Diversity in the Ocean

The latest Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA) report reveals a heartening trend in the world of surfing. A sport once perceived as lacking diversity is now riding a new wave of change, welcoming a broader spectrum of enthusiasts from various backgrounds.

You can download the report here: https://surfindustry.org/pages/diversity-in-surfing-report

Highlights:

1. Diversity on the Rise: The U.S. surfing community is more diverse than ever, with about 40% of surfers identifying as African American/Black, Hispanic, or Asian/Pacific Islander.

2. Women in Surfing: Women are steadily carving out their space in the waves, now representing 35% of surfers.

3. Growth in Minority Participation: The most significant growth has been seen in African American/Black and Hispanic surf communities, signaling a shift in the sport’s demographic landscape.

4. Core Surfers Expanding: There’s an upswing in the number of core surfers, particularly among Asian/Pacific Islander and Hispanic surfers, who are hitting the waves more frequently.

The Significance of These Developments:

This diversification in surfing isn't just about numbers. It's a sign of the sport evolving, becoming a more inclusive and welcoming space. These changes bring fresh perspectives and stories to the surfing world, enriching the sport's culture and community spirit and really fits with our mission to empower more women to ride the waves.

These findings are a beacon of progress in the surfing community, illustrating how the sport is becoming more representative and inclusive. It’s a story of breaking barriers and creating a wave of change that resonates well beyond the surf.