SportsBoating, Sailing & Water Sports Events in Cape Town
About Surf Expo Africa
SURF EXPO AFRICA: Africa’s All-Ocean Sport and Beach Lifestyle Trade Show
SURF EXPO AFRICA is not just another trade event it’s a pioneering moment for the continent’s ocean sport and beach lifestyle industries. Taking place in the coastal heart of Cape Town, this groundbreaking expo is Africa’s first dedicated platform where local brands, international buyers, lifestyle enthusiasts, and global distributors converge to celebrate all things surf, sea, and sun.
Whether you're a business owner looking to enter new markets, a retailer in search of fresh products, or simply passionate about the culture that surrounds the ocean, SURF EXPO AFRICA provides the perfect wave to ride into the future of coastal living.
A New Chapter for African Ocean and Beach Industries
For decades, Africa's coastline has inspired surf culture, adventure tourism, and marine industries but there hasn’t been a unified event that reflects the full scope of these passions. SURF EXPO AFRICA changes that. It is the first trade-focused showcase in Africa that brings together surfing, ocean sports, fashion, equipment, and lifestyle under one roof.
What makes this event especially unique is its inclusive and collaborative format. It's not just about selling products it’s about forging industry bonds, discovering the potential of African coastal brands, and positioning the continent as a powerhouse in the global beach lifestyle economy.
What to Expect at SURF EXPO AFRICA
As a multifaceted trade expo, the event has something for everyone in the ocean sport and beach lifestyle ecosystem. With a vibrant exhibition floor, dynamic presentations, and curated experiences, attendees will gain exposure to an evolving industry.
Here’s what you can expect from the show:
A wide variety of beach and ocean lifestyle brands, both established and emerging
Apparel, gear, and hardgoods from surfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, diving, and beachwear sectors
Networking events to connect local manufacturers with international buyers
Live demonstrations and interactive sessions for testing new equipment and tech
Seminars and speaker panels hosted by thought leaders, athletes, and business innovators
Who Attends SURF EXPO AFRICA?
The diversity of attendees is one of the expo’s major strengths. It’s a melting pot of commercial ambition, cultural connection, and shared passion for the ocean.
Attendees include:
Local and international retailers exploring Africa’s product offerings
Distributors looking for the next big beachwear or water sport trend
Manufacturers and designers of lifestyle apparel and surf gear
Buyers and resellers seeking exclusive distribution deals
Athletes and ocean sports professionals who shape product performance
Tourism and hospitality operators inspired by beach lifestyle integration
SURF EXPO AFRICA is more than a show it’s where industry ecosystems are built.
Key Features That Make This Expo Stand Out
Unlike conventional trade shows, SURF EXPO AFRICA is infused with energy, entertainment, and cultural relevance. It doesn’t just showcase products; it celebrates a lifestyle.
The Event Includes:
Fashion Shows
Showcasing the latest in beachwear, surf apparel, and activewear trends from across Africa and beyond.
Live Demonstrations
From surfboards and wetsuits to accessories and safety gear, see and try products in action.
Educational Seminars
Hosted by industry veterans, covering everything from sustainable materials to building a surf brand.
Networking Mixers
Structured and informal opportunities to meet potential partners, clients, and collaborators.
Guest Speakers
Including world-class athletes, brand founders, and thought leaders in the ocean economy.
Why SURF EXPO AFRICA Matters
Africa is home to thousands of kilometers of coastline, rich cultural narratives, and a growing youth market eager for authentic and accessible ocean-centric lifestyles. Until now, the continent lacked a focused, high-level platform for the ocean sport industry to evolve, export, and engage.
SURF EXPO AFRICA acts as that essential catalyst. It fosters relationships between international buyers and African manufacturers, connects regional players with global trends, and champions African excellence on a global stage.
This is more than an event it’s a statement: Africa is ready to lead in ocean-inspired industries.
Opportunities for Growth, Investment, and Innovation
For businesses, SURF EXPO AFRICA offers strategic value on multiple levels. It’s an entry point into African markets for international investors and an international launchpad for African brands. As the global demand for ocean and beach products continues to grow, early engagement with this ecosystem could prove transformative.
Top Reasons to Participate:
Access to a fast-growing, youth-driven market
Explore new distribution channels across Africa and abroad
Discover sustainable and locally-produced innovations
Position your brand in a high-visibility, culture-rich environment
Be part of shaping the future of ocean sport commerce in Africa
SURF EXPO AFRICA is not just a first-of-its-kind event it’s a visionary leap forward for Africa’s place in the global ocean sport and beach lifestyle conversation. In uniting industry professionals, passionate communities, and cutting-edge brands, the expo creates a powerful space for growth, collaboration, and celebration.
Whether you are a local entrepreneur, an international buyer, a gear designer, or simply someone who believes in the future of African coastal culture, this is where you belong.
World Travel Market Africa
World Travel Market (WTM) is renowned for delivering leading global events for the tourism industry. One of the key events in its portfolio is WTM Africa, which was launched in 2014 to bring the advantages and opportunities of its extensive industry expertise to professionals in the African region. Held in Cape Town, South Africa, WTM Africa attracts around 5,000 tourism industry professionals, making it the premier B2B exhibition in Africa for inbound and outbound tourism markets.
Reflecting the success of flagship WTM events in London and the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, WTM Africa combines a well-established formula of hosted buyers, media coverage, pre-scheduled meetings, on-site networking, evening functions, and exclusive travel trade visitors. This powerful blend ensures that the event not only facilitates important business connections but also offers a platform for learning and discussion about the latest trends and innovations in tourism.
Beyond the event itself, WTM Africa continues to support the tourism professionals in the region throughout the year. It provides year-round access to tools for networking, the latest industry news, trends, and technologies from around the globe. This ongoing engagement helps industry players in Africa stay at the forefront of the global tourism landscape, enabling them to remain competitive and aware of the shifts shaping the market.
WTM Africa is uniquely positioned due to its combination of global reach and regional focus. By leveraging its vast industry networks, the event creates valuable business and personal opportunities for all participants. It ensures that customers receive quality contacts, relevant content, and access to communities that help foster long-term business relationships and promote commercial success. Through its strategic combination of face-to-face interactions and continued digital support, WTM Africa plays an integral role in strengthening Africa’s place in the global tourism industry.
