SURFER Joins Forces With New Surf Trade Show Barreling Into San Diego

Originally posted on SURFER | By Jake Howard | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 2:31 PM ET

There are a lot of cynics out there that say the "surf industry is dead." There are a lot of other people out that fighting really hard to keep the good times rolling. Among those on the front lines are the folks behind the new CARV Expo, new surf and skate trade show coming to San Diego this summer.

Spearheaded by Abraham Paskowitz and Josh Rifkin, CARV Expo looks to capture the momentum of all the rising brands and beautiful people making the industry what it is today. Taking place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 20-22, SURFER is honored to sign on as the media partner for the event. Rallying the tribe and pushing the industry forward, we'll be on the ground reporting on the latest and greatest, talking to surf biz leaders, as well as hosting what's sure to be a few spirited panel discussions.

“I had pages from SURFER Magazine all over my bedroom walls when I was 14 years old. It’s a natural partnership - we want heritage and longevity to be CARV’s North Star,” explains Rifkin, who just sat down to talk about the trade show on the "L8night With Choccy" podcast (listen below).

Fronting the list of industry-leading brands that will be in attendance are our friends at Outerknown and Firewire, Reef, Brixton, Cobian, Rhythm, Katin, and so many more. Reimagining what the floor of a trade show could look like, this isn't just a relaunch of the Action Sports Retailer show of old. And while there's plenty of good memories and nostalgia around those heady San Diego trade show days, modern times call for a modern approach.

Just like brands have had to adapt and evolve, so will the concept of what makes for a successful surf and stake trade show. CARV seeks to elevate and empower the brands, to give them a platform to not only connect with buyers and book orders for next season, but more than that, it's a gathering in which everyone can come together, collaborate and share what's working (and what's not working), and as an industry and community take the business of boards to a new level.

"The CARV Expo model going forward will always be to help empower our exhibitors," confirms Rifkin.

Live, in-person shows like this are vital to creating a sustainable future for surf and skate businesses. It's time to stop scrolling, put down the phone, and get out amongst the people and see what's cooking. SURFER's excited to be part of such an important movement. We'll see you there!

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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