuring 86ft – making it the biggest wave ever surfed on record.

The previous record – set at the same location in 2017 by Brazillian born Rodrigo Koxa’s – measured at 80ft

WHAT’S THE LONGEST BARREL ON RECORD?

The unofficial longest barrel ever ridden was by Koa Smith at Skeleton Bay, Namibia, in 2015.

Koa rode the sand bottom barrel for 27 seconds straight, with it all caught on camera to boot.

Worlds longest Barrel – Insane

WHAT’S THE LONGEST WAVE EVER SURFED?

In 2006 Steve King rode a tidal wave on the River Seven for over 12kms. The tidal wave meanders up river and is thought to be the longest wave ever surfed.

Another contender is the wave caught by Picuruta Salazar on the Pocorora (another tidal wave) in the Brazilian Amazon. The wave was ridden for 37 minutes and was ridden for 12.2kms.

Customers served!1MinutesCustomers served!1Meters

SURFING INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

WHO IS THE RICHEST SURFER IN THE WORLD?

The richest surfer in the world is 11 time World Champion Kelly Slater, from Coco Beach, Florida.

After over three decades as an elite professional surfer Kelly Slater has amassed a net worth of 22 Million Dollars.

On top of Kelly Slaters lucrative sponsorship deals in the past, and his career of contest earnings, he has ownership in:

Slater Designs (global surfboard manufacture)
Outer Known (Clothing Brand)
The Surf Ranch (wave pool technology)
Purps (soft drink company)
The Chia Co (health food company)

Plus he’s the owner of a prized beach front home overlooking Pipeline, Hawaii valued over $7Million.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CONTRACT EVER PAID TO A SURFER?

The most lucrative sponsorship deal in history was a $30million dollar, 8 year deal given to Jon Jon Florence (pre pandemic) by Hurley.

This deal saw Jon Jon net $5,300,000 per year in sponsorship money alone.

Sadly however, Hurley controversially initiated a get out clause citing ‘acts of god’ to reneg on their contract obligations as the pandemic hit the company hard.

Since then, Hurley and Jon Jon have separated ways with Jon Jon turning his talents to his own surf clothing and apparel brand Florence Machine X.

WHO IS THE THE HIGHEST PAID SURFER IN 2022?

The highest paid surfer in 2022 is Gabriel Medina, netting $2.2 million dollars per year from major sponsors like Rip Curl, Corona, Audi, Ralph Lauren and more.

The second highest paid surfer is 3x world champion Mick Fanning, netting $1.8million dollars per year.

WHICH SURFER HAS WON THE MOST MONEY IN THEIR CAREER?

Unsurprisingly – with over 30 years in competition – Kelly Slater tops the list of highest career earnings.

During his illustrious career with over 60 even wins he has earned $4,071,360.

Customers served!1Years CompetingCustomers served!1Years CompetingCustomers served!1Career Earnings $USD

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST PRIZE PURSE EVER WON AT A SURF EVENT?

In 2011 Owen Wright took home $300,000 in what is the biggest prize purse ever won by a professional surfer.

The event was his first ever WCT event win held at Long Island, New York.

HOW BIG IS THE SURFING MARKET?

In 2020 the global surf market value was estimated at Global market value in 2022 US$4billion, US$4.8 Billion by 2027.

Surfing market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.7 Billion in the year 2022.

Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$900 Million by the year 2027.

The US represents the largest market for surfing equipment

Global market value in 2022 US$4billion, US$4.8 Billion by 2027.

WHERE ARE MOST SALES GENERATED?

The US represents the largest market for surfing equipment

HOW MANY SURFBOARDS GET SOLD EACH YEAR?

400,000 surfboards are sold annually in the US for a total of $220 million to $400 million, and 13 to 24 million surfboards are sold annually globally for a total of $13.2 billion.

Customers served!1Surfboards sold annually worldwide