Undoubtedly, a good surfboard can help you catch more waves and have more fun surfing. But how much does a surfboard cost, and what factors should you consider when purchasing one? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll answer all of your questions about the cost of a surfboard!
How much does a surfboard cost? Surfboards range in price from as little as $100 to as much as $16,000 depending on the kind of board you are buying. You can get used boards for around $100 and if you want to get a fancy electric surfboard it will cost you $10,000-$16,000.
We can all admit that after you catch your first wave, you’re addicted. So if you’ve just caught your first wave and are starting the lifelong journey of surfing, I’m here to help you with what I’ve learned. I’m going to address some common questions about buying a surfboard and some things you might not have thought to ask yet.
What Factors Should You Consider When Buying a Surfboard?
When it comes to surfing, the most important piece of equipment is the surfboard. A surfboard that is well-suited to your weight, height, and skill level can make a big difference in your performance and enjoyment of the sport. With so many different types of boards on the market, however, choosing the right one can be a challenge. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when purchasing a surfboard:
- Your skill level: Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer? Beginner boards are usually larger and more stable, while advanced boards are smaller and more agile.
- Your size: Height and weight are important factors in choosing a board. You want a board that is big enough to float you on the waves but not so big that it’s difficult to maneuver.
- The type of waves you’ll be surfing: Different boards are better suited for different types of waves. If you mostly surf small, gentle waves, you’ll want a different board than if you’re tackling big, powerful waves.
Doing some research on the types of waves in your area will help you choose the right board. With these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find a surfboard that’s perfect for your needs.
How Much Does A Longboard Cost?
Back in 2014 was when I bought my very first new longboard. A Robert August 9’5″ Classic for $729. This beauty right here:
Yes, I actually went through all my photos to find this one and share it with you because I wanted to accurately give you info that might help you with picking a board. This price didn’t include a leash or a fin though. I ended up spending another $65 for the fin and around $45 for the leash. So all in (with tax) for the longboard + bag, leash and fin cost me around $889. Florida sales tax rate of 6%, so about $50.34 for taxes.
But, not all longboards cost this much (or this little). For instance, you can pick up a foamie (a foam surfboard) for around $100. Places like Facebook Marketplace and Craiglist often have options where you can buy a used board from someone. If you’re going this route and it’s your first time buying a board I’d recommend asking a friend who’s bought boards to come with you. They might see something on the board that you might have overlooked.
Prior to me buying my Robert August, I was using a foam board and was out surfing in Cocoa Beach when I met a couple older guys who all had longboards. After chatting with them and letting them know I was new and learning, they let me try out their boards. After a few weeks of this, one of them mentioned that Ron Jon had gotten the Robert August board in stock so I went and bought it after riding a very similar board. I’m glad that I was able to test out a couple prior to buying mine.
You can also get a foamie from places like Costco, Sam’s Club, and even certain Walmart stores. You can hit up your local surf shop to support the locals which is my favorite option. The cost at the local surf shop will typically be a little bit more because they aren’t a huge company, so keep that in mind. You’ll be helping locals more by supporting the local surf shop.
How Much Does A Shortboard Cost?
The cost of a shortboard varies just like the cost of longboards do. If you’re trying to get a brand new shortboard that is the same one that someone like Kelly Slater or John John Florence is riding, it’s not going to be cheap. It also most likely isn’t a good board choice for you because of your skill level. The average cost of a board for Kelly Slater is around $700 per board (if you were to buy it yourself).
When I purchased my longboard from Cocoa Beach Surf Company in Cocoa Beach, Florida I also picked up a funboard for around $150. If you check out Surfboards.com they have a few in the $100-$300 range. To be honest, I messed up with my first shortboard. The one I bought didn’t have enough volume for what I needed, and it caused me a lot of struggles with improving.
Getting a used shortboard can vary in price from $100-$450 depending on quality. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to head to the local surf shop and see if you can take a few different boards out to see which one is best for your break and for your ability.
Buying a brand-new shortboard can also vary in price but you can expect to spend around $400. You’ll also need to take into account the additional cost of the leash, fins, and wax. If it’s cold in your area you’ll also end up needing to buy a wetsuit.
How Do You Choose The Right Surfboard For Your Needs?
This is not an easy thing to get right, especially for a beginner. When it comes to choosing a surfboard, there are a few things you need to take into account. First, consider your own level of experience. If you’re just starting out, you’ll want something that’s easy to paddle and that will give you plenty of stability. A foam longboard is a good option for beginners.
As you become more experienced, you can start to experiment with different shapes and sizes of boards. You might want something shorter and more maneuverable for doing tricks, or something longer and narrower for making tight turns. Ultimately, the best way to find the right board is to go out and try as many different types as possible. There’s no substitute for getting out there and seeing what works for you. With a little trial and error, you’ll be able to find the perfect surfboard for your needs.
Many local surf shops will allow you to rent a few different types of boards from them to test out. If you go out with some friends, you can each get a different board or type of board and spend some time riding each one.
You’ll also want to ride different boards for different wave conditions as you get better. But the only way to know which board is right for you is to try a lot of them to see which one you feel the best on.
How to Care For Your New Surfboard
If you’re lucky enough to have a new surfboard, congratulations! Whether you just purchased it or were fortunate enough to receive it as a gift, you’ll want to take care of it so that it lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.
First, make sure to store your surfboard in a cool, dry place when you’re not using it. If possible, keep it out of direct sunlight, as this can damage the fabric and cause the board to warp over time. You should also avoid storing your board in humid environments, as this can lead to mold and mildew growth.
One thing I didn’t realize when I first started surfing was the importance of washing down your board after each session. You’ll notice that there are hoses around the beach where you can wash off your feet. Be sure to use those to get all the saltwater and sand off of your board before taking it home.
When you are storing your board, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Keep the surfboard out of the sun
- Keep the rails, tail, and nose off of the hard ground at all times
- Never leave your surfboard in a car
- Always wash your surfboard with fresh water after use
When storing your boards for a long period of time, it’s a good idea to remove the wax and wash the board down fully and remove the fins. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your surfboard stays in good condition for years to come.
Where Do You Buy a Surfboard?
Surfboards are available for purchase at a variety of different retailers. Some of the most popular places to buy surfboards include sporting goods stores, surf shops, and online retailers. When choosing a place to buy a surfboard, it is important to consider the quality of the boards that are available as well as the price.
I always recommend heading to a few local surf shops and chatting with people at the store there. They know the most about the area and the different breaks, so they’re more likely to know what kind of board you need. You do need to be honest with them about your abilities though. Don’t pretend that you’re a professional when you still struggle to stand up or catch a wave. It’ll only hold you back from improving as a surfer.
If you’re an absolute beginner, tell them that. If you’ve been able to pop up and can get 1-2 turns on a wave, tell them that. The more that people know about your abilities (or lack of) the better recommendation you can get.
In general, surfboards that are sold at specialized retailers such as surf shops tend to be of higher quality than those sold at general sporting goods stores. However, these boards also tend to be more expensive. Online retailers often offer a wider selection of boards than brick-and-mortar stores, but it can be difficult to gauge the quality of the boards without seeing them in person. As a result, it is important to do some research before purchasing a board from an online retailer.
You can check out deals from Surfboards.com to get one.
What Surfboard Does Kelly Slater Use?
Before you go and just buy the same boards as Kelly Slater, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. For instance, Kelly is 5’9″ and weighs around 160 pounds. He’s also been surfing professionally for a very long time. Seriously, his first world title was in 1992. So keep this in mind before just buying the same boards are him.
In the video below from May 21, 2022 Kelly walks us through the boards he is riding while in Australia.
Before just buying a board because your favorite surfer has it, take the time to try out a variety of other boards. What’s right for your friend might not be right for you.