Used Surfboard: The Complete Guide

Nov 13, 2024

By Clément Morandière

Planche de Surf d'Occasion : le Guide Complet - Zeus Surf

Are you dreaming of getting into surfing without breaking the bank? Then look no further, you've come to the right place!

The secret to making your dream of riding the waves come true without breaking the bank is simple: buy a used surfboard . It's the key to accessing this exciting sport at a lower cost.

But be careful, finding the perfect board among all the offers is a real challenge. This is where we come in with our guide to help you find the rare gem!

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer , we will share with you all our tips for finding the board of your dreams at an unbeatable price. No more hesitation, it's time to go for the best deals!

And to make things even easier for you, we have developed an ingenious tool that will allow you to directly find the ideal board according to your profile, whether it is new or used.

Just go to: https://zeus-surf.com/tools/perfect-product-finder/find-the-perfect-surfboard#/

So, are you ready to ride the wave of good deals? Hold on tight, we’re embarking on an exciting adventure!

The 5 Golden Rules for Choosing Well

Check the general condition: damage that ruins your session? No thanks!
Choose the right size : neither too big nor too small, do not overestimate your level
Choose the shape that suits your level : fun without frustration
Dare to negotiate: with diplomacy and a smile, everything is possible
Test before you buy: because nothing beats a real ride

A surfer carrying an orange foam Zeus surfboard

The Summary 🏄🏻‍♂️

1. Why Choose a Used Surfboard?
2. Where to Find Used Surfboards?
3. What are the Key Points to Look for on a Used Board?
4. What Size Used Surfboard Should You Choose?
5. What Type of Used Surfboard is Right for Your Skill Level?
6. How to Evaluate the General Condition of a Used Surfboard?
7. How to Negotiate the Price of a Used Surfboard?
8. What Are the Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a Used Board?
9. How to Maintain a Used Surfboard?
10. Where to sell and buy used surf equipment?

Now, let's dive into the details of each section.

1. Why Choose a Used Surfboard?

Financial Savings 💸: Buying a used surfboard allows you to make significant savings compared to new models, while still getting access to quality equipment. It is an ideal option to benefit from good value for money without a high investment.
Access to Quality Brands and Models: By choosing a used surfboard , you can gain access to renowned brands and models that you might have found out of your budget when buying new. This means you can enjoy the performance and durability of the best brands in the industry without spending a fortune.
Exploration and Diversification: Buying a used surfboard gives you the opportunity to explore different types of boards and surfing styles without committing financially to a new board. It’s a great opportunity to test out different shapes, sizes, and fin configurations to discover what works best for your surfing style.
Less Risk for Beginners: For beginner surfers, investing in a new board can be risky. Beginners are often in the process of learning and improving their skills, which can lead to scratches or dents on the board. Opting for a used board allows beginners to practice and progress without worrying about damaging an expensive board.

2. Where to Find Used Surfboards?

Now that we have the basics laid out, it's time to start hunting for the perfect surfboard.

Local Surf Shops: Your local surf temples can be a goldmine for used finds. These wave haunts often offer a carefully vetted selection of used boards that have earned the expert seal of approval.
Online Classifieds Sites: Online platforms like Leboncoin. There you will find a multitude of ads for used surfboards, allowing you to explore a variety of models and brands.
Surf Communities: Surfers congregate not only in the water, but online as well. Facebook groups and surf forums are places where enthusiasts share not only their adventures, but also their used board finds. Joining these communities can open the doors to unique opportunities.
Also, keep in mind that opportunities to find a used surfboard aren’t limited to specialty stores and online platforms. Local surf schools and surf camps are also great resources for finding hidden gems . The enthusiasts who frequent these places often have boards to sell or trade, and these deals can sometimes hold some nice surprises.

Our advice: If you buy your used board online, make sure that the board is well packaged with care , use a specialized transport service for surfboards like Colisport . Take the time to carefully check the condition of the package when your board is delivered.

3. What are the Key Points to Look for on a Used Board?

When considering purchasing a used surfboard , it is crucial to carefully consider a few key points to ensure you make a wise choice. Here are the things to look out for:

Bottom Condition: Inspect the bottom of the board for cracks, dents, or repairs. A damaged bottom can compromise the performance of the board and affect your surfing experience. Also look for delaminations, which are separations in the board's layered lamination.
Nose and Tail Condition: Carefully check the condition of the nose (front part) and tail (rear part) of the board. Make sure they are in good condition and have not suffered any significant damage, such as deep dents or cracks. Damage to the nose or tail can influence the overall behavior of the board in the water.
Rails and Deck: The rails (side edges) and deck (top) of the board should also be inspected. Look for any warping, dents or structural damage. Warped rails or a dented deck can affect the stability and performance of the board. Make sure the rails are not broken or chipped.
Fin Boxes: Check the condition of the fin boxes. They should be intact and securely attached to the board. If the board uses removable boxes, make sure the fixing screws are in good condition and not rusted. Damaged boxes can make the board unstable in the water.
Leash Plug: The leash plug, which is the attachment for the leash, must be in good condition. Make sure it is securely attached to the board and that there are no cracks around its location. A damaged leash plug can cause the board to be lost in the water.

Our pro tip: take the time to inspect the equipment carefully and ask why the seller wants to part with his board.

4. What Size Used Surfboard Should You Choose?

Choosing the size of your used surfboard depends on several factors, including your skill level , your weight , and the type of waves you plan to ride. Here are some tips to help guide your decision:

Surfing Level: If you're a beginner, opt for a generously sized board, such as a longboard. These boards offer more stability and are more forgiving of placement errors. If you're an experienced surfer, you may want to consider shorter, more responsive boards.
Weight: Your weight influences the buoyancy of the board. Lighter surfers may want to opt for boards with less volume, while heavier surfers may benefit from the more buoyancy offered by larger boards.
Wave Type: If you are aiming for smaller, softer waves, a longer board may be better. For more powerful, hollow waves, a shorter, more maneuverable board may be better suited.

5. What Type of Used Surfboard is Right for Your Skill Level?

Choosing the type of used surfboard depends largely on your skill level and surfing style. Here are some general recommendations:

Beginners: If you are new to surfing, opt for more stable and easy-to-paddle boards, such as longboards and mini Malibu boards. These boards provide a stable platform to learn the basics with confidence.
Experienced Surfers: If you have more experience, you might want to consider higher-performance options, such as shortboards. These boards are more responsive and are suited to surfers who can maneuver in more demanding waves.

6. How to Evaluate the General Condition of a Used Surfboard?

Feel for Damaged Areas: Run your hands over the board to feel for imperfections.
Look at the Repairs: Check if the repairs are well done and solid.

7. How to Negotiate the Price of a Used Surfboard?

Do Your Research: Know the approximate value of the board.
Inspect Carefully: Defects can be used to negotiate a lower price.

Note that some brands have a better value on the second-hand market? This is the case of Firewire , DHD , Channel islands, Slater design, Pyzel surfboards. These brands are more popular on the surf market.

Some types of shapes are also very popular like the mini malibu and the fish and the longboard. Remember to ask questions about the construction of the boards, whether they are foam, epoxy or polyster.

8. What Are the Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying a Used Board?

Too Damaged Board: If the repairs are extensive, this can affect performance.
Purchase Without Trial: Ask if it is possible to try your future board before buying it.

9. How to Maintain a Used Surfboard?

Rinse After Use: Rinse the board with fresh water to remove salt.
Quick Repairs: Address small issues quickly to prevent them from becoming bigger.

Congratulations, you now have the tools and knowledge to start searching for your perfect used surfboard .

Remember, every used board tells its own story, marked by past rides and adventures lived. It is this story that gives it a unique soul and a special connection with its next owner.

Whether you opt for a vintage board with an authentic aura or a more modern option, the key is to stay curious, patient, and willing to dive into the world of used surfboards.

If you’re ready to start this thrilling adventure, consider checking out our carefully curated collection of used surfboards on our online store. Who knows, your perfect board might be just a few clicks away. So, strap on your wetsuit, grab your board, and get ready to create your own epic stories on the waves! 🌊🏄‍♀️

How much should I spend on a used surfboard?

The price of used surfboards varies depending on several factors such as brand, age, condition and model.

Generally, beginners can find good options between €150 and €250 , while more advanced boards can cost between €300 and €800. Set a realistic budget considering your needs and surfing level.