Surf gear is not just a board. Here's what other equipment you need (with costs)

A surfboard is the main thing you need to practice this water sport. However, it is not the only one, as you might think. First, boards come in various kinds. Surfing on the wrong type of board is a guaranteed way to ensure more wipeouts. Second, not having the right accompanying surf gear will also lead for a rather uncomfortable day at the beach. Third, it's important not to go broke going to the surf store for your first board and other surfing equipment. Here’s what you’ll need, including the approximate price range.

Surfboard: $380–1,030

While a shortboard (between 6 and 7 ft) might look cooler, beginners should really be using a longboard. Longboards range from 8 to 12 ft, and the extra volume makes it easier to balance and paddle. As you progress, you can surf on shorter and shorter boards.

For some extra help at the beginning of your surfing career, look for a soft-top longboard. Soft top (foam) longboards are more forgiving, easier to paddle, and easier to ride. They’re also more durable and safer for beginners.

Surfboards can be expensive, but most popular surfing spots offer rentals right on the beach, so you don’t have to make a huge investment your first time out. An added bonus is that the people at the surf shop can help you pick out the best board for your experience level. If you’re not surfing on a beach with rentals, your other option is to pick up a used surfboard.

Surfboard leash: $20–100

A runaway board is dangerous not just for you, but also for everyone else surfing in the surrounding water. A surfboard leash ties you to your board, so that when you do wipeout, your surfboard stays right next to you. If you purchase a surfboard independently, you’ll have to pick up a leash, but if you’re renting, the rental will typically include the leash.

Surfboard wax: $10–25

How do you get the traction necessary to successfully stand on your board? How do you avoid slipping? Surfboard wax. Plus, you’ll look oh so cool applying it.

Wetsuit: $100–500

You’ll notice that the vast majority of surfers wear a wetsuit. The wetsuit keeps you warm and protects you against hypothermia in chilly conditions. It can also be more comfortable to surf in than a swimsuit. While they can be expensive, you should be able to rent one at the surf shop. Learn how to choose the right wetsuit for surfing and other water activities.

Rash guards: $25–100

Rash guards provide much-needed protection against skin irritation. Even if you’re wearing a wetsuit, you can still experience irritation from where the wetsuit rubs against your skin. As the weather gets warmer, you may wish to surf sans wetsuit. However, this puts you at risk of chafing as you slide on and off the board. That’s because surf wax, while it adds traction, also attracts sand particles. A rash guard protects these particles from irritating your skin.

Earplugs: $10–50

Earplugs are not essential but a good investment, particularly if you plan on surfing in cold water. Surfing in cold water puts you at risk of surfer’s ear — when you grow extra bone across your ear canal. Wearing earplugs will help you avoid this unfortunate condition.

Sunscreen: $2–10

A lot of surfing takes place in the water, but as any swimmer knows, that doesn’t protect you from the harsh rays of the sun. Neither does just wearing a wetsuit. That’s why you should get in the habit of applying and reapplying sunscreen any time you plan on catching some waves. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes beginner surfers make is not wearing sunscreen—a decision they very much regret when that sunburn sets in the next day.

Travel bag: $60–250

Surfboards are delicate, sensitive pieces of equipment. If you decide to invest in one and plan on traveling with it, you’ll want to also invest in a good travel bag to prevent the surfboard from being damaged. However, before you put down a couple of hundred dollars for a new bag, search for a used one at a fraction of the cost.

Minimum surf gear: $607–2,065

As a result, the minimum set of surf gear and equipment to start doing this water sport consists of the right type of board, as well as a surf leash and surf wax. This is followed by wetsuit and rash guards. Among the essential "small things", however, you should not forget about earplugs and sunscreen. But most likely your individual list will include a couple of more things, so fill in the blank lines on your shopping list and a few tens or hundreds of dollars/euros more. Total the whole surf kit will cost you up to $800–2500. Cheaper than many other "necessary" things you can give up in favor of healthy exercise.

Text: Windy.app

Cover photo: Alex Shutin / Unsplash