How much is a surfboard
When it comes to recreation, sport, and physical activity – especially as a beginner – surfing is what comes to mind. But to be competent enough we need at least just the best gear. And with that comes the question; How does a surfboard cost?
That’s the sole reason in this article we are going to discuss the best quality beginner surfboard and cost.
We’ll be looking at the various factors to consider when it comes to the pricing of a beginner’s surfboard. This includes; size, material, and age. After all, we purpose you start on a high note by purchasing the beginner surfboard. And with that let’s kick-off.
How much does a beginner surfboard cost?
How much does a surfboard have to cost? Some people when asked opt to go for a surfboard that is the biggest in terms of size, others say they prefer one that is durable considering the usage period while others major on the material used. Let’s expound;
Size
When it comes to size, a beginner’s surfboard should meet a few criteria.
The surfboard should be longer than the user that will be surfing it.
The surfboard should be more buoyant, meaning a width of at least 20″.
Foam vs. Fiberglass
Materially, however many fiberglass boards can easily be found in the market, foam surfboards are enlisted as one of the best for beginners. Being more buoyant and easily paddled into and catching varying waves.
Fiberglass boards on the other hand are considered to be one wanted by surfers most demanding.
Used vs. New
Surfboard cost depends on it’s lifespan. Ideally, comparing a new or used surfboard costs; a used surfboard is cheaper as compared to a new surfboard.
Used surfboards are good options for beginners on a budget as compared to New boards which may be less cost-effective.
Types of Surfboards
Surfboards come in various makes and categories hence higher probability for every surfer to get a pick and thereafter breakdown on “how much does a surfboard cost?“
Shortboard
This refers to a type of surfboard that measures to a length of majorly 6 to 7 feet in length and commonly with a tapered pointy nose on one or both ends.
Unfortunately, we do not recommend shortboards as the best choice for absolute beginners as they require more skills.
Longboard
As the name suggests, these typically refer to a surfboard that is over 8″. These boards feature a blunt nose, sufficient forward width, and have wide tails.
For having these features, we largely recommend this board for beginners for catching and riding different wave sizes thus uniquely quick progress.
Soft top
This board as described by the name refers to a soft deck-topped surfboard. The board has the top sheet padded with a smooth poly base.
We recommend soft boards for beginners in a surfing lesson as it has soft rails and a forgiving fin setup thus less risk for a beginner surfer to hurt themselves.
Additionally, the boards are sufficiently durable hence fewer maintenance costs.
Fish board
The fish boards also dubbed swallowtails are used to describe the tail setup of the surfboard. The board is characterized by a broad outline through the deck, a pointy nose, and a tail. Also includes wide rails and a flat rocker.
For beginner surfers progressing from a foam to a hard board, we greatly recommend the fish board. Also, it proves helpful when developing important wave-riding skills.
Fun board
This is a small to medium, commonly referred to as ‘in-between’.
Characterized by a rounded wide nose and tail, it is easier to paddle however much it has most of the performance similar to that of a shortboard.
Pop-out board
Collectively, the ‘pop-out’ means any surfboard that has no definitive shape or unique structure.
This particular board proves difficult for customization based on length, weight, color, or even bottom contour.
Gun boards
Purposed for catching and riding most of the biggest waves, gun boards are large, narrow, performance-based boards that extend up to 10 feet.
Hybrid surfboard
This is a unique type of surfboard purposed to incorporate designs and capabilities of more than just one surfboard. By this, we mean stability, speed, maneuverability and efficiency, and effectiveness when it comes to paddling and riding waves.
The hybrid surfboards are a combo of a fish board and a performance surfboard.
What is the best surfboard for beginners?
Having appreciated the diversity of surfboards, we are at least assured that you are now familiar with the different types of surfboards. But the question is, what is the best surfboard for beginners?
Most common beginner surfboards we largely recommend include; longboards, soft top, and fish boards.
Longboard surfboard as the name suggests is sufficient in length extending to 8 feet or more hence proving to be more stable and buoyant; one of the perfect matches for a beginner to ride waves.
Being soft padded and the top layer combined with the compressed eps core, soft boards are lightweight, buoyant, and less susceptible to rot making a great gear for a beginner.
Versatility for small to medium waves makes fish boards most suitable for all ages. This feature along with ease of use and more stability is why we recommend it for beginners.
Knowing these beginner surfboard recommendations, you now have a broad spectrum as a beginner when it comes to options on which surfboard to settle for.
How much does a used surfboard cost?
Just because the surfboards are used does not guarantee that there is a constant price. The cost of a surfboard varies depending on various factors that include; size, shape, model, the condition, just to mention but a few.
The average used surfboard cost thus ranges between $50 and $350.
You will want to consider several surfboards condition as follows;
Pressure dings
Pressure dings are small cracks on the surfboard deck of a used surfboard. Some surfers claim that the dings bring about an aesthetic value but ideally, the dings also depreciate the value.
The surfboard costs of those with pressure dings range between $50 and $350.
Fixed or fresh dings (the bigger the worse)
When it comes to dings, the cost depreciates depending on the nature and size of the dings since the larger and deeper the dings the cheaper.
Sun damage and is yellowing
Thetotalyellowingand discoloration indicate underlying damage.
Delamination and the glass separating from the foam.
Another key indicator of underlying damage to be considered when checking surfboard cost is delamination; it results when cold water gets under the glass and the board is left in the sun.
Custom surfboard options
Epoxy/ eps
Eps is a unique type of foam that is glassed with epoxy resin. You should consider epoxy as it is chemically stable and has a better strength-to-weight ratio and packaging in a board bag.
It costs ranging from $1200 – $1600 giving a quality custom surfboard even though an expensive board.
Gloss & polish
Gloss and polish not only give you a magnificent look but also prevents water from seeping and give a smooth surface. It costs approximately $15.50.
Tint
For a great and unique color, you can consider tinting which costs about $15.95
Pin lines
A good price demands a good structure and design including a good shape. To help achieve this pin lines accentuate the curve. Whether used or a new board you can do some eye-appealing stuff for display on the beach.
Double or triple stringer
When it comes to stability, other than a wider tail, by adding multiple stringers, more support for the board is obtained —and reducing flex by that.
Deck patch
Deck patches are commonly 2/3rds the size of the board from tail to nose and prove more strength for the deck where your feet and knees pound on the deck even in big waves.
Tail block
Performing like a swallowtail, the tail block uses more material as it employs a pulley block which incorporates an attachment of a loose tail of rope.
Quad fin set up
When it comes to horsepower, quad fin setup is the best choice even in gaining speed including when in low waves.
5-fin set up
Far better than the quad fin setup, the 5-fin set up is characterized by two categories of fin box; two rail fin boxes and one center fin box.
This enables you to navigate between a quad setup and a thruster. This is what we both should dub happy surfing.
Glass on fins
From a strict analysis of skill level, glass-on fins have a slight advantage. It’s all about a better flex pattern.
Channels
Channels result in a quality surfboard that is enhanced in speed for big waves.
Tail graphite
When designing for speed and flow, you might consider tail graphite as it comes in handy with lightweight.
How much does a custom surfboard cost?
Since custom surfboards greatly depend on the surfer’s interest, skill set, and of course personality; the cost greatly varies from surfer to surfer.
The average budget thus starts from at least $600.
Extra costs
There are rare occasions where you tend spending extra costs after making a transparent purchase. These extra costs may include transport costs which vary depending on where you purpose to ferry the surfboard.
Also, in the case of purchasing used surfboards, maintenance and repair costs that may range up to $200 depending on the damage.
Thereafter, we can now answer the question; how much does a surfboard cost?
Frequently asked questions
What surfboard should a beginner buy?
Longboards. These boards feature a blunt nose and wide tails. Thus, we largely recommend this board for beginners to catch waves thus quick progress as compared to other boards.
What is the cheapest type of soft board?
The average price of a soft board ranges from $250-$400 depending on whether it is new or used.
Is surfing an expensive hobby?
The cost of surfing as a hobby depends on commitment and devotion. It proves higher initial.