Thursday, July 28, 2016

What to Consider When Buying a Used Surfboard

Buying a new surfboard is sort of like buying a car -- they lose some of their value as soon as you 'drive off the lot'! Still, there's nothing like a new board, but sometimes, it's just not do-able. If you're thinking about going with a used board instead, how will you know if you're getting a good deal? Here are a few things to consider when picking out a used surfboard:
  • Check the condition: Is it in 'like-new' condition, or well-used?
  • Look at the dings: How many are there? Have they been fixed? Were they professionally repaired? If fixed, were they fixed before the board became water-damaged? If not fixed, has this been figured into the price of the board?
  • Is this the right board for you? In general, long boards are for beginners and short boards are for intermediates or pros.
  • Check the dimensions: Are they right for you and your level of experience? Will it still be a decent board as your skills improve?
  • Usability: How good is the foam? Are the rails still firm or have they gone a little spongy?
If you're a more experienced surfer, you might want to consider things like the nose and tail rocker, deck shape (domed or flat), nose thickness/width, tail type and width, board construction (e.g., foam, poly, carbon, wood), etc. These details aren't as important for beginners, who can generally stick to the guidelines highlighted above.

When you decide the time is right to shop for a new or used surfboard, be sure to check out our selection at Surfboards.com. Once you narrow it down to a few choices, contact us -- we'll give you some expert guidance and answer any questions you have!

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