Surf Expo 2018 returns to Orlando
Surf Expo, the largest and longest running board sports and beach / lifestyle tradeshow in the world is back at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
The show features more than 2,500 booths of apparel and hard goods as well as a full line-up of special events, including the popular fashion show, annual awards ceremony, and demos. Approximately 28,600 attendees visit the show including retailers, exhibitors and buyers all looking for the latest in industry trends for the upcoming year.
Snapper Rock, founded in 2003, is just one of the companies setting trends and the award-winning children’s swimwear brand with UV50+ protection technology, and SR, the adult counterpart, is excited to exhibit the newly released styles. Snapper Rock and SR is showcasing their fun and fresh collection that contains multiple new prints and designs as well as stylish sun protection for all ages under the sun.
Mini beach babes will look adorable in their ruffle sets, bikinis and sun suits in prints including lemon, royal palm, and swan. The sun-loving ladies have a plethora of fashionable options including bikinis, tankinis, swim skirts, rash tops and sophisticated sarongs in both long and shorter styles. The sporty beach boys have fresh and cool options for board shorts and rash tops in aquatic themed patterns like lobsters, whales, geckos, pineapples and sailboats. These eye-popping new designs come in gorgeous shades of blue, green, purple, coral and even black for the adults! For those looking for additional coverage, stylish rash tops, jumpsuits, kaftans and chic swim dresses make going from water to land a piece of cake. To complete the beautiful new collection, SR is proud to debut a gorgeous, nautical themed beach bag with waterproof lining.
“We love spending time creating and developing out-of-the-box swimsuit designs each season, allowing children and adults to express their personal styles while remaining sun-safe and protected from head to toe,” said Snapper Rock Vice President Julie Rich (Pictured above left). “Now with more opportunities for our Snapper Rock and SR fans to create their own unique looks and enjoy the sun in style, we are absolutely thrilled to be taking part in the 2018 Surf Expo in sunny Orlando as we take our collection to nearly 60 countries around the world.”
More information at www.snapperrock.com
Another company looking to set new trends is OOFOS. The company produces bio-mechanically engineered footwear to alleviate the foot stress and soreness caused by the daily grind.The company has been trading for five years and has grown to more than $20 million in sales. Company spokesman Mike Hoffman said “Traditional athletic shoes deliver rebound and energy return benefits to propel you forward during your fitness activities. OOfoam does the opposite, absorbing 37% more of the impact to reduce the stress on your feet, body and soul to help you recover. This makes them perfect for casual wear, recovery after a grueling run, or relaxing after a long day on your feet… slip into a pair and you’ll immediately “Feel the OO”. “
More information on OOFOS can be seen at www.oofos.com
SharkEyes is a new company rolling out the U.S. distribution of their Snake Eyes product at the Expo this week. Founded by Shanan Worrall after incidents involving two of his friends, one of them fatal, the concept is really simple and Worrall developed a shark deterrent device consisting of a big set of false eyes that can be attached to the bottom of surfboards to scare the sharks away.
“Sharks are predatory creatures, have keen instincts, but also like a quick and easy meal and are cautious by nature. Having two big eyes staring back at them rattles their senses” said Worrall. “As experienced watermen from Australia, living and breathing the ocean, we’ve had countless first-hand encounters with sharks in their natural environment and have had to use all available means to defend ourselves from attack. After losing a great friend to a shark attack, and then watching a fellow abalone diver just scrape through an attack, we were motivated to pass on the knowledge we have accrued and offer Shark Eyes to the public.”
Florida is a natural choice to launch the product in the United States. The Sunshine State has proportionately had most of the unprovoked attacks (62.5 percent) in the USA and the largest portion (41.7 percent) of the world’s total in 2016, according to the International Shark Attack File. At New Smyrna Beach in Volusia, there are more shark-related incidents per square mile than on any other beach in the world.
Decal’s vary in price from $12.99 to $24.99 and are now available in over 100 stores. More details can be found at SharkEyesUSA.com
There’s lots more to see at Surf Expo and more information can be found at https://www.surfexpo.com/
More photos from the show at www.FloridaLeisurePhotography.com
