January Surf Expo

[djFL]

We missed the surf expo last weekend in Orlando. I noticed they had another one in January of 2011. Has anyone been to it? Is it any different or is it the same stuff? Even though I live in Tampa, Florida ive never been to a surf expo, so what is there to do there? Any suggestions, anything good? I was planning on attending that one because I missed the last one.

[thtrog]

I had the opportunity to go last weekend and it was well worth our trip from NC. It was cool to see all the 2011 gear being released for next season. I can tell you there are vendors from the resort and clothes/accessories industy...surfing is huge part of the show along with wakeboarding/water sports and skate boarding.

There were also boat manufactures there, which included a Platinum Edition RZ2 and the new R20. We did not make it for the awards ceremony Friday night, but Malibu & Axis took home all the awards. Don't shoot me...just reporting. It was also cool seeing the pro riders on the system 2.0 hitting rails inside the convention center.

If you have the chance to go in January I would definitely recommend it. We were just there Saturday and a few hours on Sunday...my son rode at McCormick's on Saturday afternoon and Orlando Watersports Complex on Sunday. Thanks to our good friend GoBoardGo for getting us in. Great trip,food, and weather!!!

[djFL]

Thanks for the info. We'll definatly have to go and check it out. I guess in January they will have mostly the same stuff then. I thought it might change because of the season. Ive heard about Mcormicks but have never been there. Seens like a cool place though.

[thtrog]

You can find more info at www.surfexpo.com

[robert theisen]

if you have a rv you can stay at mccormicks or i would recommend lazydays only 1.5 to 2 miles away at exit 10 on highway interstae 4. also owc is great place to ride.surf and ski pro shop is also near owc if you need any gear.

[knelems]

djFL, Are you in the wake or surf industry? I have only been to the Sept. Expo.No boat mfg's at the Jan. show(unless CC displays one, since they are out of Orlando) not sure if the wakeboard companies attend in Jan. either. The website will list the mfg's who plan to display.

I did hear Tige had several new dealer inquiries from their display at the Expo this year.Someone posted photos on wakeworld from the show.

[thtrog]

djFL, Are you in the wake or surf industry? I have only been to the Sept. Expo.No boat mfg's at the Jan. show(unless CC displays one, since they are out of Orlando) not sure if the wakeboard companies attend in Jan. either. The website will list the mfg's who plan to display.

I did hear Tige had several new dealer inquiries from their display at the Expo this year.Someone posted photos on wakeworld from the show.

I think you are correct about the wake vendors January show, but you can't tell by the site yet. The Tige display was busy, so hopefully it was a good show for them. I adhered to the rules and did not take any photos. I did put a few from OWC here http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...t=12486&page=2

[knelems]

With cell phones,I think everyone has taken photos for years.The wakeboard companies released product early this year so most people had already seen most of their goods from australia or online sites.Most mfg's like people to post new photos to get the public excited about 2011 product but not great for dealers with current inventory in stock.
You can check right before the show opens and Expo should have their exibitors up to date, they will probably make some deals to try and fill up space. Jan. is boat show season for the boat mfg's.

[goboardgo]

The January show is not the same as the summer show. Don't get me wrong it is a fun time no matter which one you go to but there will be absolutely no wakeboards, waterskis or boats. Everything else is there though. If you like bikinis and free energy drinks, you will be happy!

[goboardgo]

BTW- Do not plan a trip to Surf Expo unless you have an "in". You cannot just show up and expect to get in. You have to have some sort of documented affliation with the industry.

[djFL]

But anyone can get into the september show right?

[chpthril]

But anyone can get into the september show right?

Dont think so, i believe both are a dealer only show

[mtnsmith]

Yup, definitely dealer only. But check with the local dealers, sometimes they have extra passes or might only use their's for one day and will help you out to get in.

[knelems]

They are both for retailers, not to the public.You have to show copies of a paycheck,business liscense,business card etc. Or you can pay as a guest of a shop for the day.The site should list all the info for first time attendees.I would rather go to a boat show in Jan. than the Expo that time of year.
I did see a boards & waves expo in cocoa beach this past April open to the public,Drew Brophy has some of his surf board art there,maybe they will have another one this spring.