Catching the New Wave of Surfing Enthusiasm
If it seems like more people are waxing up boards and paddling out these days, you’re not imagining it. Surfing is riding a nationwide wave of popularity. In fact, recent sports surveys show surfing was the fastest-growing water sport in America, with participation up 28.5% in the last few years. That means roughly 1.1% of Americans are now surfers, a number that has climbed over 35% in under a decade. From the sunny Pacific shores of California to the stormy swells of New England, more people than ever are getting stoked on surfing. What’s fueling this boom? A mix of factors, pandemic-fueled outdoor recreation, Olympic spotlight, social media influence, and a cultural shift toward trying new adventures, have all combined to send surfing’s popularity off the charts.
Surfing by the Numbers: Lessons and Coaches on the Rise
Surfing’s growth isn’t just showing up in statistics, you can see it on the beaches and even in booking data. More people are signing up for surfing lessons than ever before, and the number of instructors is soaring to meet the demand. For example, TeachMe.To has seen surfing lessons nearly double year-over-year. From 2023 to 2024, there was an 89% increase in surfing lessons. Now in 2025, as of early June, the year is on track to smash last year’s total. This surge in lessons booked is a clear sign that heaps of new surfers are paddling out for the first time and seeking guidance.
On the flip side, the pool of surf coaches is also growing at breakneck speed to accommodate all these learners. TeachMe.To grew their coach totals by double from 2023 to 2024. By mid-2025, there is an astounding jump of over 130% in just half a year. In other words, not only are more newbies eager to learn, but experienced surfers are stepping up to teach and share the stoke. This dynamic creates a virtuous cycle: as beginner-friendly coaching becomes more available, surfing feels more accessible to newcomers, further fueling the growth.
The numbers don’t lie, surfing’s learning curve is no longer scaring people off. With so many instructors out there and user-friendly booking options, catching your first wave has never been easier. If you’ve been tempted to try surfing, you’re definitely not alone. Surf shops report selling out of beginner boards, and lineups are getting more crowded, even at dawn patrol. In fact, anecdotal reports backed by industry data show some local surf spots are ~35% more crowded than they were pre-COVID, a testament to how many fresh faces have joined the lineup. The boom in lessons and coaching is setting up a new generation of surfers to keep the stoke alive.
From Local Contests to Olympic Glory: Surf Competitions Heating Up
Another sign of surfing’s rising profile is the surge of interest in competitions and tournaments, from grassroots community contests all the way to the Olympics. Surfing has always had its pro tour and local comps, but now way more people are tuning in, cheering on their favorite surfers, and even competing themselves.
Nothing has put competitive surfing on the mainstream map quite like the Olympics. Surfing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, and suddenly millions around the world saw surfers on prime-time TV chasing gold medals. Team USA made a splash with superstar Carissa Moore winning the first-ever women’s Olympic surfing gold for the U.S.. The Olympic exposure has been huge, it inspired tons of young athletes and showed that surfing isn’t just a “chill pastime” but also a legit sport worthy of the world stage. By the time the 2024 Paris Olympics rolled around, even more viewers were hooked. Now with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon, where surfing will take place at the famed Trestles break in Southern California, there’s a growing patriotic buzz around U.S. surfing. All this means if you wander down to a local beach during a surf contest, you’ll likely find bigger crowds and more excitement than ever. From kids’ divisions and women’s events to adaptive surfing competitions, there’s a new spotlight on every level of surf competition. Surfing has truly entered the big leagues, and the fans are here for it.
Surfing in the Spotlight: Media, Social Media & Celebrity Buzz
Beyond competitions, surfing’s cultural visibility has exploded thanks to media and pop culture. In the past, mainstream exposure to surfing might have been limited to an occasional Hollywood surf movie or a Beach Boys song. Now, surfing is everywhere, Olympic broadcasts, viral TikTok videos, YouTube vlogs, Instagram feeds, and high-profile documentaries, feeding the public’s fascination with riding waves.
One major driver has been social media, where jaw-dropping surf clips spread like wildfire. You’ve probably seen short videos of surfers bombing down giant waves at Nazaré or perfectly peeling barrels in Indonesia, the kind of footage that makes anyone think “Whoa, I want to try that!” Professional surfers have become influencers, and vice versa. For example, Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira gained a whopping 1.3 million Instagram followers after winning Olympic gold in Tokyo, bringing tons of new eyes to the sport. Closer to home, American pro surfers and even everyday surfers are sharing their rides online, demystifying the sport for newcomers. The hashtag #SurfTok showcases everything from beginners’ wipeouts to experts tackling monster waves, generating millions of views and a steady stream of new surf-curious folks.
Traditional media has caught the wave too. In recent years, we’ve gotten high-production surfing content on major streaming platforms that never existed before. Case in point: the HBO docu-series “100 Foot Wave” turned big-wave surfing into must-see TV. This gripping show (following surfer Garrett McNamara’s quest to conquer a 100-foot wave in Nazaré, Portugal) became a hit and introduced mainstream audiences to the adrenaline and drama of extreme surfing. Big-wave surfing has essentially become a mainstream phenomenon, thanks in large part to that ground-breaking HBO documentary. The show reached people who never surfed a day in their life and left them awestruck, and maybe even inspired to pick up a board. Similarly, Apple TV+ launched “Make or Break,” a reality/docuseries following the world’s top pro surfers through a championship season. Dubbed the “Drive to Survive” of surfing (a reference to the popular Formula 1 series),
From Coast to Coast: America’s Surfing Hotspots
When someone says “surfing in the USA,” you might first picture the golden beaches of California or the legendary breaks of Hawaii. It’s true, those places remain surfing meccas and have only grown in popularity. California, for instance, is such a hub of surf culture that it officially declared “California Surfing Day” on September 20th each year to celebrate its rich wave-riding heritage. From the chilly barrels of Santa Cruz to the sunny swells of San Diego, California’s coast is teeming with surfers new and old. TeachMe.To’s data even shows that two California spots, Pacifica (near San Francisco) and San Diego, have been among the top cities for surf lessons in recent years. The Golden State’s mix of consistent waves, surf schools, and culture of beach life make it an unbeatable breeding ground for the sport. Not to be outdone, Hawaii, the birthplace of modern surfing, continues to be the heart and soul of surf culture. Oʻahu’s North Shore remains hallowed ground for big-wave contests and pros, while spots like Waikiki are crowded with beginners riding their first wave on a longboard. Hawaii’s influence is everywhere; many would say surfing isn’t just a sport there, it’s a way of life. It’s common to see keiki (kids) learning to surf almost as soon as they can swim, and the islands consistently produce world-class talent (several of the current American surf Olympians hail from Hawaii).
But here’s the kicker: surfing fever has spread far beyond the classic surf states. East Coast surf scenes are thriving like never before. Sure, the Atlantic doesn’t offer the year-round consistency of the Pacific, but from New England down to Florida, dedicated surfers are making the most of hurricane swells and winter nor’easters. In fact, the East Coast’s variable conditions and seasonal swells have attracted a growing community of surfers seeking a unique challenge. Spots like the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Virginia Beach, New Jersey’s shore breaks, and Florida’s Space Coast have all solidified their reputations as surf hubs. The aforementioned ECSC in Virginia Beach shows just how big East Coast surfing has become, drawing competitors and spectators from all over. And don’t sleep on the Northeast: places like Rhode Island and New Hampshire see hardy cold-water surfers out there even when there’s snow on the sand! The bottom line is surfing is truly nationwide now, it’s not just a West Coast or Hawaii thing.
All told, the U.S. surf scene has never been more vibrant or widespread. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or New York, Oahu or the Outer Banks, there’s a surfing community near you that’s buzzing with energy. The established hotspots are booming with new faces, and new hotspots are emerging in the unlikeliest locales. It’s an exciting time, as surfing becomes a truly national pastime.
Ready to Dive In?
Surfing in the U.S. has caught a massive wave of momentum, and it doesn’t show signs of slowing. More people are learning, more are watching, and more are living the surf life than at any time in recent memory. It’s a sport, a hobby, and for many, an obsession, and now it’s open to anyone who’s intrigued. The beauty of this boom is that you don’t have to be in Hawaii or California to start surfing, nor do you need to fit the stereotypical surfer mold. Whether you’re a teen in a coastal town, a mid-career professional looking for a new thrill, or a retiree seeking an exciting way to stay fit, surfing has a place for you.
So why not join the fun and catch a wave yourself? If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re at least a little tempted. The water’s waiting! One of the best ways to get started is to take a lesson with a qualified instructor who can show you the ropes (and the pop-up, and the turtle roll…). In fact, this is the perfect time to do it, with so many great coaches out there now, you can learn safely and quickly. Grab a spot in a surfing lesson through TeachMe.To and see what the hype is about. You’ll be supporting passionate local coaches and, who knows, you might just discover your new favorite hobby. So wax up that board, throw on some sunscreen, and go ride that wave, the swell of surfing’s popularity is here, and it’s yours to enjoy. See you in the lineup!
