ClickZ Water Sports Newsletter - 09.12.2024

PLUS: Is the Apple Watch Ultra 2 the must-have accessory for water sports?

Specialty Bites 🍪

Caitlin Simmers, the 18-year-old surfing sensation, has just made history as the youngest female world champion in the World Surf League (WSL). Simmers clinched the title in a thrilling final against reigning champ Caroline Marks, showing that talent and determination can defy age. Hailing from just 20 minutes away from the competition site in Southern California, Simmers entered the finals as the top seed after an impressive season.

The WSL finals are intense, with the lower-ranked surfers battling it out for a chance to face higher-ranked competitors. Simmers watched her rivals compete before taking on Marks. Although Marks, the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist, won the first heat, Simmers made a comeback with two standout rides to even the score. In the final heat, Simmers’ 8.33 ride secured her victory.

Photograph: Pat Nolan/World Surf League

As the youngest women’s world champion, Simmers has surpassed five-time champ Carissa Moore, who even gave her some tips during a recent trip to Tahiti. Meanwhile, John John Florence won his third world title in the men’s competition.

Apple's new Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 are optimized for water sports, featuring larger, brighter displays, advanced health monitoring, and enhanced water resistance. The Series 10 offers a 30% larger screen and 18-hour battery life, while the Ultra 2 boasts superior GPS accuracy and a 36-hour battery life.

California startup Arc Boats is reshaping water sports with its electric speed boat designed for wake surfing. Inspired by Tesla's road electrification strategy, Arc Boats aims to transform the boating industry. Their high-end, eco-friendly boat promises a thrilling, sustainable experience for water sports enthusiasts.

Photo: Arc

The tourism and water sports market is booming, with a projected CAGR of 4.8% from 2024-2030. Key players like TUI Group and Expedia are driving growth through adventure and eco-tourism. Technological advancements in wearable devices are attracting tech-savvy consumers, enhancing safety and performance in water sports activities.

The Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail (CT) offers a 1,515-mile adventure for sea kayakers, akin to the Appalachian Trail. Established in the early 2000s, it spans from Pensacola to Key West. Managed by the Florida Paddling Trails Association, it attracts paddlers of all ages seeking a unique coastal experience.

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Snapchat users in the US shop more frequently than Instagram users, with 16.3% making weekly purchases compared to Instagram's 8.2%. Despite Facebook's larger user base and annual purchase popularity, Snapchat's intuitive shopping features and short video content drive its success among younger consumers. Social media shopping is booming!

Snapchat introduces new ad products, including an enhanced Lead Gen suite, First Lens Unlimited, and AR Extensions. The platform's Q2 2024 report shows a 16% revenue increase and a 243% rise in adjusted EBITDA. New features target app advertisers and leverage ML and AI for improved ad performance.

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