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

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