The cost of a surfboard, whether it’s a new or used surfboard, a shortboard, longboard, or anything in between, is determined by a variety of factors.
The cost of a surfboard will be determined by the type of board you purchase and whether it has been used or is new. It can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,200.
Let’s take a closer look at how much a surfboard costs and why they can be so pricey. These are just the initial costs of purchasing your own board; there will be more expenses along the way, such as transportation and setup fees.
The aggregate of these expenses will amount to how much surfing costs in total. For now, though, let’s focus on what you have to pay for before you ever get into the water.
How Much Does a Shortboard Cost?
A new shortboard will set you back anywhere from $600 to $850, depending on the brand. For a fresh off-the-rack surfboard, this is a fair price range.
You will pay more for:
- A larger board (more foam equals more money)
- A surfboard with higher quality material such as epoxy resin
- A board from an established brand
The Average Cost of a New Shortboard
A shortboard for an expert surfer will set you back around $700. This is the price you’ll pay for shorter surfboards, such on as shortboards, fishes, hybrids, and funboards.
How Much is a Longboard?
The most common price of a new longboard is $700 to $1,500. The main cost drivers are the quantity of foam and the choices available, such as the number of stringers and color.
Longboards are more expensive than shortboards since there is more material and longer time spent to shape and glass a longboard than a shortboard.
The Average Price of a new Longboard
The more length you have, the greater the longboard. You may anticipate paying approximately $825 for a typical 9′ longboard.
Even used longboards are prohibitively costly if they are in excellent shape. A basic budget longboard, on the other hand, will almost certainly be less expensive than a high-end shortboard.
How Much is a Surfboard for a Beginner?
There are surfboards available for a fraction of the cost of other boards. However, like with any other piece of sports equipment, there are surfboards on the market that may be purchased for a fraction of the price.
The majority of budget surfboards available on the market are not built to last. They are simply designed for novice surfers wanting something quick, easy, and inexpensive to experience a few waves or complete their bucket list.
Beginners may get a foamie surfboard for around $200. We suggest the Wavestorm for beginners because it is big and has a lot of foam.
How Much Does a Used Surfboard Cost?
The typical price for a used surfboard in poor condition is around $50 to $100, and if it’s in excellent shape, it might go up to as much as $500. The secondhand value of a surfboard is determined by the board’s condition, quality, and brand.
Think about whether the previous surfboard has been exposed to:
- Pressure dings
- Fixed or fresh dings
- Is yellowing from sun damage
- Delamination and the resin is separating from the foam
Another important consideration when purchasing a surfboard is the manufacturer and year of manufacture. Also consider how old the surfboard is, as well as how many times it has been ridden. Surfboard material deteriorates with time and use, and this contributes to its degradation.
All of these factors should be considered when determining the value of a surfboard. If the surfboard has ridden hundreds of waves and has a few dents and cracks, it won’t ride as well as it should and might not survive more than a few months.
Surfboard Sellers
Look for surfboards sold privately online, at garage sales, and through dealers if you’re purchasing a secondhand surfboard. A surfboard dealer is more likely to offer you an honest price, albeit with a markup that guarantees them a profit on the transaction.
A private seller, on the other hand, usually falls into one of two categories. They may be genuinely overvaluing their surfboard (“I paid $1,000 for this just five years ago. It must be worth at least $850 now”) or simply searching for a quick sale so they may buy another surfboard.
If you’re dealing with the first sort, it’s time to call a halt to talks as soon as possible and look for another surfboard.If the seller is in the second category, you may demand a larger discount and get a fantastic price for the surfboard.
Before you buy a used surfboard, familiarize yourself with the various types and find out what you’re searching for.
How Much is a Custom Surfboard?
Custom surfboards cost between $600 and $1,000 depending on the design, construction material, and type. You’ll also need to budget for designs, tints, fins, and any other custom features you want; this might push the price of the board above $2,000.
Custom surfboards are more expensive than standard surfboards. You must consider not just the numerous elements of the board, but also the services of the board shaper.
The most significant advantage of getting a custom surfboard is the attention you’ll get from the surfboard shaper. They will collaborate with you to select the finest surfboard for your abilities, the waves you ride, and your age.
When you hire an experienced and in-demand shaper, you can anticipate paying more than if you hired a “backyard surfboard shaper” who creates boards in their free time.
Not every surfboard shaper is desperate for your business, and they may have a long waiting list, suggesting that they could charge a little more for their work.
On the one hand, if you know someone who is just getting started and looking to establish a reputation, you may pay a lot less for them to custom-build you a board.
Do Custom Surfboards Cost more than Stock Surfboards?
Custom surfboards can be purchased for approximately the same price as a new one, and you get the benefit of interacting with the shaper and forming a long-term relationship with them.
If you add every option available, custom surfboards can cost more than standard surfboards. Let’s look at the pricing of a bespoke board.
Surfboard Size is 80% of the Cost
The most important components in a surfboard are the foam and glass. The average cost of a 9′ longboard is $1,000. You should expect to pay closer to $600 if you buy a smaller surfboard.
Summary
As this guide demonstrates, the price of a surfboard may differ, but there are several methods to reduce expenses and save money. Just keep in mind that if you’re purchasing online, you’ll need to consider delivery fees as well.
Shipping might cost anywhere from $50 to $80. This is an extra cost you should not forget about it if you’re unable to collect the board yourself.
Locating a local shop that sells used surfboards or is run by a young shaper may save you money while still ensuring you get the best possible board.
