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