The Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA), founded in 1989, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The organizers said education remains a focus as the surf industry
heads to Cabo in May for the 12th annual SIMA Surf Summit educational
conference. 2009 also marks the second year of the local seminar
series, SIMA Boot Camp, as well as the release of SIMA’s third Retail
Distribution Study.

“Many years ago, SIMA began out of a need to work more effectively with our tradeshow partners,” said Bob McKnight, CEO of Quiksilver and SIMA’s first president. “We started in this industry because of our passion for surfing and the beach lifestyle. SIMA has done a tremendous job in sharing the real message of surf culture and helping us all ‘grow the pond.’”

“SIMA has been the glue that has kept our industry together for many years,” said Richard Woolcott, CEO & founder of Volcom. “SIMA has also helped create a special camaraderie between competitors that makes this industry so much fun to be a part of.”

“SIMA’s actions over the past 20 years have been instrumental in elevating our industry and uniting it,” said John Wilson, president of Reef.  “Through its proprietary educational programs, SIMA has been able to harness the collective wisdom of the industry in order to make it better.”

SIMA also said it serves as an avenue for the surf industry to collectively support charitable organizations that work to keep our oceans clean and serve our communities through surfing. SIMA owns and operates two separate charitable organizations: the SIMA Environmental Fund, established in 1989, and the SIMA Humanitarian Fund, founded in 2006. This year will also mark the 20th anniversary the SIMA Environmental Fund’s Waterman’s Weekend, as well as bring the SIMA Humanitarian Fund’s 6th annual Liquid Nation Ball.

“SIMA connects with the essence of what it means to be a surfer by honoring individuals and companies that make a difference,” said Jonno Wells, CEO of Surfline.com and SIMA advisory board member. “SIMA inspires us to give back to the sport, the ocean, and humanitarian causes that help us appreciate how lucky we are to live the dream.”