Where to Get Surfboards: Your Comprehensive Guide to Buying the Perfect Board

So, you’re ready to catch some waves? Awesome! But before you can hang ten, you need the right equipment. Specifically, you need a surfboard. Figuring out where to get surfboards can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. There’s a vast ocean of options out there, from local surf shops to online retailers, and even individual sellers. This guide will break down the best places to find the perfect surfboard for your skill level, budget, and surfing aspirations.

We’ll explore the pros and cons of each option, providing you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a custom shape or a newbie just starting out, knowing where to get surfboards is the first step toward riding that perfect wave. Let’s dive in!

Local Surf Shops: The Heart of the Surfing Community

Arguably the best place to start your search for a surfboard is your local surf shop. These brick-and-mortar stores offer a wealth of benefits that online retailers simply can’t match.

Benefits of Buying from a Local Surf Shop:

• Expert Advice: Surf shop employees are typically experienced surfers themselves. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your skill level, body type, and the types of waves you’ll be riding. They can guide you through the different types of boards, fin setups, and materials.
• Hands-On Experience: You can physically examine and handle the surfboards. This is crucial, especially for beginners who need to get a feel for the board’s size, shape, and weight. Holding a board in your hands can tell you a lot more than just looking at a picture online.
• Support Local Businesses: By purchasing from a local surf shop, you’re supporting your community and helping to keep the stoke alive. These shops often sponsor local events and support local surfers.
• Building Relationships: Surf shops are more than just stores; they’re community hubs. You can connect with other surfers, learn about local surf spots, and get insider tips.
• Easy Returns and Exchanges: If you’re not happy with your purchase, returning or exchanging a surfboard is usually much easier at a local shop than with an online retailer.

Things to Consider:

• Price: Surfboards at local shops may be slightly more expensive than online due to overhead costs. However, the added value of expert advice and hands-on experience often outweighs the price difference.
• Selection: While local shops typically carry a wide range of boards, their selection may be limited compared to online retailers.

Online Retailers: Convenience and Variety at Your Fingertips

Online retailers offer a vast selection of surfboards from various brands and shapers. They’re a convenient option for those who don’t have a local surf shop nearby or who are looking for a specific board that’s not readily available in stores.

Benefits of Buying from an Online Retailer:

• Wide Selection: Online retailers offer a much wider selection of surfboards than local shops. You can find boards from all over the world, including rare and hard-to-find models.
• Competitive Prices: Online retailers often offer competitive prices due to lower overhead costs. You can also find deals and discounts that may not be available in local shops.
• Convenience: You can shop for surfboards from the comfort of your own home, at any time of day or night.
• Detailed Product Information: Online retailers typically provide detailed product descriptions, specifications, and customer reviews.

Things to Consider:

• Lack of Hands-On Experience: You can’t physically examine or handle the surfboard before you buy it. This can be a disadvantage, especially for beginners.
• Shipping Costs: Shipping a surfboard can be expensive, especially for longboards.
• Returns and Exchanges: Returns and exchanges can be more complicated with online retailers. You may have to pay for return shipping, and the process can take longer.
• Potential for Damage During Shipping: Surfboards are fragile and can be damaged during shipping. Make sure the retailer has a good reputation for packaging surfboards properly.

Directly from Shapers: Custom Boards for a Perfect Fit

For experienced surfers who know exactly what they want, ordering a custom surfboard directly from a shaper is an excellent option. This allows you to get a board that’s perfectly tailored to your individual needs and preferences.

Benefits of Buying Directly from a Shaper:

• Customization: You can work with the shaper to design a board that’s perfectly suited to your skill level, body type, and the types of waves you’ll be riding. You can choose the dimensions, shape, materials, and fin setup.
• High Quality: Shapers typically use high-quality materials and construction techniques.
• Unique Board: You’ll have a one-of-a-kind surfboard that’s not available anywhere else.
• Direct Communication: You can communicate directly with the shaper throughout the design and construction process.

Things to Consider:

• Cost: Custom surfboards are typically more expensive than stock boards.
• Lead Time: It can take several weeks or even months to get a custom surfboard.
• Requires Experience: Ordering a custom surfboard requires a good understanding of surfboard design and how different shapes and materials affect performance.

Used Surfboards: A Budget-Friendly Option

Buying a used surfboard is a great way to save money, especially for beginners who are just starting out. You can find used surfboards at local surf shops, online marketplaces, and from individual sellers.

Benefits of Buying a Used Surfboard:

• Lower Price: Used surfboards are typically much cheaper than new surfboards.
• Great for Beginners: If you’re just starting out, you may not want to invest a lot of money in a new surfboard. A used board can be a good way to learn the basics without breaking the bank.
• Variety: You can find a wide variety of used surfboards, including vintage and collectible models.

Things to Consider:

• Condition: Carefully inspect the surfboard for dings, cracks, and other damage. Even minor damage can affect performance and durability.
• Hidden Damage: Be aware that some damage may be hidden under wax or repairs.
• Proper Size and Shape: Make sure the surfboard is the right size and shape for your skill level and body type.

Where to Get Surfboards: Specific Recommendations

Now that we’ve covered the different types of places to buy surfboards, let’s look at some specific recommendations.

Local Surf Shops:

• Jack’s Surfboards: A well-known chain with locations throughout Southern California, offering a wide selection of boards, gear, and apparel.
• Hansen’s Surf Shop: A San Diego institution with a long history of serving the surfing community.
• Ron Jon Surf Shop: A massive surf shop with multiple locations, offering everything you could possibly need for surfing.

Online Retailers:

• Amazon: Offers a surprisingly wide selection of surfboards from various brands.
• Etsy: While known for crafts, Etsy also boasts independent shapers and sellers offering unique and custom surfboards.
• Real Watersports: Specializes in kiteboarding, but also offers a good selection of surfboards and accessories.

Used Surfboards:

• Craigslist: A great place to find used surfboards from individual sellers.
• Facebook Marketplace: Similar to Craigslist, but with the added benefit of seeing the seller’s profile.
• OfferUp: Another popular online marketplace for buying and selling used items.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Surfboard

Before you decide where to get surfboards, it’s important to consider a few key factors that will influence your choice of board.

• Skill Level: Beginners should start with a larger, more stable board that’s easy to paddle and catch waves. Intermediate and advanced surfers can choose more performance-oriented boards.
• Body Type: Your height and weight will affect the size and volume of the surfboard you need.
• Wave Conditions: The type of waves you’ll be riding will also influence your choice of board. For small, mellow waves, you’ll want a board with more volume and a flatter rocker. For larger, steeper waves, you’ll want a board with less volume and a more curved rocker.
• Budget: Surfboards can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it.

Tips for Buying a Surfboard

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect surfboard:

• Do your research: Before you start shopping, learn about the different types of surfboards and what makes them suitable for different skill levels and wave conditions.
• Talk to experienced surfers: Get advice from experienced surfers who can offer valuable insights and recommendations.
• Try before you buy: If possible, try out a few different surfboards before you make a purchase. Many surf shops offer demo programs.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Ask the salesperson or shaper any questions you have about the surfboard.
• Consider the resale value: If you think you might want to sell the surfboard in the future, choose a popular model that will hold its value.

Maintaining Your Surfboard

Once you’ve found the perfect surfboard, it’s important to take care of it so it will last for years to come.

• Rinse your surfboard after each use: Rinse your surfboard with fresh water after each use to remove salt and sand.
• Store your surfboard in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your surfboard in direct sunlight or in a hot car, as this can damage the foam and resin.
• Protect your surfboard from dings and cracks: Use a surfboard bag to protect your surfboard from dings and cracks during transport and storage.
• Repair any damage promptly: Repair any dings or cracks as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.
• Re-wax your surfboard regularly: Re-wax your surfboard regularly to maintain traction.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Board for You

Finding the perfect surfboard can seem daunting, but by considering your skill level, body type, wave conditions, and budget, you can narrow down your options and find a board that will help you progress and enjoy your surfing experience. Whether you choose to buy from a local surf shop, an online retailer, a shaper, or a used board seller, remember to do your research, ask questions, and try before you buy. And most importantly, have fun!

Knowing where to get surfboards is only half the battle; understanding what kind of board you need is just as crucial. With the information in this guide, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect surfboard and catching the waves of your dreams. Good luck, and happy surfing!

Now that you know all about where to get surfboards, consider reading up on [See also: Surfboard Types and Which One is Right for You] and [See also: Surfboard Maintenance: Keeping Your Board in Top Condition].