How Much Does a Surfboard Cost? The Best Value Surfboards
Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Matt Hapgood
If you are interested in learning to surf, the most important piece of equipment is your surfboard.
In this post, I take a look at the cost of various types of new surfboards – from soft top boards, longboards, and boards made of different materials like epoxy or PU.
Let’s rip in!
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
Foamie: Your average foam surfboard will cost between $250 and $400 depending on the brand
Funboard: A typical ‘hard’ surfboard will cost between $500 and $700
Longboards: These typically sell from around $750 and up
Performance Shortboards: Average price for a new shortboard is from around $700
Used: You can pick up a used surfboard in decent condition from around $250 – $350
What Makes Up The Cost of a Surfboard?
So here’s the thing – People who make and sell surfboards do not make a lot of money. Especially if you are talking about hand-shaped, custom surfboards.
Think about it for a second. How much would you pay for a tailored suit, cut and shaped to your exact requirements? $1500? $5000? More?
When you consider you can get a custom-made piece of sports equipment from your local shaper for between $600 – $800 I think it’s pretty good value.
To break down the cost here’s a back-of-a-napkin bit of math
| Material | Cost |
|---|---|
| Foam blank | $150 |
| Fiberglass cloth | $40 |
| Resin | $35 |
| Fin plugs and leash plug | $40 |
| $265 |
And that doesn’t take into account any tools, paint, equipment or other costs of setting up a surfboard factory.
So, the next time you see a surfboard shaper, give them a hug!
Different Types of Surfboards
There are all manner of surboads available these days. If you are just starting out, my recommendation is to buy a soft top, foam surfboard, or foamie.
Foamie Surfboard
These are durable, easy-to-paddle surfboards, packed full of volume – which makes catching waves easy. Check out this guide on the best beginner surfboards for a more in depth look at what models I suggest.
The other important factor when it comes to foam surfboards is the safety aspect – because they are made of soft foam, you are a lot less likely to injure yourself or others when (not if) you lose control of your board when out in the surf.
Funboard or Mini Mal Surfboard
A step onwards in terms of performance from a foam board, funboards allow more maneuverability and progression. But due to the fact these are made of ‘hard to the touch’ materials, the risk of injury is higher if you are a total newbie.
Brands like Torq make really affordable fun shapes that will allow you to take your surfing to the next level.
Fish Surfboards
In my humble opinion, fish-shaped boards are a pretty good option for someone who has done a bit of surfing and is not a total beginner. I mean, the original design of the fish was basically an extension of a kneeboard – a super short flat, and wide board that carries a tonne of speed across the wave face.
In recent years the ‘long fish’ has become pretty popular, and I think that is probably a better option if you are not a super experienced surfer. The added length will make paddling easier, resulting in you catching more waves, and having a bigger smile 🙂
Longboard Surfboards
If you’ve had a few surf lessons and you’re looking to buy your first board, a longboard is a pretty good idea. Be sure that you can at least carry the thing to the beach before you buy one though!
Easy to paddle and very easy to catch waves on a longboard is an investment worth making in my opinion – always nice to have in the garage whether you have been surfing for 2 months or 20 years.
My Tip: If you buy a longboard as a beginner learn to Eskimo Roll or Turtle Roll. And please do not just ditch your board when a wave is about to smash you – I see so many people do this and it is seriously dangerous!
Performance Surfboards
Whether you are buying ‘off the rack’ in a surf shop or goiung for a full custom shaped surfboard, be mindful that these types of boards should be ridden by more experienced surfers who have done their time in the surf.
When I had a surf shop custmers would often be tempted by the stylish and sleek shortboards in the rack, but I’d havet o bring them back down to Earth and suggest something that unfortunatley didn’t seem as cool in their eyes.
So, when you are choosing a board, be honest with yourself – becuase surfnig is meant to be fun!
Soft Top Surfboards Cost
Like I mentioned above, soft top surfboards or foam boards are a great way to get into surfing. There are some super cool models on the market now because, well, you want to look cool too right?
Soft top surfboards cost from around $250 up to around $400 depending on the make and model.
You simply can’t beat a Wavestorm for smiles to dollars ratio.
Epoxy Surfboards Cost
An epoxy surfboard normally has a EPS or expanded polystyrene core. These cores are normally cheaper than a traditional PU or polyuretahne core.
Subsequently these boards made with epoxy – which is the resin used on the outer coating of the board, are cheaper than regular PU surfboards.
Expect to pay around $500 – $600 for a beginner type fun board made with an EPS core and epoxy resin.
PU (Polyurethane) Surfboards Cost
Polyurethane blanks tend to cost a little more than their EPS counterparts and so the overall cost of a surfboard is a but more. More of a traditional ‘feel’ purists prefer this type of construction, but I’d advise you to visit your local surf shop and check out a few boards in person.
I love any new surfboard, so I’m not fussy, but make up your own opinion.
Expect to pay around $650 – $750 for a beginner type fun board made with a PU core and Polyester resin.
Fish Surfboards Cost
At the smaller end of the scale, fish surfboards can be very affordable indeed. However, be sure to check the size board you are going for fits your surfing ability and experience.
Like I mentioned above, a ‘long fish’ is a prety good starting point if you are just getting started with surfing – Aim for 7 – 8ft depending on your experience and your size.
A fish can cost anywhere between $500 for a small 5’5 up to $1000 for something longer from a premium brand like Firewire.
Longboard Surfboards Cost
Longboards are easy to paddle and to catch waves on, so not a bad choice for a beginner surfer. Strictly speaking a longboard is anything above 9ft and prices are as follows.
Cheaper brands cost from around $600, at least $1000 for something from a premium brand, and over $1000 for a custom made longboard.
Inspired?
Check Out My Best Beginner Surfboads
Bonus: Surfboard Costs Q and A
How Much Should a Surfboard Cost?
You need to keep in mind all of the factors that go into building a surfboard. Cheaper soft top surfboards and typically made from lower grade materials, in places like China and Taiwan where labor laws are less stringent that the US.
As a result, the price is lower sure, but so is the quality. That being said, if you are a beginner surfer looking for your first board, it’s hard to beat the best selling surfboard of all time, the WaveStorm!
How to Choose The Right Surfboard
Honesty is the key factor here.
Be honest with your ability and how often you will surf – if you can only get in the water once a week, get something bigger. If your fitness is not great, go bigger.
I have more detail on the subject here, but as a general guide stick to the following criteria.
Kids and small adults (5’4 or shorter in height) – Go for a 7ft foam board
Regular adult (5’6 – 5’11 in height) – Opt for an 8ft foam board
Large adult (6ft plus or heavier than average) – Go big on a 9ft foam surfboard
Where to buy a surfboard
My advice would be to head to your nearest surf shop, and chat to the staff. I’m sure they will be able to give you some great advice which will be specific to your local area too.
If you can’t get to a store – check out this online store that has a tonne of options available.
How much should you spend on your first surfboard?
Well, it depends.
If you know you are going to stick with it, then for sure, go big and drop 1000 bucks.
But, my advice would be to get an 8ft soft top for $300, get in the water and start catching waves. I’m sure you get hooked on surfing (like me) and if so, keep the foamie and get a hard board a little down the line.
How much does it cost to start surfing?
This one depends on where you live – if you need a wetsuit too then add another $200.
If you are lucky enough to live somewhere warm where you can surf in trunks or a bikini then you can save that money and just buy a board.
So, the answer = $300 or $500
Is it worth buying a beginner surfboard?
Yes.
I’ve always said if you buy a beginner board and you progress beyond the surfboards capabilty, it’s always nice to have a spare board lying around for friends, family and kids who want to give surfing a try.
