Adventure tourism is a thing. Under that umbrella term, you have everything from TikTokers zip-lining in Costa Rica to glacier chasers engaged in corporate teambuilding exercises. And surfing? Since The Endless Summer debuted in 1966 to mainstream theaters, surfing has carved itself a niche as the ultimate accessible adventure tourism activity. Chasing the world for waves is an activity only feasible for the few who have the resources and time to do it. We all can’t take off for one month on an Indo adventure. But now surf park growth is creating a confluence of two cultures.
Wave Pools: A New Frontier in Surf Tourism
Wave pools are a game changer in regards to time and space. In this complex year of 2025, there are 30-plus surf parks. With the adventure tourism market projected to grow from $413.5 billion in 2024 to $1.34 trillion by 2032, according to a report by SkyQuest, these aquatic bastions of stoke are now part of the 15.8% annual growth in the adventure tourism market.
Demand for Experience-Based Travel Fuels Surf Park Growth
Rising interest in experience-based travel is a key factor driving market expansion. Activities such as trekking, hiking, and extreme sports like surfing have seen increased demand. According to the company, this trend reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, particularly among travelers seeking personal growth and non-traditional itineraries.
The Role of Social Media in Adventure Choices
Social media is also influencing traveler choices. As more people share outdoor experiences online, peer-driven interest in adventure tourism continues to grow. Several surf parks around the world have doubled down on their social media efforts to engage with potential customers who want to share their experiences on Instagram, TikTok, and elsewhere.
Sustainable Tourism and Surf Park Growth
Eco-conscious outdoor tourism is also gaining momentum. Environmentally sustainable travel experiences are becoming more popular, especially among younger demographics. At first glance, wave pools would seem to be in contrast. But with surfing’s environmental roots and continuing ethos, we see surf parks like The Wave in Bristol doing the right thing. Currently, the facility is powered entirely by on-site solar panels. They produce so much energy on site that they are able to pump it back into the local grid.
Health, Wellness, and Safety as Key Motivators
The report said that people seek destinations that are safe, physically engaging, and mentally restorative. The company noted that “travel preferences may be on the change,” underscoring the importance of flexibility and wellness integration in tour offerings. Wave pools like Lost Shore in Edinburgh offer a full menu of wellness treatments.
Freshwater Surfing and the Future of Adventure Travel
Surfing’s evolution into freshwater at this time taps into a confluence of factors. As health and sustainability gain relevance, adventure travel is adapting to meet the expectations of a more mindful global audience.
Is Your Surf Park Part of the Movement?
Is your wave pool operation seeing more activity that could be classified under this segment? Hit us up with your thoughts.
