Data gathered on the frequency of search terms being used on the web has revealed an interesting trend: more people than ever before in the UK appear to be interested in paddleboarding, as opposed to surfing.
Over a six year period, from 2017 to 2022, the number of searches focused on ‘paddleboarding’ rather than ‘surfing’ grew from just 15 percent of the combined total of searches for either term, to 46 percent of the share.
While the gap between the the two watersports did shrink, surfing is still the more dominant of the two activities, based on search volume. However, based on the data from this study, paddleboarding is likely to be more popular within the next five years.
The study, which analysed search volumes across notable coastal locations and resort towns across the UK, also revealed some interesting regional developments.
While most locations saw a percentage gain in the number of paddleboarding searches, some of the biggest swings in interest occurred in Devon, where surfing has a strong tradition among enthusiasts and professional competitors alike.
In the Lake District, where paddleboarding has historically proved to be more popular, the amount of paddleboarding-focused searches also grew significantly, with Kendal experiencing the biggest percentage point increase in interest across all locations.
It’s thought the comparative ease of accessibility and versatility of paddleboarding may be behind the sharp uptick in interest. It’s perceived as a more beginner-friendly activity, when compared to surfing, and doesn’t require proximity to the sea to be enjoyed.
