Boom in Beach Gear
Baby boomers are heading for the shore with kids in tow. Increased family participation in surfing and other beach-related activities fueled $1.15 billion in equipment sales in 1994, up 10% from 1993. Estimated active participants, in millions, and equipment sales nationwide:
Surfing
Participants (‘95*): 1.6
Boards (‘95*): 352,800
Wetsuits: (‘95*): 510,000
Bodyboarding
1992 1993 1994 1995* Participants 1.8 1.9 2.0 2.2 Boards 500,000 500,000 550,000 600,000
Beach Volleyball
1992 1993 1994 1995* Participants 12.9 14.5 15.6 16.3 Volleyballs 250,000 400,000 450,000 475,000
In-Line Skating
1992 1993 1994 1995* Participants 7.0 8.5 9.0 10.0 Skates (in millions) 3.0 4.0 4.3 5.0
Skateboarding
1992 1993 1994 1995* Participants 6.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 Boards 500,000 550,000 550,000 566,500
Snowboarding
1992 1993 1994 1995* Participants 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.5 Boards 85,000 130,000 162,500 220,000
* Projected
Note: Participants are defined as those practicing the sport at least four times a year.
Source: Surf Industry Manufacturers Assn.; Researched by JANICE L. JONES/Los Angeles Times
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