The worlds biggest surf expo has just taken place in the Orlando USA, and without Stand Up Paddle exhibitors, the organisers have said that it wouldn't have ben anywhere near as successful. 

The Surf Expo is somewhat of an institution for those who can make it over to the USA. Since 1976 it's been the ultimate show ground for surf companies, and continues to grow in popularity again after the recession these past few years. Trade exhibitors couldn't have been happier to watch as over 14,000 customers walked through the doors over 3 days; not bad for a twice yearly event! 

Once again in the centre of the complex there was a large pool dedicated to testing Stand up paddle boards. Whilst not a new feature, this year the fact that the SUP pool was open for customers to try Stand Up Paddle equipment was a huge plus, and something that brought great value to the event. 

As well as the 'come and try' aspect on offer, almost every US based Stand up paddle company was there with their 2012 range on display. With most SUP brands releasing their 2012 product back in August/September last year (before the US summer); there's been very few sneak peaks at new products, but those are sure to come later on in our winter. 

Along side the stand up paddle exhibitors, there was also a massive skateboarding contingent, countless surfboard displays and of course an abundance of surf accessories companies with rows and rows of products available for sale. To entertain the crowd there was all day skateboarding contests and fashion shows in the evenings. The Fashion shows were a huge hit, with both fashion and function being high on the brands agenda which is a welcome change, especially for those girls into stand up paddle. 

Roy Turner, Show Director for Surf Expo was stoked with the event, as he should be! Here's what he had to say just after the exhibition centre closed its doors on the final day: 
“Our show was bursting at the seams with exhibitors and buyers – all in a positive mood and doing business on the floor. From the minute we opened the doors until the show closing, there was an energy that I haven’t seen in years. The positive vibe at Surf Expo shows an industry headed in the right direction as it continues to rebound after the recession.”

#News #StandUpPaddle