Helpful Tips to Follow when Shopping for Used Surfboards

Surfboards are a large investment but they can last a very long time. Especially because they can be repaired to extend their lifespan. While purchasing a brand new surfboard will guarantee that there are no hidden issues to be concerned about, considering used surfboards has advantages of its own.

Knowing how to carry through the shopping process of used surfboards will make the difference between hoping you get a great surfboard, and knowing you are.

Request High-Definition Photos from Every Angle

Distant photos may be necessary to show an entire surfboard, but it is the high-definition and up-close photos that will tell you whether a surfboard is in worthy condition. If a seller has not already posted these pictures with their listing, you should request photos from every angle to do a thorough inspection.

Check the Fins, Especially Non-Removable Ones

Repairing or replacing fins that cannot be replaced can really add to the cost of a surfboard, so make sure to inspect the fins on a used surfboard that you are interested in purchasing. If removable fins are damaged, then you can still replace them by simply getting new ones, which is not as costly.

Have Any Wax Removed before Buying

A waxed surfboard can hide problems that make a board not worth buying. It is important to request the removal of all wax and have pictures taken without any wax as this is the only way you will be able to inspect the surfboard with the attention to detail that you should demand before buying.

Compare the Asking Price and Be Prepared to Negotiate

Although a used surfboard will save you money, you should also do your own research on the asking price and be prepared to negotiate for a lower price to get the best value for your money. Also, doing your own research on prices will make you feel better about the price you end up paying, as opposed to just hoping that the amount you paid was a fair exchange for both parties.

Contact us to learn more about our used surfboard selection.

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DIY Surfboard May Not Be All It's Cracked Up To Be

3D Printers have allowed people to create some amazing things. Almost anything you can design on your computer can be printed and assembled, letting people innovate and test production on their own and allowing for people to experiment with ideas faster and simpler than ever before.

Of course, a lot of surfers are tinkerers so it was only a matter of time before someone used a 3D printer to craft their own surfboard. Jody Roth took on the project with his son Matej. They started out pretty strong, first crafting a 1/3 scale model with virtually no hiccups. However, crafting the real board was more difficult according to the SurferToday.com article, "The Man Who Printed His Own Surfboard" that quoted Roth saying,

"If not for the glassing, I'd have been pretty damn proud of this project. The fact is this was difficult, did not go as rehearsed and didn't turn out as nice as I wanted," explains the 3D printed surfboard shaper."

Roth says that the board took 164 hours to print, and that the materials cost him just as much as buying a new surfboard would cost, but that in the end he just wasn't skilled enough to create a perfect board, like the kind he could purchase.

Nothing ventured nothing gained.  Thanks to the Roths for moving the frontier forward.  We applaud the effort and we also encourage you to contact us for all of your surfing equipment, apparel and accessory needs.  We have an incredible selection online at competitive prices.

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Could an Electric Surfboard Spawn the Next Surfing Spin-Off Sport?

Surfing has been a big part of some fun inventions through the years, with one of the most popular being the gopro camera that is now used in action sports all over the world. A totally new kind of surfboard hopes to be the next in line of inventions that take off in a big way.

Lampuga has created an electric surfboard. The board moves at high speeds on through the waterproofed, attached electric motor, which means it does not need to be propelled by the waves. Some people think it goes against the purity of the sport of surfing, other surfers just can't wait to get their hands on one to see what kind of crazy tricks they can pull off, but it will likely take some refining before it's ready to hit it big.

According to the Clean Technica article, "Lampuga Electric Surfboard Gibes a Glimpse of a New Sport," written by Christopher DeMorro,

"But the fact remains that this $17,400 electric surfboard packs only enough battery power for 20 to 35 minutes of action, though the top speed of 34 MPH is a tantalizing proposition. The battery pack takes between one and two hours to charge, and a leg cuff automatically shuts the board off should the rider wipe out."

Of course if electric surfboarding takes off in a big way it won't be the first sport spawned by traditional surfing. Most people would credit surfing for inspiring snowboarding, stand up paddle boarding and even most water skiing and wakeboarding.

Whether you plan on surfing on an electric board or a standard surfboard we hope you'll contact us for all your surfing equipment, apparel and accessories.

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Unusual Surfboard Making the News

Surfing has always been a sport for the outliers and the free spirits. Great surfers love to innovate and do something no one has ever done before, so it is really no surprise that people choose to make some pretty wild surfboards with some pretty unusual materials.

For instance, you've probably heard of cork being a new material that surfboard shapers are starting to use, so it was probably only a matter of time before someone decided to make a surfboard out of cork stoppers from wine bottles. 

According to the article "The Surfboard Made of Cork Stoppers" from Surfertoday.com

"The final result is truly amazing. You can actually look through this unusual cork surfboard and appreciate the warm color of the sun. The Spanish collective - Rich People Things - behind the project "Connecting the Corks" aims to "break taboos and cliches" with the help of this natural material." 

The beautiful design of the cork stopper surfboard is definitely an homage to mother nature. First, because they are re-using cork stoppers that would otherwise be thrown away, and second because the design they have used is patterned after the honeycomb that bees create. You can tell the creators believe that the very best design elements can be found in nature and not in factories.

Of course, until you have a ton of money to spend on a custom one-of-a-king surfboard, you still need to find affordable surfing equipment from a retailer with great selection. We'd love to help you find what you want, please contact us.

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Are Your Surfboard Bags Packed and Ready for Popoyo Reef, Nicaragua?

Are you ready to grab your surfboard bags and say, “Donde estan la mejores olas?” If not, what are you waiting for? It’s almost time for the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games to kickoff in Popoyo, Nicaragua. Mother Nature willing, the long-awaited surfing competition is due to run from May 31st through June 7th. And remember, it’s a stepping stone to the 2016 ISA China Cup. So, you might want to make your travel plans now or choose to book later and watch the surf action from the sidelines.

Either way, you’ll want to bring your best surfboard bags and other surf gear to Popoyo Reef. Southern Nicaragua tends to be unbearably hot, sunny and humid during May and June. So, we’d recommend taking a light-colored surfboard bag that won’t soak up the heat and humidity. A good example of what we’re talking about is the DaKine Daylight Longboard Bag. Fashioned out of a premium, heat-resistant material, it’s white with charcoal accents. Plus, there is lots of padding and a convenient slot to store your fins.

Most surfers will want to have their best fins in tow because Popoyo Reef can be hard to maneuver without the right ones. The area tends to feature a lot of strong, offshore winds that can really alter a surfer’s stability. Thus, you may want to go with a one fin or a thruster set-up. DaKine, by the way, makes white and charcoal thruster bags too. So, we've got your surfboard bag needs covered no matter what setup you choose to use at Popoyo Reef.

In addition to great surfboard bags, we’d suggest packing sunglasses, tide watches and bucket hats as well. The sunglasses and bucket hats will help keep the burn at bay. And as for the tide watches, they’ll help you figure out the best times to put your surfboards into Popoyo Reef’s renowned waters. To learn more about choosing the best surfboard bags for upcoming competitions, please contact us today.

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