As one of the world’s most popular water sports, bodyboarding has taken the surfing experience to a whole new level. Also known as boogieboarding, the sport involves riding a square-nosed, semi-flexible soft board. Known to make surfing easier for beginners, bodyboarding is gaining even more popularity. And as the demand for outdoor sports continues to grow, so will the global bodyboard market. Analysts at Technavio predict that the market, which was valued at $98.5 million in 2015, is expected to reach $141.5 million by 2020, with a CAGR of 7.51%.
Key Drivers of the Global Bodyboarding Market
#1. Increase in surfing activities
The International Surfing Association (ISA) governs all of the surfing activities across the globe. In 2015, there were 150 ISA educational courses and programs in 35 countries with more than 5000 certified instructors worldwide. As the demand for surfing activities grows, the ISA plans to introduce courses in several countries, with special emphasis on Indonesia and the United States.
The ISA, which is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has also partnered with the Surf Education Academy (US) so as to increase the number of courses offered.
#2. Marketing through magazines
Though it may seem insignificant, promotion of bodyboarding through magazines has had a major impact on the global market. These magazines are not only designed for the general population of surfers, but also cater to particular groups of individuals such as women, encouraging them to take part in surfing along with their male counterparts.
Magazines are also the best platform for vendors to showcase their latest surf products, promote surf trade shows and other related events, and inform readers about new surfboards and manufacturing techniques.
#3. Emergence of adaptive surfing
Adapted / adaptive surfing is known for its ability to help individuals with disabilities by instilling confidence and promoting physical wellbeing. Surfing improves functional mobility, tactical sensation, and psychosocial skills, providing a therapeutic effect. Portugal and the UK have designed special projects where surfing is used as therapy for various disabalities, as well as a way to help reduce anxiety and improve the emotional health of young people.
Major Trends in the Bodyboard Market
#1. Emergence of advanced manufacturing techniques
Advanced manufacturing techniques like CAD / CAM, along with computerized numerical controlled shaping, have simplified the entire bodyboard design process. These techniques have also shortened the time it takes to manufacture quality boards as compared with manual methods, meaning that less time and effort is required to produce higher quality boards.
#2. Experimentation with alternative materials
Because scientists have discovered that the foam used in bodyboards will take approximately one million years to fully decompose, manufacturers are now looking for more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Several manufacturers are attempting to build boards with 75% of virgin foam and 25% recycled foam. Others are building them out of sheets of cork vacuum-bagged between layers of the fibreglass.
#3. Increase in number of surf trade shows
All of the latest advancements in technology are showcased at surf trade shows. These trade shows help increase awareness about the sport. They also bring various products and innovations to a single platform, thereby promoting healthy competition and higher demand. Some of the popular surf trade shows include Surf Expo, The Action Expo, The Boardroom, National Windsurfing Festival, and Beach & Boat.
