Surfboard ownership costs might surprise you. Used boards start at just $50, while premium hand-shaped longboards can cost more than $2,000. Your investment choice matters, whether you want your first foam board or dream of a custom shortboard.

The type of surfboard you choose significantly impacts its price. Simple foam boards for beginners typically cost around $150. High-performance models can cost $1,000 or more. Our years of surfing experience have taught us what you should expect to pay in 2025, from entry-level options to premium custom shapes.

Let’s take a closer look at surfboard prices in every category. We’ll help you understand the hidden costs and show you smart ways to save money on your purchase. This complete guide will give you the knowledge you need to make a smart decision about your surfboard investment.

Understanding Surfboard Price Ranges in 2025

Surfboard prices vary based on how they’re made and what materials are used. You can get simple foam boards starting at $150, and they go up to $800 for better quality ones. These boards are available to beginners and work well for learning the basics.

The mid-range market features fiberglass boards that cost between $300 to $700. Epoxy shortboards and fish boards cost a bit more, ranging from $500 to $900. These boards are more durable and perform better than foam ones, which makes them popular with surfers who want to improve their skills.

Custom and premium surfboards showcase the finest craftsmanship in surfing. Custom-shaped boards start at $800 and this is a big deal as it means that $1,000 is common. Some boutique manufacturers’ custom boards can cost between $8,500 to $18,500.

Custom orders usually take 6-8 weeks for polyurethane boards, and you’ll wait longer for epoxy or tinted designs. You’ll need to put down a 50% deposit to get your spot in the production line. Your board’s final price depends on:

• Board’s length and design specs
• Premium finishes like gloss and polish
• Extra features such as resin stripes and extra stringers

Surfers looking for high-performance boards without custom pricing can find mid-length surfboards from 20-year-old brands between $900 to $1,025. These boards give you professional-grade performance while staying reasonably priced.

How Much Different Types of Surfboards Actually Cost

Surfboard prices show interesting variations across different categories in 2025. Foam and soft-top surfboards remain the most affordable option, with simple models starting at $150. Quality foam boards from 5-year old brands like Catch Surf and Wave Bandit cost between $300-$500. Premium soft-tops with hard construction from manufacturers like Torq sell between $650-$750.

Construction materials heavily influence traditional hardboard pricing. Polyurethane shortboards typically range between $450-$900, and brands like Salty Gypsy provide quality options at lower prices. New hardtop longboards start at $500 for simple models. Most quality traditional longboards cost between $800-$1,000.

Craftsmanship plays a vital role in performance and specialty board pricing. Custom-shaped boards start at $800, while high-end models can reach $1,500 or more. These boards feature:

• Custom artwork and specialized materials
• Premium finishes and gloss options
• Hand-shaped precision and performance features

Budget-conscious surfers can find great deals in the used market. Used foam boards sell for as little as $50, and quality used hardtop shortboards often cost between $200-$300. Well-maintained used longboards typically range from $300-$600, which saves substantial money compared to new models.

Hidden Cost of Surfboard Ownership

Buying a surfboard is just the beginning of your investment journey. You’ll need to budget for regular maintenance and repairs. Simple fixes like nose chips cost $40-$50, rail damage repairs run $50-$80, and broken noses need $100-$140 to fix. Major repairs can hit your wallet harder – a buckled board costs $100-$180 to repair, and completely broken boards might set you back $150-$200.

You can’t forget about the must-have accessories. A good surfboard day bag runs about $120. Here’s what else you’ll need:

• Leash (9′-10′): $36-$37
• Traction pads: $32-$35
• Board wax and fin systems: $32-$34

Moving and storing your board takes some planning too. Shipping costs vary widely – domestic shipping ranges from $50-$150, while international shipping jumps to $200-$400. Storage options fit different budgets, from wall-mounted racks at $58 to high-end free-standing display stands at $150.

Smart storage choices help your board last longer. Keeping boards indoors protects them from weather damage and UV rays. Car transport needs some gear – roof racks cost between $50 for simple soft racks and $155 for premium guttered systems. Bike rack attachments are another option at around $70.

Epoxy boards cost about 30% more to repair than standard ones. Quick repairs are possible but cost extra, with 1-3 day service instead of the usual 1-3 weeks. Color matching adds $40 per ding to your repair bill.

Smart Ways to Save on Your Surfboard Purchase

Smart surfers know that good timing and research can help you score the perfect surfboard. Let’s look at some proven ways to get your dream board without emptying your wallet.

Best times to buy a surfboard

Fall is the sweet spot to shop for surfboards. Summer crowds start to disappear and shops need to clear their shelves. We found better deals during slower seasons when stores offer the most important markdowns to make space for new inventory. Your local surf shops usually run clearance sales that start at 20% off.

Where to find the best deals

Local surf shops are a great way to get reliable deals on new and used boards. These shops will give you:

• Expert board inspection services
• Return policies on used purchases
• Help from staff who really know their stuff

Online marketplaces pack plenty of options for budget-conscious buyers. Quality boards pop up regularly at lower prices on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Wholesale distributors like Surfboard Broker cover coastal areas with prices from $150 to full retail.

Used vs new surfboard value comparison

Used surfboards pack great value, especially when you have just started surfing. A good used board costs between $200-$450, while new models run $400-$1000+. Used boards hold their value well if you take care of them properly.

You should always check a used board in person before buying. Look really carefully for:

• Signs of water damage (discoloration)
• Delamination problems
• Secure fin attachments
• Quality of previous repairs

A careful inspection and smart buying approach can save you serious cash without sacrificing quality. Focus on the board’s condition instead of fancy brand names or signatures to get the best value. Beginners should start with used boards to try different styles while keeping costs down.

Conclusion

Surfboard prices in 2025 cover a huge range that works for every budget and skill level. Simple foam boards start at $150, making surfing available to beginners. Dedicated enthusiasts can get premium custom shapes that cost over $2,000. The original price tag matters, but smart surfers think about maintenance, accessories, and storage costs too.

Experience shows that finding the right board isn’t always about spending big money. Used boards are a great way to get value, especially when newcomers want to try different styles. You can save money by buying during off-peak seasons. Local surf shops continue to be reliable places to find both new and pre-owned options.

Note that a good surfboard investment matches your current skill level, how you plan to use it, and what you can afford. Your choice between a simple foam board or a custom shape should depend on understanding the real costs of ownership. Taking good care of your board will protect your investment and give you years of fun on the waves.

FAQs – Cost of Surfboard

Q1. What is the average cost of a surfboard in 2025? Surfboard prices vary widely depending on the type and quality. Entry-level foam boards start around $150, mid-range fiberglass boards typically cost between $300 to $700, and premium custom-shaped boards can exceed $1,000. High-end specialty boards from boutique manufacturers may even reach $18,500.

Q2. Are used surfboards a good value for beginners? Yes, used surfboards can offer excellent value for beginners. Quality second-hand boards typically cost between $200-$450, compared to $400-$1000+ for new models. They allow newcomers to experiment with different styles while keeping costs manageable, and often retain reasonable resale value when properly maintained.

Q3. What are some hidden costs of surfboard ownership? Beyond the initial purchase, surfboard ownership involves additional expenses. These include maintenance and repairs (ranging from $40 for minor fixes to $200 for major repairs), essential accessories like leashes and traction pads (around $100 total), and transportation/storage solutions such as roof racks ($50-$155) and wall mounts ($58+).

Q4. When is the best time to buy a surfboard? Fall is generally considered the prime season for surfboard shopping. During this time, summer crowds thin out and shops begin clearing inventory, often offering significant markdowns. You’ll typically find better deals during off-peak seasons when retailers offer discounts starting at 20% off to make room for new stock.

Q5. How much does a custom-shaped surfboard cost? Custom-shaped surfboards typically start at $800 and can frequently exceed $1,000. The final price depends on factors such as board length, design specifications, premium finishes, and additional features. Most custom orders require a 50% deposit and have a wait time of 6-8 weeks for standard designs, with longer periods for specialized requests.