The world of wakeboarding is buzzing with excitement as cutting-edge accessories hit the scene. Wakeboarding is a popular water sport that’s packed with thrills and exhilaration! But with its popularity surging, staying equipped with the latest gear has never been more important, as it’s the key for consumers to maximize their thrills on the water!
From cutting-edge boards to stylish protective gear, read on to explore the top trending wakeboarding accessories sellers should know to keep up with market demand in 2024.
Table of Contents
A summary of the wakeboarding accessories market
4 must-have wakeboarding accessory trends for consumers in 2024
Bottom line
A summary of the wakeboarding accessories market
The popularity of water sports has shot through the roof in recent years, heralding the growth of related industries, like wakeboarding equipment. Experts placed the global market at US$ 0.8 billion in 2021, expecting it to cross US$ 2 billion by 2029. They also predict the market will register a 12.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period.
The most significant market driver is the increasing popularity of wakeboarding. Experts believe the rising interest in the water sport will also boost demand for wakeboarding equipment, fueling market growth. North America leads in wakeboarding accessories by accounting for the largest market share. Meanwhile, Europe will be the fastest developing regional market due to a boost in the number of water sports, water parks, schools, and water sports clubs.
4 must-have wakeboarding accessory trends for consumers in 2024
Wetsuits
Every wakeboarder (including beginners) needs a wetsuit. It’s one of the most essential (and popular) wakeboarding accessories. Water temperature is a big deal when engaging in this sport, with some regions being cold even on the warmest of summer days. But wetsuits are the secret weapon wakeboarders need to combat such variables.
While they are incredibly functional, wetsuits also have aesthetic elements. Consumers can choose between sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved, and short-legged wetsuits to match the look they are going for and the kind of protection they want. Regarding protection, wetsuits also offer different thicknesses to keep weather conditions away.
Usually, winter wetsuits offer 4mm to 5mm thickness, while summer variants feature somewhere between 2mm and 3mm. Naturally, winter wetsuits can retain warmth better, with their neoprene layers serving as insulators to trap body heat. On the other, summer wetsuits don’t have such insulating layers, allowing them to adopt more breathable designs (like cropped legs and arms).
Additionally, some wetsuits feature extra padding or reinforced panels in areas prone to impact or abrasion. These features offer additional protection during wakeboarding activities while increasing the wetsuit’s durability. Wetsuits are drawing significant attention in 2024. According to Google data, these accessories have attracted 135,000 searches monthly in January and February 2024.
Buoyancy vests
Just like with any water sport, folks must gear up with life jackets or other flotation devices before hitting the waves. In fact, at some wakeboarding spots, it’s a strict rule to have them on before consumers can dive into the action. These vests are a lifesaver (literally), keeping wakeboarders buoyant if they take a spill off their boards and stopping them from sinking too deep. It’s no wonder these vests are getting so much buzz lately. According to Google, they’ve racked up 110,000 searches in February 2024.
When it comes to wakeboarding buoyancy vests, it’s not just about safety—they have to feel comfy, too. That’s why manufacturers usually whip them up using lightweight materials. This way, riders can bust out all their coolest moves without feeling weighed down or restricted. Plus, these vests come in all sorts of styles and sizes, so it’s key to pick one that fits consumers just right—not too tight, not too loose, just snug and comfy for a day out on the water.
So, here’s the deal: if consumers are just starting in wakeboarding, the experts usually suggest sticking to standard buoyancy vests. But once consumers have some skills under their belt, they might consider leveling up to impact vests. Sure, they don’t float as much as the standard ones, but they’re like a suit of armor for the upper body. And when boarders are tearing it up at high speeds or pulling off crazy tricks, that extra protection can be a game-changer. If consumers happen to take a tumble at those speeds, impact vests are there to save the day!
Wakeboards
Having the perfect wakeboard is a must-have for any wakeboarding enthusiast. It’s not just about having the trendiest designs and graphics in stock. For starters, consumers are going to be looking at things like board length and width to make sure they’re getting the right fit.
Wakeboards come in all shapes and sizes to suit different riders’ needs and abilities. If consumers are after stability and buoyancy, longer boards are the way to go—perfect for beginners just getting their feet wet. On the flip side, experienced wakeboarders chasing after those jaw-dropping tricks will opt for shorter boards, giving them the maneuverability and responsiveness they need to nail those moves.
Here’s something cool about wakeboards—rockers! These babies decide the curve from the tip to the board’s tail. But why does it matter? Well, it sets the tone for the ride wakeboarders will have out on the water. There are two main types: continuous and three-stage rockers.
Boards with continuous rockers sport smooth, flowing curves, giving riders a steady and predictable ride. But, if consumers are all about that big, explosive pop off the wake, they’ll want to check out three-stage rocker boards. They’ve got pronounced curves in the center that advanced riders can’t seem to get enough of.
Water sport boards often come with fins, and wakeboards are no exception. These fins stay under the board to give it more stability and control while riding. It’s noteworthy that wakeboards can feature varying fin numbers, sizes, and configurations, each influencing maneuverability and tracking ability. Wakeboards have been catching people’s eye lately, and it’s not hard to see why they’re crucial for water sports. According to Google data, they have racked up 310,000 searches in just February 2024.
Wakeboarding boots
Wakeboarding boots, also known as bindings, are like shoes for wakeboards. They’re super important because they keep the wakeboarder’s feet attached to the board while they focus on doing tricks and jumps. Although these boots come in different styles, they all have one thing in common: designs that fit snugly around the feet to give wearers control and stability. Wakeboarding boots may not be stealing the spotlight, but do receive significant interest: in February, they racked up a solid 2,900 searches.
Additionally, these boots usually have straps or laces to ensure they stay put, ensuring consumers don’t lose their board (or get injured) while riding. But when offering wakeboarding boots, picking the most comfortable and secure ones for consumers is essential. The perfect one should be tight enough to secure the feet but not too tight to become uncomfortable. Some boots even have extra padding to cushion the feet and absorb shock when boarders land jumps.
Bottom line
Wakeboarding enthusiasts simply can’t resist the allure of the latest accessories flooding the market. From sleek wetsuits to buoyancy vests that offer both safety and style and from high-performance wakeboards to snug wakeboarding boots, there’s no shortage of gear to elevate the experience on the water. These are the four top wakeboarding trends sellers can offer to ensure they profit from the wakeboarding market in 2024.
