top of page

Insight of the Day: Sun, surf, and style: brands ride China's new water sports wave

Key Findings:

  • Rise of Weekend Surfing: A growing number of young Chinese professionals are embracing surfing as a weekend escape from their busy city lives.

  • Paddleboarding Boom: Paddleboarding (SUP) has become a popular water sport among young Chinese, driven by its accessibility and versatility as both a sport and leisure activity.

  • Shift in Beauty Standards: Tanning, once considered undesirable in China, is gaining acceptance as a symbol of health, strength, and attractiveness.

  • Luxury Surfboards as Status Symbols: Luxury brands are capitalizing on the surfing trend by offering high-end surfboards that appeal to Chinese VIP customers as both functional sports equipment and home decor.

Key Takeaway:

The evolving landscape of water sports and leisure activities in China presents a significant opportunity for brands to tap into the growing market and cater to the changing preferences of young consumers.

Trend:

The trend of water sports, particularly surfing and paddleboarding, is rapidly gaining momentum in China. This trend is fueled by a desire for outdoor activities, a shift towards healthier lifestyles, and a growing appreciation for adventure and experiences.

Consumer Motivation:

Consumers are motivated by a desire to escape the pressures of urban life, embrace outdoor activities, and express their individuality through unique experiences and products.

Driving Trend:

Several factors are driving this trend, including:

  • Increasing disposable income: Young Chinese consumers have more disposable income to spend on leisure activities and experiences.

  • Growing health consciousness: There is a growing awareness of the importance of physical activity and outdoor recreation for overall well-being.

  • Social media influence: Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu are amplifying the trend by showcasing the appeal of water sports and tanning.

  • Celebrity endorsement: Celebrities and influencers are playing a role in popularizing the tanned look and normalizing outdoor activities.

Who is the article referring to:

The article refers to young Chinese consumers, particularly Gen Z and millennials, who are driving the trends in water sports and changing beauty standards.

Description of consumers, product, or service the article refers to:

The article discusses consumers' interest in water sports like surfing and paddleboarding, as well as luxury surfboards from brands like Celine, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. It also touches upon the growing trend of tanning and the services offered by hotels and resorts catering to these activities.

Age:

The article primarily focuses on Gen Z and millennials, typically individuals born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s.

Conclusions:

The rising popularity of water sports, changing beauty standards, and the growing interest in luxury surfboards indicate a significant shift in the leisure and lifestyle preferences of young Chinese consumers. This presents a lucrative opportunity for brands to cater to this evolving market.

Implications for Brands:

Brands can leverage this trend by:

  • Developing products and services: Creating products and services that cater to the growing interest in water sports, such as surfboards, paddleboards, swimwear, and sun protection products.

  • Partnering with influencers: Collaborating with influencers and celebrities to promote their products and tap into their audience.

  • Creating engaging content: Developing content that showcases the appeal of water sports and tanned skin to resonate with young consumers.

  • Offering unique experiences: Partnering with hotels and resorts to offer unique experiences like SUP yoga classes or staycation packages that include water sports activities.

Implications for Society:

The growing popularity of water sports and outdoor activities can promote a healthier and more active lifestyle among young people. It can also create new economic opportunities and contribute to the development of coastal communities. Additionally, the changing beauty standards could lead to greater acceptance of diverse appearances and challenge traditional notions of beauty in China.

Commentaires


bottom of page