How Much Does a Surfboard Cost?
All surfboards aren’t created equally.
With many types available, for both beginners and professionals, the prices can vary quite a bit depending on the exact type you’re looking for.
How much does a surfboard cost?
Depending on the brand, the size of the board, the type of board and where you purchase it, be prepared to pay anywhere from as little as $200 to as much as $1,400 for a surfboard, but you may be able to find a novelty, cheap board at a local big box retailer for as little as $50. Generic boards will be less than $300, while name brands, often designed for a professional can easily cost more than $1,000. The same price can apply to customized boards as well. With a handful of types available, refer to our table below to see what the most popular types can cost:
| Type | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Fish | A bit wider than a shortboard and will be the same in length when compared to a shortboard. These surfboards are often five to six feet long. | $500 to $1,000 |
| Longboard | These boards are larger and thicker than all other boards, often as long as 14 feet, and will often be the most expensive option. However, even though you may pay a hefty price, they do last much longer due to the durability. | $700 to $1,400 |
| Pop-Out | Made of foam and covered with a thick fiberglass, making it indestructible. Much heavier than other types, a pop-out board is popular due to the resale value and durability. | $700 to $1,400 |
| Shortboard | As the name implies, a shortboard is smaller in size, about five to seven feet long, and works great for those who are new to the sport. | $300 to $800 |
| Soft Top | A surfboard with a softer top when compared to other types. These board are also great for beginners, and due to the softer material, it's less prone to dings and dents. | $200 to $450 |
With hundreds of brands also available, we researched the top brands and included the average price range below:
| Brand | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 9:FISH | $350 to $550 |
| Austin | $250 to $1,000+ |
| BIC | $900 to $1,350 |
| Boardworks | $400 to $1,100 |
| C4 | $1,100 to $1,400 |
| Channel Islands | $300 to $900 |
| Chuck Dent | $300 to $800 |
| Dewey Web | $800 to $1,200 |
| Firewire | $350 to $800 |
| Tomo | $500 to $900 |
| Torq | $500 to $800 |
At the Ron Jon Surf Shop, for example, their featured shortboard, midlength and longboards retail for $150 to $450, but the balsa boards retail for $5,000.
The best sellers on Amazon.com, while not designed for professionals, retail for $65 to $250.
Costco, at the time of writing this guide, had two eight foot long surfboards for $150.
What are the extra costs?
A replacement or a backup fin/s can cost anywhere from $20 to $150, depending on your board’s brand. These fins are necessary to help control the board while surfing, and most surfboards today, regardless of the brand you purchase, can come with a removable fin system, which means the fin can be removed easily, allowing you to swap one of your choice.
A leash can cost $20 to $45, and while some surfboards may come with one, some surfers opt to purchase one they are comfortable with.
Wax will provide a grip for the surfer, and a good pack can cost about $10 to $20.
A board bag, designed to protect your surfboard on the go and from the sun, can cost $50 to $200 or more.
If you plan on traveling long distances with your surfboard, a roof rack will be necessary since it can’t fit inside of a standard trunk. A good surfboard roof rack can cost about $100 to $200. Some surfers also ship their surfboard to a destination, which can cost about $20 one-way via FedEX or UPS.
A wetsuit or board shorts are also highly recommended to avoid rashes and to keep you warm in cooler waters. A good wetsuit and can cost $40 to $150, while board shorts can be about half this.
Tips to know:
According to SurfBait.com, your weight plays an important role when selecting your new surfboard. The heavier you are, the larger your board needs to be. If you are too heavy, it can be harder to control it, creating quite the challenge while riding the waves. When choosing a surfboard, refer to a size guide to see which size you need to comfortable surf.
How can I save money?
If you’re just learning and curious about the sport, consider renting before investing hundreds of dollars. However, if you’re going to rent, experts recommend finding a “real” surfboard, not those you commonly see at a tourist destination. Most rentals are less than $20 per hour.
Buying used can often save you up to 50 percent, even when you factor in the shipping fees if you were to purchase online. Consider checking out eBay and Craigslist to see if you can find a board that suits your tastes.
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