8 Surf Brand Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: November 19th, 2023

Start A Surf Brand

Tropical islands feature amazing beaches with calm waters and are great for surfing. The fantastic weather and calm waters make the beaches within the tropical islands an attractive destination for surfers.

Therefore, starting a surf brand in the tropical islands can be a profitable business. Alternatives include surfing lessons, surfing boards, and surfing accessories.

Here are some real life success stories of starting a surf brand:

1. Thurso Surf ($1.2M/year)

Childhood friends Shenglong You and Yu Li reconnected over paddleboarding and saw an opportunity to improve the gear and accessories available. They started Thurso Surf in 2017, initially testing their products on Amazon before launching their online store in 2018. With their focus on product quality, customer service, and building their brand, they have become one of the best SUP brands in the mid-range market, selling thousands of boards in dozens of countries.

How much they make: $1.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $5K
Current team size:

These Childhood Friends Designed A $1.2M/Year Stand Up Paddleboard

Thurso Surf, founded by childhood friends, has quickly grown to become one of the best SUP brands in the highly competitive mid-range market, selling thousands of boards in dozens of countries since its launch in 2018, with traffic increased 16X since their first year in operation.

About

Shenglong started Thurso Surf over 7 years ago

Revenue

Shenglong grew the business to $100K/month

Costs

It cost Shenglong $5000 to start the business

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Starting A Surf Brand: Everything You Need To Know

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So... can you actually make money with a surf brand?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

2. Ventana Surfboards & Supplies ($96K/year)

David Dennis, co-founder of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies, was inspired by his business partner's reclaimed and eco-friendly surfboards, leading them to launch an environmentally responsible surf company. Frustrated with the industry's pollution and unsustainable practices, they started small, marketed their unique products through compelling content and stories, and have seen success with their line of boards, apparel, and surf supplies. With tripled board values over the past three years and profitable operations from the start, they plan to continue growing their brand organically while giving back to ocean conservation organizations.

How much they make: $96K/year
How much did it cost to start: $15K
Current team size: 0

Growing A Business Selling Surfboards As Pieces of Art

Ventana Surfboards & Supplies co-founder David Dennis discusses their environmentally responsible surf company that has seen their boards triple in value over the last three years, and has grown a profitable eco-apparel line, focusing on compelling content and stories to attract customers.

About

David started Ventana Surfboards & Supplies over 9 years ago

Revenue

David grew the business to $8K/month

Costs

It cost David $15000 to start the business

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5. Surfline

The most accurate and trusted surf reports, forecasts and coastal weather. Surfers from around the world choose Surfline for dependable and up to date surfing forecasts and high quality surf content, live surf cams and features.

Website traffic: 4.32M/month

So... can you actually make money with a surf brand?

Of course. There are millions to be made in this industry.

But how?

Research real, profitable businesses and see exactly how much money they make.
Study exactly what works, and what doesn’t.
Take action, because now you have the roadmap.

Join Starter Story and build your next big thing:

Start Now

7. Magic Sea Weed

Surf Reports, Surf Forecasts, Web Cams and Surfing Photos for Spots around the Globe.

Website traffic: 9.04M/month

8. Surfdome

Over 300 Surf, Snow, Skate and Outdoor brands with FREE DELIVERY* available on clothing, footwear, accessories & equipment.

Website traffic: 1.34M/month