20 Business Ideas For Surfers [2024]
Are you a surfer looking to ride the wave of business opportunities in 2024? Whether you're looking to turn your passion for surfing into a profitable venture or simply want to explore new possibilities, there are plenty of options to consider.
From surf schools to eco-friendly surf gear, you could find a niche that suits your skills and interests. Imagine the freedom of working within the surf community while building a business that reflects your lifestyle.
In this article, we will explore various business ideas tailored for surfers like you. Each idea offers a unique blend of oceanic adventure and entrepreneurial spirit.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other surfer businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
If you're a surfer with a knack for creating compelling video content, starting a YouTube channel might be an excellent way to supplement your income. This platform allows you to share your surfing expertise, passion for the waves, or even coastal lifestyle with a global audience. You could generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise while building a community around your brand.
Building a successful channel requires consistent, high-quality content and regular audience engagement. With a well-curated channel, you have the potential to turn your love for surfing into a rewarding entrepreneurial venture. If you're ready to put in the effort, the possibilities are endless.
Learn more about getting started here.
Why choose a YouTube channel? - You can monetize your passion for surfing through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. - You have the opportunity to connect with a global community of surf enthusiasts. - Creating content allows you to stay involved in the surfing lifestyle while earning extra income.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a fantastic way for surfers to supplement their income while sharing their passion for the waves with a broader audience. By creating and producing audio content focused on topics like surfing techniques, the best surf spots, or interviews with surf legends, you could attract a dedicated listener base. With some basic equipment and a hosting platform, you'll be able to produce high-quality episodes that resonate with fellow surf enthusiasts.
Why start a podcast?
- You could monetize your passion. By building an audience, you open the door to sponsorships and advertising revenue.
- Share your expertise and experiences. Your unique surf stories and knowledge could educate and entertain listeners around the world.
- Expand your personal brand. A successful podcast will solidify your presence in the surfing community and potentially lead to new opportunities.
For more insights on starting your own podcast, check out this Starter Story link.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
3. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an excellent way for surfers to share their unique lifestyle and experiences with a dedicated audience while generating extra income on the side. Imagine documenting your surfing adventures, offering tips on the best surf spots, reviewing gear, and even sharing inspirational stories from the surfing community. By creating engaging and informative content, surfers can quickly build a loyal following and monetize their blogs through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and collaborations with brands that align with their surfing lifestyle.
To get started, identify your niche within the surfing world—whether it's eco-friendly surf gear, beginner's guides, or the best international surf destinations—and begin creating content that resonates with your audience. Over time, as your blog gains traction, you'll not only supplement your income but also build a platform where you can connect with like-minded surfers worldwide. For inspiration and tips on profit potential, check out how much niche blogs make.
Why starting a niche blog?
- You could turn your passion for surfing into a lucrative side business by sharing your unique perspectives and experiences.
- Blogging opens up opportunities for brand partnerships and sponsorships that align with your surfing lifestyle.
- With consistent content and a growing audience, you can generate passive income through affiliate links and advertisements.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
4. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
For surfers looking to blend their passion with entrepreneurial zest, starting a niche website presents an exciting opportunity. By focusing on surf-related topics—from surfboard reviews and beach destination guides to surfing gear and technique tutorials—you could create valuable content that resonates with the surf community. Monetization options, like affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling personalized digital products, offer versatile revenue streams, potentially turning your niche website into a stable source of passive income.
Why consider a niche website?
- You’ll build a platform that speaks to your passion and expertise, attracting a dedicated surf enthusiast audience.
- You could earn passive income while sharing your love for surfing, with varied monetization options.
- You’ll have the creative freedom to design and curate content that truly reflects your surf culture lifestyle.
For more inspiration, check out these successful niche website stories on Starter Story here.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
5. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business is a smart move for surfers looking to supplement their income or even build a full-fledged business. This digital venture allows you to earn commissions by promoting various brands and products, freeing up more time for you to catch waves while still making money. All you need is the ability to identify the right products to market, and build a platform—be it a blog, social media account, or YouTube channel—to effectively reach potential customers. For further insights, check out how successful affiliate marketers operate here.
Why consider an affiliate marketing business?
- It offers flexibility. Affiliate marketing allows you to work from anywhere, including beachside locations.
- It leverages your existing influence. If you already have social media followers or a blog, you could start earning almost immediately.
- It's a passive income stream. Once your content is up and running, you could earn money while surfing.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
As a surfer, you could easily leverage your passion and skills into a profitable online course sales business. Whether it's teaching beginners how to master the basics of surfing or advanced techniques for catching bigger waves, there is a growing market for people eager to learn from experienced surfers. With the e-learning market projected to exceed $645 billion, creating and selling online courses could turn your expertise into a steady stream of income without compromising your surf time.
To get started, all you need is to pinpoint your target audience, develop engaging course content, and choose a suitable online learning platform to sell your courses. By focusing on what you are already passionate and knowledgeable about, you could create meaningful and valuable content that resonates with aspiring surfers. Check out success stories of others who have ventured into the e-learning market and start envisioning your own journey.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could turn your surfing expertise into passive income.
- Spending less time working means more time surfing.
- Sharing your passion with others worldwide is endlessly rewarding.
For more insights and successful examples, check out these online course sales business success stories.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
7. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
If you're a surfer looking to supplement your income or start a side business, an ecommerce reselling business could be a perfect fit. With the flexibility to buy and resell services or goods, you won't have to worry about production costs, allowing you to focus more on catching the perfect wave. Plus, initially, you can start without a website and use social media platforms to sell, scaling up as your business grows.
For more detailed information, you can explore success stories and startup costs on Starter Story.
Why start an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low overhead costs: You don't need to invest in production; simply purchase and resell.
- Flexibility: Manage your business on the go, giving you more time to surf.
- Quick start: Launch your reseller business using social media without needing a website.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
8. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
A dropshipping business allows you to sell products without the need to hold inventory, making it a flexible and low-risk option for surfers. By choosing a niche related to surfing, like surf gear or beach accessories, you could tap into your passion and expertise while generating income. Set up an online store using platforms like Shopify or WooCommerce, partner with reliable suppliers, and focus on marketing to carve a profitable side business.
Why consider dropshipping?
- Minimal upfront costs and no need to manage physical inventory.
- Flexibility to run your business from anywhere, giving you more time to hit the waves.
- Opportunity to share and promote surf-related products you truly believe in, connecting with fellow surf enthusiasts.
For more detailed advice, check out this article on dropshipping business profitability.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
9. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be a great opportunity for surfers to supplement their income or even launch a new venture. By curating and sending out boxes filled with surfing gear, apparel, or unique ocean-related items, you could tap into a passionate community that values convenience and exclusive products. Subscription boxes are popular because they offer ongoing value and a sense of surprise, which can keep your customers excited every month. For more information and inspiration, you can check out some successful stories of subscription box businesses.
Why start a subscription box business?
- You could monetize your surf knowledge by curating products that resonate with fellow surfers.
- Subscription boxes can create a steady stream of recurring revenue, ensuring financial stability.
- By providing exclusive or hard-to-find products, you can build a loyal customer base eager to discover what's new each month.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
10. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
As a surfer, creating a mobile app could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even start a full-fledged business. Think about how many times you’ve wished for a better way to check surf conditions, find new spots, or connect with other surfers. With your unique insights, you could develop an app that solves these problems and caters specifically to the surfing community. By tapping into your passion and combining it with technology, you can create something valuable that other surfers would love to use.
By starting a mobile app business, you could transform your passion into a scalable opportunity. Platforms and resources for app development are more accessible than ever, meaning your creative ideas can come to life more easily. For some inspiration, check out mobile app success stories on Starter Story.
Why create a mobile app?
- You could solve real problems surfers face daily, making their lives easier and more enjoyable.
- It’s a flexible business venture, allowing you to work remotely, even while chasing waves around the globe.
- An app is a scalable product, meaning you could reach a global audience and generate significant revenue.
For more details, visit mobile app startup costs.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
11. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
As a surfer, you already value the importance of physical fitness, mental well-being, and a balanced lifestyle. Starting a health and wellness app can allow you to share your passion for a healthy lifestyle while generating additional income and making a positive impact on others. This venture can also provide a flexible schedule and the freedom to surf while managing a thriving business.
By collaborating with health experts, you could create personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises tailored for every individual user. Learn more about the potential of health and wellness apps on Starter Story.
Why start a health and wellness app?
- You could share your knowledge and passion for a healthy lifestyle.
- You could create a flexible business model, allowing you to surf when the waves are perfect.
- The health and wellness industry is growing, providing numerous opportunities for innovation and profit.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
12. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business would make perfect sense as a surfer. You could design custom apparel, home goods, phone cases, and more with surf-inspired designs and motifs, allowing you to share your passion with a global audience. Print-on-demand businesses require minimal startup costs, enabling you to run your operations from home or even your favorite beach spot, giving you more time to catch the perfect wave.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could turn your surfing passion into profits by creating and selling unique surf-themed merchandise.
- The flexibility to operate from anywhere allows you to maintain your surfing lifestyle while supplementing your income.
- Low startup costs mean you can focus on designing creative products without worrying about hefty initial investments. For more details, you can check how others have succeeded with similar ideas here.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
13. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Channel your passion for surfing into a lucrative stock photography business. With the ocean as your canvas and your board as a tool, you could capture breathtaking waves, stunning sunsets, and the dynamic energy of surf culture. Businesses crave authentic and captivating images for marketing—your unique perspective as a surfer puts you in a prime position to supply these images.
By building an impressive portfolio, you could earn passive income by selling your high-quality stock photos. For tips on getting started, consider reading about profitability, marketing ideas, and startup costs offered on Starter Story.
Why start a stock photography business?
- Your love for surfing naturally places you in beautiful and dynamic environments that are ideal subjects for stock photography.
- Building a portfolio of high-quality images could create a steady passive income stream.
- Selling stock photos leverages your passion for surfing into a flexible business opportunity, letting you enjoy both work and play.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
14. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
As a surfer with a passion for innovative financial opportunities, starting a niche investment platform could offer you a unique business venture. By creating a custom-tailored online exchange that focuses on alternative asset classes like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or real estate, you provide a place for specialized investors to trade and diversify their portfolios. Leveraging modern technology, you can create a transparent and appealing platform that attracts an exclusive user base, generating recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions. This could be your way to stay connected to the waves while benefiting from flexible working hours and the lucrative world of niche investments. For more ideas, visit Starter Story's niche investment platform tips.
Why consider launching a niche investment platform?
- You could tap into a growing market of investors looking for alternatives amid volatile stock markets.
- You can leverage your passion for surfing and alternative investments to build a community of like-minded traders.
- This business provides potential for recurring revenue, giving you financial stability while pursuing your passion for surfing.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
15. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
For surfers with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting an AI-based business solution offers an exciting opportunity to dive into the world of cutting-edge technology while maintaining the flexibility to hit the waves. AI solutions can optimize countless aspects of business operations, from enhancing customer service and managing inventory to predicting market trends and personalizing marketing efforts. This means you could run a highly efficient, data-driven business without needing to sacrifice your surfing sessions.
The demand for AI technology is skyrocketing, providing a prime opportunity for those looking to capitalize on the trend. Many AI platforms are user-friendly and come with solid support systems, so you don't need to have a tech background to get started. For a strategic move into this fast-growing market, consider launching an AI-based business solution to complement your lifestyle and financial goals.
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- You could automate repetitive tasks and focus on high-impact activities, freeing up more time for surfing.
- The growing demand for AI provides a lucrative market for innovative solutions.
- User-friendly platforms and strong support make it accessible, even for those without a technical background.
Learn more about the profitability of AI-based business solutions and other success stories here: AI Business Solution Profitability.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
16. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business can be an excellent way for surfers to supplement their income while maintaining the flexibility to chase the perfect wave. If you’ve ever encountered a problem on a WordPress site and found yourself thinking of a solution, you could develop a plugin to address that need and sell it online. Platforms like CodeCanyon provide excellent opportunities to market your plugins and generate residual income while you spend your days surfing.
Why consider starting a WordPress plugin business?
- You could create passive income streams, allowing you to earn money even when you're out in the water.
- The business model offers immense flexibility, enabling you to code from anywhere, be it your home, a café, or a beachside spot.
- Developing a plugin that solves a common issue offers the potential for substantial earnings, making it possible to turn your coding skills into a profitable venture.
For more about the ins and outs of this business, check out our detailed guide on how to start a WordPress plugin business.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
17. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Imagine managing multiple social media accounts effortlessly while driving engagement and growth. That's the essence of a social media automation business. For surfers who want to supplement their income or dive into a new side hustle, this avenue leverages your knack for technology and strategic marketing. You could help small businesses and influencers save time and enhance their social presence, all while taking breaks to catch some waves.
With the burgeoning need for consistent and strategic social media engagement, there's a significant demand for automation. The real work involves developing or integrating software solutions, staying updated on social media trends, and building relationships with clients to tailor services to their needs. Check out these success stories to see how others have thrived in this niche.
Why consider starting a social media automation business?
- Flexible work hours let you surf when the waves are perfect.
- The growing demand for automation means a steady client base.
- Combine your tech-savvy nature with your love for marketing to create a fulfilling income stream.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
18. Start a cold email service business ($170K/month)
The flexibility of running a cold email service business makes it an ideal choice for surfers looking to supplement their income or build a side business. You could leverage your strategic mindset and engaging writing skills to craft compelling email campaigns for businesses, all while enjoying the surf lifestyle. Start small by helping local businesses with lead generation, and as you build success stories, you could expand your clientele further. For more insights on starting a cold email service business, check out this page.
Why consider a cold email service business?
- You could enjoy the flexibility to work from anywhere, allowing you to balance work with surf sessions.
- This business leverages your creativity and technical skills, making it perfect for strategically minded surfers.
- There is a constant demand for effective email marketing, offering predictable rewards and the potential for scaling up.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $450,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 35 days (?)
GMass, an email marketing platform that allows users to send cold emails and email marketing campaigns with Gmail, has attracted over 500,000 user signups, including major tech companies like Uber, LinkedIn, and Google, and now generates over $200K in monthly recurring revenue through a successful content marketing strategy and focused ad spend.
19. Start an email marketing tool ($992K/month)
As a surfer, you're deeply connected to a community that's always looking for the latest updates, tips, and gear. Starting an email marketing tool could help you capitalize on that by allowing you to create, manage, and automate email campaigns aimed at surfers, enthusiasts, and related businesses. Not only does email marketing have a potential market size of up to $2.53B by 2028, but it's also one of the most effective channels for generating leads and sales, making it a lucrative venture with low barriers to entry.
Why start an email marketing tool?
- You could connect with the surfer community. Use your unique insights to create tailored emails that resonate.
- You have the flexibility to work from anywhere. Enjoy the waves while managing campaigns online.
- You could tap into a booming market. The email marketing industry is expanding rapidly, offering great potential for growth and revenue.
For tips on how to get started, check out Starter Story's email marketing tool ideas.
How much you can make: $120 — $20,833,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years.
20. Create an AI writing tool ($255K/month)
Starting an AI writing tool might seem far-fetched for a surfer, but it's a business opportunity that's worth riding the wave. This enterprise revolves around developing a digital tool powered by Artificial Intelligence to aid in content creation, making it highly relevant and essential in today's content-driven world. As a surfer, you could leverage the flexibility of an AI writing tool business to earn income, all while enjoying the freedom to catch the perfect wave whenever the tide is right.
Embedding artificial intelligence into content creation offers significant benefits, such as automated, error-free, and time-efficient processes. Imagine providing a solution that eases the workload for writers globally, transforms their processes, and boosts productivity. Dive into this innovative venture and explore the potential it holds for creating a successful business.
Why create an AI writing tool?
- You could manage this high-tech business from anywhere, allowing you to spend more time on the water.
- The demand for consistent, quality content is ever-growing, meaning your customer base is vast and varied.
- An AI writing tool could provide a stable and scalable income stream, making it a reliable side gig or full-time venture.
For more insights, check out some success stories and guides on Starter Story.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Rytr, a new AI writing assistant developed by a startup platform and business incubator, has become a market leader, serving over 300,000 customers across the world and doing seven figures in ARR.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
