Water Sports Products Market Size – By Product Type, By Age Group, By End Use, By Distribution Channel Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2024 - 2032

Water Sports Products Market Size

The global water sports products market was estimated at USD 38.4 Bn in 2023. The market is expected to grow from USD 40 Bn in 2024 to USD 58.5 Bn in 2032, at a CAGR of 4.9%. The market for water sports products is fueled by surging interest in outdoor sports and activities across globe and rising health and fitness awareness.
 

With the rising demand for outdoor activities and sport adventure, many customers are showing their interest in water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, surfing and sailing etc.  Winter sports, team sports, racquet sports, and water sports all saw growth of more than 9% in 2023, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. This highlights a widespread trend of high demand for water sports opportunities in the US. This accounts for a 2.2% increase from 2023, with 242 million Americans or 78.8% of the population participating in at least one activity during 2023. Over ten years, there has been annual growth in the number of people who have participated in an activity, a considerable 5 million in 2023.
 

According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, in 2022, extra-EU exports of sporting goods were valued at 7.9 billion, which is up by 10.9% when compared to the year 2021. The three sporting goods exported were the most in categories boats and water sport equipment, 'gymnastic, athletic and swimming equipment and sports footwear.". Altogether, they accounted for 62.4% of the value of sporting goods exported outside the EU, with ‘boats and water sport equipment’ representing 28.2%, gymnastic, athletic and swimming equipment’ 20.7%, and ‘sports footwear’ 13.5%.
 

According to the 2021 Water Sports Participation Survey, outdoor swimming was the most popular water sport in the UK (9.7 million participants, 17.9% of UK adults aged 18+), followed by small boat leisure activities (3.6 million, 6.7%), and canoeing/kayaking (5.7 million, 10.4%). In 2021, participation was highest in the United Kingdom.
 

Water Sports Products Market Trends

• Emerging trends in the surf and water sports industry include a growing interest in tech-driven products like GPS-enabled surfboards, smartwatches for tracking performance metrics, and advanced weather-resistant fabrics.
   
• The brand-new XSCAPE collection was introduced by Aqualung, the top global designer and producer of dive and water sports equipment. The XSCAPE line, which includes a rash guard composed of sustainable materials and a wetsuit that is 100% neoprene-free, is made for a range of water sports and embodies Aqualung's dedication to sustainability, innovation, and ocean exploration. The 4/3mm XSCAPE wetsuit utilizes pure Yulex eco-friendly natural rubber which combined with ultra-stretch fabric provides excellent comfort for diving in warm water or surface activities in colder climates.
   
• For night dives and exploring underwater caverns, dive lights are a necessary accessory. The eco-friendly trend is growing fast. Rechargeable batteries and solar-powered dive lights offer a strong source of illumination while lowering the demand for disposability products. Most new models also boast longer runtimes and programmable brightness levels, making them suitable for various underwater conditions.
   
• Mustang Survival, a Canadian brand specializing in innovative solutions for the most demanding marine environments, announced the launch of the Quadra Dry Suit, a brand-new minimalist, multi-purpose dry suit designed for shorter-duration water activities and available for both men and women. Like all their other dry suits, it is constructed from the tough and durable three-layer Marine Spec BP fabric.
   

Water Sports Products Market Analysis

The market by product type is segmented into surfing products, safety products, and diving products. In 2023, the safety products segment dominates the market generating revenue of USD 19.4 billion and surfing products segment is expected to grow at CAGR of around 5.1% during the forecast period 2024 to 2032.
 

• The industry is seeing a rise in the use of smart technology in water sport products. Life jackets have built-in sensors that monitor the condition of the wearer and alert others in case of danger or distress. Such innovations are especially useful for fishermen, sailors, and offshore workers who operate in hazardous and challenging environments. Such life jackets improve safety by making it easier to track and respond to emergencies in real time.
   
• Market for smart diving gear is rising from diving computers that have enhanced tracking, health monitoring, and integration with mobile applications. These devices help the divers have better experience while ensuring their safety by keeping track of the depth, consumption of air, time, and location.
   

According to the end user, the water sports products market is segmented into individual and commercial. Commercial made up 65% of the market in 2023, due to wide adoption of technology for management and customer experience along with the rising demand for water sports packages and group activities.
 

• Water based tourism boosts significantly, especially in tropical and coastal regions. Resorts and hotels offering surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and diving activities are in high demand for commercial-grade equipment. Resorts and operators require strong, durable equipment that can withstand frequent use.
   
• It was reported that 630,000 Germans aged 14 or older spent several times a month on leisure activities in the form of water sports like sailing and surfing in the year 2021. In Germany, 1.1 million Germans engaged themselves in water sports once a month. Besides that, Germans spend more time engaging in water sports. Compared with the year 2019, participation in water sports at least once a month grew by 31%, while the number of people taking part several times a month grew by 26%. The most popular water sport among Germans is swimming, followed by surfing, canoeing/kayaking, rafting, and water skiing.
   
• The demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, such as surfboards, wetsuits, and accessories made from recyclable or biodegradable materials, is growing. Consumers are becoming more aware of environmental issues and prefer products that cause the least harm to oceans and ecosystems. People are increasingly incorporating wearable technology into their water sports gear, such as smartwatches, dive computers, and surf trackers that measure performance, speed, heart rate, wave height, or dive depth.
   

According to the distribution channel, the water sports products market is segmented into online and offline. Online made up 62% of the market in 2023, due to increasing convenience and growing dependency on e-commerce platform, along with the wide range of products availability.
 

• Specialize e-commerce stores, including REI and Backcountry from specialized stores such as Wetsuit Wearhouse and general e-retailers Amazon and Walmart, offer diverse product variety at varying prices in addition to competitive comparison, independent reviews, and access to nearly every product across many more sales floor square footage.
   
• 24/7 shopping convenience makes it easier for consumers to make purchases and to browse water sport products from every corner across the globe, hereby increasing product accessibility and availability.
   
• Online stores are allowing many more consumers to try out water sports products without necessarily visiting physical stores. This is especially useful for people who live far from water sports destinations.
   

With about 74% of the North American water sports products market share and estimated USD 9.6 billion in revenue, the United States led the market in 2023. The expansion of the U.S. market is primarily driven by increasing participation rate in water-based sports and outdoor activities along with advancement in technology.
 

• In 2022, the number of people participating in outdoor recreation increased by 2.3% to a record 168.1 million, or 55% of the population in the United States aged 6 and up. Over the past eight years, the number of people participating in outdoor recreation has increased, and since January 2020, 14.5 million more people have joined. 
   
• 80% of outdoor activity categories saw an increase in participation in 2022, including both larger ones like fishing and camping and smaller ones like sport climbing and skateboarding.
   
• This highlights a widespread trend of high demand for water sports opportunities in the US. This accounts for a 2.2% increase from 2023, with 242 million Americans or 78.8% of the population participating in at least one activity during 2023. Over ten years, there has been annual growth in the number of people who have participated in an activity, a considerable 5 million in 2023.
   

Europe: The UK, Germany, France, the Scandinavian nations, and the Netherlands are the European nations that provide the major water sports opportunities in emerging destinations. People from these nations have long engaged in water sports and enjoy visiting new locations with better climates and conditions. When traveling overseas, many Europeans from these target markets will be willing to try out new things.   
 

Asia Pacific: With popular destinations for water sports like Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, the Philippines, and Japan, the Asia Pacific region has become one of the biggest markets for adventure tourism across the globe.
 

Water Sports Products Market Share

• The top five companies in Aqua Lung International, Body Glove, Body Glove, Mares, Scubapro, Speedo International and they collectively hold a share of 8%-12% in the market.
   
• These companies continue to acquire and merge with others, expand facilities, and make various collaborations to increase their product offerings, access customer bases, and secure their market positions.
   
• Decathlon India and Zepto recently announced that they have entered into strategic partnership to bring greater access to sporting goods across the country. Through this partnership, it will be working towards making a wide range of sports and fitness products available to users through quick commerce. With this partnership, it further strengthens the Decathlon India mission to move people through the wonders of sport by quickly and efficiently delivering sporting products and equipment directly to their doorsteps.
   
• Surftech announce a strategic partnership with Tablas Surf Co in collaboration with Zimbalisurf, a well-known family-owned business and industry expert. This partnership marks an important step forward in the pursuit of Surftech's goal to expand its distribution network and strengthen its presence in key European markets.
   

Water Sports Products Market Companies

Major players operating in the water sports products industry are:

• Airhead Sports Group
• Aqua Lung International
• Beuchat
• Body Glove
• Cressi
• Hobie Cat Company
• Hurley
• Liquid Force
• Mares
• Naish International
• O’Brien Watersports
• O'Neill
• Scubapro
• Speedo International
• Tabata
   

To improve the services and market share key players are constantly investing in technological activities and are also entering into partnerships to provide improved and better solutions for the customers. These investments are benefiting both companies and customers as they help develop and offer solutions as per the changing technological trends and thus the customer requirements.
 

In November 2023, in collaboration with Lamoral, Speedo has produced its lowest water absorption and most durable water repellent suits yet. The innovative fabric coating is lightweight, providing a feeling of weightlessness. The Fastskin LZR Intent 2.0 uses a smart fusion of three textured fabric zones, along with bonded seams and compressive dual layers in targeted areas to streamline, increase power and reduce drag.  The Fastskin LZR Valor 2.0 now has six times more durable water repellency, with compression that allows freedom of movement with stability and support.
 

In January 2023, NASCAR announced a collaboration that will deliver a brand-new collection of men's and women's beach and surf apparel. Hurley has developed cutting-edge, fashionable beachwear for both collections including items such as board shorts, swimwear, athleisure, tees, hats and woven tops.
 

Water Sports Products Industry News

• In January 2025, Speedo unveiled the Vanquisher goggle, the Vanquisher 3.0. The advanced addition to Speedo's unparalleled goggle line is available for purchase. The Vanquisher 3.0 is the latest evolution of Speedo's No.1 training & racing goggles, empowering swimmers to train longer, stronger, and better than ever.
   
• In June 2024, USA Swimming will get a $1 million donation from Speedo. With its "Campaign for Change," Speedo's "Swim United" program is dedicated to diversifying the sport, and this donation fits with that goal.
   
•  In April 2024, Aqualung Group successfully sold its historic snorkeling brand, US Divers, to a California-based company, Aqua Master Sporting Technology Co LLC.
   
• In March 2022, Body Glove launched the 2022 Performer 11 Inflatable Paddle Board. It has a new design and improvements in performance features, including better stability, easier portability, and lightweight durability.
   

This water sports products market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Thousand Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Surfing products
  • Wetsuits
  • Surfboards
  • Water skis
  • Wakeboard
  • Wake skates
  • Wake surfers
  • Kneeboards
  • Others (leashes, fins etc.)
• Safety products
  • Dry suit
  • Wetsuit
  • Rash guards
  • Life jackets
  • Personal floatation device
  • Others (impact vests etc.)
• Diving products
  • Masks/fins
  • Caps
  • Goggles
  • Swimsuits
  • Others (gauges, scuba tanks etc.)    

Market, By Age Group

• Kids
• Men
• Women    

Market, By End Use

• Individual
• Commercial      

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online
  • E-commerce website
  • Company websites
• Offline
  • Franchise stores
  • Others (specialty stores, department stores etc.)       

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa