The End of an Era: Fanatic Windsurfing Shuts its Sails
Wave-making news recently rocked the tumultuous and ever-evolving world of watersports. Following the acquisition of Naish by Kubus Sports earlier in 2023, legendary windsurfing brand Fanatic has now announced it is closing its sails.
One of the most established and respected windsurfing brands globally, Fanatic has ridden the crest of innovation for over four decades, shaping the trajectory of windsurfing with passion and resolve. This transition marks not just the end of an era, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
As the author of this article, I believe we will witness further massive changes across the watersports industry, particularly in windsurfing and wingfoiling. After a very difficult 2023 season, profound shifts likely lie ahead across the market.
Brands like Simmer, Starboard, RRD, and Tabou also face pressure to evolve amid declining momentum. Emerging brands like Severne and Phantom are not immune either. With falling participation and sales, market saturation, and growing competition from disruptive direct-to-consumer upstarts, the established players face an existential reckoning.
Their classic distribution models may no longer suit today’s digital environment. Inventory, product cycles, marketing, and customer engagement all require rethinking for…
