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Surfing Videos & Surf Travel Guide | Gone Coastal ProHere’s a helpful detailed guide on how to buy a used surfboard.
Buying a used surfboard is the way to go. You save money and will meet some great people in the process. However, this can become a complete waste of money if done improperly and without the right knowledge. You can find used boards everywhere, from your local surf shop consignment section to an ad on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. There is a science to everything, so here are some tips and tricks when looking for your next board.
First, decide on your board type. There are THOUSANDS of used surfboards. You gotta narrow down your choices at the minimum. Otherwise, you’ll go nuts.
Are you on the hunt for a…
Used Longboard
Used Shortboard
Used Soft Top
Used Fish.
Narrow down – and search for what you specifically desire.
If you are a beginner surfer in search of your first board, you want to figure out what size board to look for first. Here are some references I found very helpful and informative to help narrow it down…
https://lushpalm.com/beginner-surfboards/
https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/how-to-buy-your-first-surfboard/10586604
In short, yes. However, you need to know what to look for…
Since my early days of surfing, I’ve scored plenty used boards on Craigslist, Facebook, and at my local surf shops. 9 times out of 10 someone sells their used surfboard because they upgraded, found something they like more, or have recently hung up their wetsuit for good and want to get a few bucks for what they have.
The trick is to catch them in one of these instances… this is when you will find a great board in solid condition for a fair price.
What can be difficult is finding a good deal and beating other used surfboard shoppers to the punch, because a good deal won’t last long. If you are in the market for a used board, consider checking private sale sites regularly, at least once a day.
Used surfboard prices vary – obviously. If you are looking to get something that still has some life left in it and doesn’t need serious repairs, consider being ready to spend roughly $200 – $400 on a used surfboard.
If you are spending anything less, you are buying a board that needs major work, unless you stumbled across someone who doesn’t know what they have.
If you are paying more, consider buying something brand new, fresh off the sander instead. When you go to see the board in person you will almost instantly become aware of this.
If the seller is a former surfer, they will usually give you a better price, assuming they want to clean out their shed.
A current surfer will have a better understanding of what their board is worth in today’s market and will want to make enough cash to get something new.
I have experience with both kinds of sellers. I was fortunate to find someone selling two 1990s used boards $75 each, with fins. The guy that sold them to me was a former surfer who had them stored in his basement for years. Picked them both up and got many waves out of them. This would be considered a steal.
You usually will not get a water – ready used surfboard for under $100. I have also encountered sellers who are trying to get top dollar for what they think their board is worth.
I once purchased a Channel Islands Fred Stubble model that had been pretty worn in for $300. Although it was an all – around great board that got me some great waves, I concluded I overpaid because of the severely crippled condition it was in. Now it barely sees the water because of the dings and cracks I failed to spot before purchasing.
Here is a helpful article that analyzes what your budget should look like when shopping…
https://surfersfootprint.com/how-to-buy-a-used-surfboard-28-money-saving-tips/
Whether you just got back from a family vacation in Hawaii and you are hooked on surfing, or you’ve been running your local break for years, you want to look in the same places.
At your local surf shops, you will often find used boards for sale as a consignment. While these boards will almost always be pre – inspected and / or repaired professionally, both the owner and the shop are looking to make money on this deal, which results in you ultimately overpaying.
While this is still a safe and viable option for purchasing a used board, websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace will get you the best price. I’ve bought numerous boards using these sites and have met some cool people along the way. Even Ebay has a used surfboard section: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=surfboards&_sacat=0&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=3000
However, don’t be fooled by the low prices and easy transactions; if you don’t inspect the board properly you will lose in the long run.
Thinking about buying a VINTAGE surfboard for a collection or for home / office decor? LOVE your style! Here’s a couple places to find that vintage relic:
https://www.thesurfboardproject.com/buysell-vintage-surfboards/
Surfboard ding repair can be costly. Each Ding & Crack will cost you.
Wear and tear is normal for used boards, but you want to get your hands on something that has minimal damage that can hurt the structural integrity of the board.
Any crack or dent that has shattered the outside coating of fiber glass will continue to spread and get worse, ultimately exposing the foam core of the surfboard.
While dinged boards can be saved, it is important to note how many dings are on the board and the severity of them all, because each one depending on how serious will mean more money out of your pocket to fix it.
An easy tip for locating dings or cracks to the fiber glass is to run your finger flush overtop of one; if you feel the sharp glass or any part of your finger catches, you will need to repair it, so the board doesn’t take any water.
Here are some great resources that we have used to buy ding repair kits for our surfboards…
https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-best-surfboard-ding-repair-kits
Check for Past / Present Water Damage
Water damage indicates a lack of repairs and / or maintenance. This occurs when a ding or crack isn’t patched or repaired properly, resulting in the surfboard taking and holding water.
When water is soaked up by the inside foam of the board, it saturates and rots the board from the inside out which results in discoloration (in mild cases yellow, in serious cases brown).
Water damage causes added weight which will reduce the structural integrity of the surfboard. If you see any sort of water damage in a used surfboard you are inspecting, my advice is to stay away unless you want to jump through extreme hoops and cash to bring it back to life.
You can also feel water damage. Hold the board up by one of the rails or under your arm and make sure the weight distribution feels right.
When a board is saturated with water, the board will feel off balance in your hands and heavy under your arm.
To effectively make that decision I would consult a board repair specialist to determine the severity of the water damage.
Here is some information on how to tell if your surfboard is too waterlogged to save…
https://extremefreak.com/waterlogged-surfboard/
https://surfmentor.com/how-do-i-know-if-my-surfboard-is-waterlogged/
Inspect Fin boxes (and fins if included)
A broken or cracked fin box will set you back $100-150 depending on the board and damage.
Check where the fins attach / insert to the surfboard. If the fins are non – removable (glass – on fins) look for signs of cracking or damage. If they show any signs of damage, they will most likely have to be professionally repaired or replaced which costs a ton.
Removable fin systems are an easier fix but should still be inspected for damage like cracks or dings.
Examine inside the fin box to where the prongs of the fins are inserted. Look for signs of damage or debris inside. Also examine the fin screws to make sure they still operate correctly. Check for stripped screws.
Also, take a quick peek at the leash cup. The fin boxes and leash cup are smaller parts on a surfboard that although don’t seem like much, have a more mechanical function than the rest of the board.
If there is any damage here it should be considered before purchasing the board.
If you are thinking of repairing a busted fin box, here is what we think is the best method:
https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/how-to-fix-a-damaged-surfboard-fin-box
Beyond typical surfboard repair! A buckled board means it is going to snap or already has snapped and has been professionally repaired, which you can spot by seeing a crease across the board.
Either way, you want to stay away from a buckled surfboard. This is the equivalent of a board being totaled. Notice where the board is buckled because if it’s across the middle of the board you shouldn’t be purchasing it.
However, a buckle that rides up close to the nose of the surfboard isn’t a dealbreaker but needs to be repaired before it touches the water.
A red flag and a sure sign of a buckle or serious ding is if the board has new paint or stickers that shouldn’t be there. People will do this to cover a seriously damaged area before selling the board.
Here is some more in – depth analysis of a buckled surfboard that we think will be helpful…
https://surfedukators.com/buckled-surfboard-repair-guide-tips-and-tricks/
Notice Signs of Previous Repair…
You will be able to spot signs of repair. Check to see if the repairs have been done properly.
You can do this by pressing down on the board around the repair. If the outside fiber glass feels soft or mushy compared to the rest of the board’s surface, chances are it’ll need some attention.
Often the seller will be honest, so just ask about previous repairs. Buying a used surfboard that has been repaired professionally and properly is how you score an awesome deal, especially if the seller is honest with you about the work that has been done to the board.
To Reiterate…
Finally, Strike a Deal!
When buying a used surfboard, negotiate in your favor.
The only positive thing about any damage or previous repairs you find is that it will open up room for price reduction, especially if something wasn’t advertised accurately on their end.
Used surfboard sellers are always going to be flexible in pricing, even if you are getting one from your local surf shop.
Don’t forget about bonuses:
Traction pads, leashes, and fins all add value to the surfboard.
Usually, these accessories will have brand names on them, search them up to see what sort of value they could add to the price of the used board.
For a general reference, a decent traction pad runs between $30 and $50, a solid leash between $20 – $40 and a nice set of fins can be worth anywhere from $50 – $150 (price range for fins can vary a lot based on brand and model).
These additions to a used surfboard will pay off!
Don’t rush this process. Take your time to inspect and examine any used surfboard you are considering buying. Speaking from personal experience, finding a used surfboard that has been professionally maintained and / or repaired can often be a gold mine where you will get your money’s worth. Also, always trust your gut instinct, they are usually right!
If you are looking to purchase a used surfboard, you probably have a friend that has some knowledge too. Or maybe you are on a first – name basis with the guy at your local surf shop. Asking for advice never hurts and getting a second opinion on a used surfboard purchase is always a good idea.
Happy buying!
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