Complete Beginner Surfing Equipment Checklist

Surfeur débutant à l'eau sur une planche Zeus avec son équipement combinaison et lycra

Reading time: 5 minutes

This handy checklist is part of our general guide to beginner surfing equipment . It will help you make sure you don't forget anything for your first sessions and will give you a clear order of priority for your purchases, with an estimated budget for each item.

How to use this checklist?

  • ✅ Browse the full list to see all the equipment you may need
  • ✅ Use priority levels to plan your purchases over time
  • ✅ Consult the budget table to estimate your investment
  • ✅ Click on the links for detailed guides on each type of equipment

Priority 1: The essentials (to start surfing)

Equipment Why it is essential Average budget
1. Foam surfboard
7'0 to 9'0, volume adapted to your weight
Stability, buoyancy and safety for learning 300-500€
2. Leash
Slightly longer than your board
Safety for you and others 20-40€
3. Combination adapted to the season
Thickness depending on water temperature
Thermal protection, extends sessions 150-300€
4. Sun protection
SPF 50+ waterproof
Prevention of sunburn and UV damage 15-25€

Priority 2: Comfort essentials (for more enjoyable sessions)

Equipment Why it matters Average budget
5. Surf poncho
Ideally in cotton with a hood
Change easily, dry yourself, protect yourself from the wind 50-80€
6. Wax or pad
If necessary for your board
Grip and stability on the board 5-30€
7. Surf shoes
Thickness according to temperature
Foot protection against cold and reefs 30-50€

Priority 3: Useful accessories (for optimal comfort)

Equipment Why it's useful Average budget
8. Carrying case
Adapted to the size of your board
Protection of the board during transport 50-80€
9. Waterproof bag
Size adapted to your needs
Protection of valuables on the beach 15-40€
10. Accessories according to season
Gloves, balaclava, anti-UV lycra
Additional protection depending on conditions 20-80€

Estimated total budget

Equipment level Content Total budget
Minimal equipment
(Priority 1 only)
Board, leash, wetsuit, sun protection 485-865€
Comfortable equipment
(Priorities 1 and 2)
The essentials + poncho, wax/pad, slippers 570-1025€
Complete equipment
(All priorities)
All equipment mentioned in the checklist 655-1225€

Zeus Tip : Don't buy everything at once! Start with your priority equipment, then gradually complete your set. A smart strategy is to rent a few times before buying to confirm your interest.

Economical options to reduce the budget

  • Rental : €15-25/session, ideal for testing before buying
  • Second-hand : Save 30-50% on boards and wetsuits
  • End of Season Sales : Significant discounts on previous year's models
  • Loan between friends : Economical solution for testing different equipment

Detailed guides by equipment category

To help you make the best choices, we have created specific guides for each type of equipment:

Printable Checklist

To help you keep track of your purchases, here is a simplified checklist that you can print:

My surfing checklist

Essentials:

  • □ Foam surfboard
  • □ Adapted leash
  • □ Combination adapted to the season
  • □ Sun protection

Comfort :

  • □ Surf poncho
  • □ Wax or pad (if necessary)
  • □ Surf shoes

Accessories :

  • □ Carrying case
  • □ Waterproof bag
  • □ Seasonal accessories

Armed with this comprehensive checklist, you're now ready to gradually build your surfing gear in a methodical and thoughtful manner. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun on the waves!

Let'Z ride! 🌊🏄

FEEL THE THUNDER ⚡️


This article is part of our comprehensive guide to surfing for beginners. Discover our other resources to delve deeper into every aspect of your newfound passion.

👉 Back to the complete beginner surfing equipment guide

Faciles, durables et fun — pour tous les niveaux.

Planches & Shapes

Chez Zeus, on conçoit des planches pour tous les riders, du tout nouveau débutant qui prend ses premières vagues aux surfeurs plus avancés qui ride avec style. Nos shapes sont variés — accessibles et solides — pour offrir des rides fluides, fun et sans contraintes, n'importe où, n'importe quand, quel que soit l'âge.

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