Surfing can be an expensive sport, but it doesn’t have to be. The main costs are renting or buying gear, lessons, and of course the gas needed for transportation. But how much does surfing cost? It depends on how you do it.
Renting a surfboard and wetsuit is around $50 per day. A surfboard can cost between $100 and $800. A new wetsuit costs around $200 – $300.
Surf lessons will cost around $30 – $70 per hour, depending on your location and whether gear rentals are included too.
Surfing can be expensive, but it can also be fairly affordable. There are a lot of factors that affect the cost of surfing. Read on to find out how much does surfing cost?
How much do surf lessons cost?
Surf lessons are super helpful for beginners and are a great way to meet other people who want to learn. I always tell beginners that taking a surf lesson is worth it.
Lessons in Oregon, where I live, cost about $50 – $60 per hour, with most lessons being in two hour increments. This typically includes the surfboard and wetsuit rental for the full day, so you can keep surfing on your own after the two hours of instruction are over.
The rates of lessons do change based on whether they are private or group lessons. Some companies offer private group lessons so you can go with just your family or friends.
Shop around to see what companies are available in your area, but plan to set aside about $150 per person per day of lessons. Again this can vary based on your location and what is included.
How much does it cost to rent surf gear?
Renting gear is a good idea if you’re a beginner and you’re not sure if you want to pursue surfing or you only surf once or twice a year and don’t have a place to store your gear.
However, the cost of rentals can add up over multiple sessions, so you may want to limit the amount of times you rent.
A full day of rentals, which includes the surfboard and wetsuit, typically costs around $50 in Oregon. This could vary based on your location and type of gear. See the table below for a full breakdown of the cost for gear rentals.
| Item | Rental Cost (full day) |
| Surfboard | $25 |
| Wetsuit | $25 |
| Booties | $10 |
| Gloves | $10 |
| Package | $50 |
The type of surfboard you rent might change the rate. A fiberglass board will probably be more than a soft-top and a long-board might be more expensive than a short-board. In the end, the price depends on a lot of factors, so just ask questions ahead of time before you rent.
Typically, a rental for a single day lasts from 9 am – 5 pm, and you have to get your rentals turned in on time. If you want a longer timeline, some companies offer multi-day or week long rentals.
How much does it cost to buy surf gear?
If you are sure you’ll be surfing at least a few times per year, it’s probably smart to buy your own surfboard and wetsuit. Read more about how to buy your first surfboard.
The price for these two items can vary quite a bit depending on their type and quality. Longboards are more expensive than shortboards. Fiberglass boards are more expensive than epoxy boards which are more expensive than soft-tops. A thicker, good quality wetsuit is more expensive than a thinner one or one of lower quality.
Used gear is a great way to save money and still find functional gear. I personally have purchased several used surfboards and used wetsuits. Learn more about how to buy a used surfboard.
The table below shows a basic range for the costs of surf gear, comparing new and used gear.
| Item | Cost (New) | Cost (Used) |
| Surfboard | $400 – $1000 | $100 – $600 |
| Wetsuit | $250 – $300 | $50 – $150 |
| Gloves | $40 – $60 | $5 – $20 |
| Booties | $40 – $80 | $5 – $20 |
| Total | $730 – $1440 | $160 – $790 |
Overall, you’re probably looking at about $300 – $600 upfront cost for your gear. Learn more about how to save money surfing.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article answers your question of how much does surfing cost? While this cost may seem prohibitive, and it definitely is for some, it is relatively affordable compared to other activities.
Consider downhill skiing for example. Ski gear can cost over $500 dollars plus at least that much for a season pass each year. Mountain bikes can cost several thousands of dollars and need to be tuned quite a bit. Surf gear requires very little maintenance in comparison. Rock climbing gear can cost $500 or more depending on the type of gear.
A final comment on the recurring cost of gear. Surfboards can last over 5 years if you take care of them, and often significantly longer. Most wetsuits last at least 3 years if you take care of them. Learn how to properly care for your surf gear.
Heads up! Surfing is awesome but it can be dangerous! Learn more about how to stay safe and avoid dangers while surfing. If you are a beginner surfer, check out my other articles about surfing and my ultimate guide to learning how to surf.
