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How Much is a Surfboard? [Cost Guide and FAQs]

by Grant Draper
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So you want to get into surfing, but aren’t sure about what a surfboard costs to get you ready to ride?

Surfing gear including your wetsuit, rash guard and boots are a big expense. But the biggest expense you’re going to face is your board. The cost of a surfboard can range from a few hundred dollars, with top quality surfboarding costing thousands and more!

Our cost guide gives a generic view on how much a surfboard is. But, we’ll also explain a few things that can affect the price, and potentially, that can save you a few notes!

Surfboard Costs: Top 5 FAQs

Surfboard costs range dramatically. Shortboards, those suited for a beginner, longboards, shortboards, custom and even second hand examples all vary in price. You can compare prices here on shortboards and longboards.

The price guide below is going to help you determine what you need to be looking for, and how much you should expect to pay.

How much does a surfboard cost?

Surfboards come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. If you're in the market for a quality surfboard, you can expect to pay around $600 on average. Of course, prices can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and materials used. But fear not, as there are plenty of quality surfboards available for as little as $250, and if you're willing to splurge, you can find premium options for $1,000 and beyond.

When it comes to finding the perfect surfboard for your needs, it's important to consider factors such as your skill level, riding style, and preferred wave conditions. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to navigate the surfboard market. That's why we've created a handy table that showcases some of the most popular surfboards, their sizes, and recent pricing on various online stores.

Whether you're a beginner looking for an affordable starter board, or a seasoned pro seeking a high-performance option, there's a surfboard out there for you. So, don't be deterred by the cost of a surfboard - with a bit of research and some careful consideration, you can find the perfect board to take your surfing to the next level.

Here is a table we created that includes some of the most popular surfboards, their size, and recent pricing on various online stores:

BrandModelSize (ft)Price
Channel IslandsFishbeard5ft 6''$749
Lost SurfboardsVoodoo Child6ft 2''$710
Firewire SurfboardsSci-Fi6ft 0''$769
Rusty SurfboardsYes Thanks5ft 10''$795
Pyzel SurfboardsGhost6ft 0''$790
SuperbrandFling5ft 6''$699
SurftechTakayama Scorpion9ft 0''$1,449
NSPElements HDT7ft 2''$449
Modern SurfboardsLove Child7ft 2''$579
Torq SurfboardsTEC Performance Funboard7ft 6''$499
JS IndustriesMonsta 86ft 0''$730
HaydenshapesHypto Krypto5ft 10''$810
Album SurfboardsLedge6ft 0''$825
Lib TechLost Round Nose Fish Redux5ft 7''$799

What price point should you be looking at for your first surfboard?

Go for something cheap. There’s a good chance as a beginner, you’ll ding up your first surfboard pretty bad. Even a $100 secondhand surfboard is going to do the trick. What you really need to be focusing on, is getting the correct sized board. 

Looking to buy a brand new beginner surfboard? Expect to pay in the region of $400 and upwards for something of high quality, there's a nice range to choose from here.

Are foam boards a cheap option for beginners?

Want to try out surfing without breaking the bank? A foam board might just be the perfect option for you. While a high-quality beginner surfboard can set you back $400 or more, a beginner foam board can be found for around $200-250, making it an affordable way to dip your toes in the water.

Don't be fooled by the lower price tag, though - foam boards are a great choice for beginners who are just starting out. They're lightweight, easy to handle, and forgiving when it comes to making mistakes. Plus, with advances in foam board technology, you can now find options that offer excellent stability and performance.

So, if you're looking for a cheap way to get involved in the sport of surfing, a foam board might just be the way to go. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking for a new challenge, there's a foam board out there for you.

How much is a custom shortboard?

If you're a serious surfer looking for a board that's tailored to your unique style and specifications, a custom shortboard may be just what you need. While the cost of a custom shortboard can vary depending on several factors, such as the materials used, the shaping process, and the complexity of the design, you can typically expect to pay at least $600 for a basic custom shortboard.

Of course, if you're looking for a higher-end board that's made with premium materials and shaped by a top-level shaper, you should expect to pay over $1,000 for a high-quality custom shortboard. But don't let the cost scare you away. A custom shortboard can be a worthwhile investment if you're serious about your surfing and want a board that's tailored to your needs.

When it comes to ordering a custom shortboard, it's important to do your research and find a reputable shaper who can help bring your vision to life. A good shaper will take the time to understand your surfing style and preferences, and will work with you to create a board that's perfectly suited to your needs.

While the cost of a custom shortboard may seem daunting at first, it's important to remember that you're investing in a board that's built to last and designed to help you take your surfing to the next level. So if you're ready to take your surfing to new heights, consider investing in a custom shortboard that's tailored to your unique needs and preferences.

Does it cost a lot to make your own surfboard?

Looking to make your own surfboard? Be prepared to spend some serious cash. While the satisfaction of riding a board you built yourself can be incredibly rewarding, the cost of materials can quickly add up.

First and foremost, you'll need to invest in a high-quality surfboard blank. These can cost upwards of $200 or more, depending on the size and shape you're looking for. Some popular surfboard blank brands include Clark Foam, US Blanks, and Millennium Foam.

In addition to the blank, you'll need to factor in the cost of fins and a leash, which can easily set you back another $100 or more. And that's not even considering the cost of tools and materials needed to shape and finish the board, which can quickly add up to several hundred dollars or more.

In Summary

You’ve got a ton of options here. As a beginner, you could be spending as little as $100 on a secondhand board from marketplaces such as eBay.

However, if you’re looking to invest a little more, or are an experienced surfer, you might need to budget $600-1,000, and beyond if you’re looking for a custom surfboard. The quickest way to compare prices is to checkout this surf store here.

Like our mini surfboard cost guide? Bookmark our surfing page and visit again soon. We’re constantly posting up surfing reviews and advice.