Surfing on a Budget: How to Save Money on Gear and Travel

17 February 2025

Surfing is one of those sports that screams freedom. The ocean, the waves, the feeling of gliding across the water—it's pure bliss. But let’s be real for a second. As amazing as surfing is, it can also burn a hole in your pocket if you're not careful. Between the gear, travel expenses, and everything else, the costs can add up pretty quickly. But here's the good news: you don't need to be rolling in cash to enjoy surfing. With a few smart strategies, you can ride those waves without sinking your bank account.

In this guide, we’re going to dive deep into how you can surf on a budget. From saving money on essential gear to hacking your travel expenses, I’ve got you covered. So, whether you're a newbie just starting out or a seasoned surfer looking to cut costs, keep reading!

Why Surfing Can Be Expensive

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of saving money, let’s talk about why surfing can get pricey. It’s not just about grabbing a board and hitting the beach—there’s a lot more involved behind the scenes.

1. Gear Costs: A decent surfboard can set you back several hundred dollars, and that’s just for starters. Then there’s the wetsuit, leash, wax, and maybe even a roof rack if you’re driving.

2. Travel Expenses: The best waves aren’t always in your backyard. If you’re chasing those dream breaks, flights, accommodation, and transportation can add up fast.

3. Lessons and Surf Camps: If you're still learning, lessons are essential. But they can also be expensive, especially if you join a surf camp or hire a personal instructor.

It sounds like a lot, but don’t worry. Surfing doesn’t have to be a financial wipeout. Let’s break down how to keep the costs low while still enjoying the stoke.

Gear Hacks: Save Money Without Compromising Quality

1. Buy Used or Secondhand Gear

One of the easiest ways to cut down on surfing costs is to go secondhand. A brand-new surfboard can cost you a small fortune, but used boards? They’re much more affordable. You can often find lightly used boards for half the price of a new one.

Check out local surf shops, Craigslist, or even online marketplaces where people sell their old gear. Just make sure to inspect the board before buying. Look for dings, cracks, or any signs of water damage that could affect performance.

The same goes for wetsuits. Sure, it might feel a little weird buying a used wetsuit, but trust me, you can find some great deals on barely-used suits that people bought and then barely wore. Just give it a good wash, and you're good to go!

2. Rent Before You Buy

If you’re just getting into surfing, there’s no need to go all-in on expensive gear right away. Renting gear is a great way to try out different boards and wetsuits without committing to a big purchase. Many surf shops offer affordable daily or weekly rentals, which can save you heaps, especially if you’re a beginner still figuring out what works best for you.

Once you have a better idea of your preferences, then you can invest in your own gear. But until then? Rent, rent, rent!

3. Buy During Off-Season Sales

Timing is everything. Surf shops often have massive discounts at the end of the season to clear out inventory. This is the perfect time to snag a quality board or wetsuit at a fraction of the regular price. Keep an eye out for sales, clearance events, or even Black Friday deals from online retailers.

4. DIY Repairs

Boards take a beating, especially if you're still learning. But don’t rush to a professional repair shop every time you get a ding or crack. You can easily fix most small dings yourself with a board repair kit, which costs way less than taking it to a shop.

There are plenty of tutorials online that will show you step-by-step how to handle minor repairs. You don’t have to be a pro to patch up your board and keep it water-tight.

Travel Hacks: Catch Waves Without Breaking the Bank

1. Stay Local

You don’t always have to jet off to some tropical paradise to find great waves. Chances are, there are awesome surf spots closer to home than you realize. Local beaches may not have the same reputation as Bali or Hawaii, but they can still deliver some epic sessions.

By staying local, you avoid expensive flights, accommodation, and other travel-related expenses. Plus, you get to surf more frequently since you're not limited by vacation time.

2. Surf During Off-Peak Seasons

If you’ve got your heart set on a surf trip, consider going during the off-peak season. Popular surf destinations are usually much cheaper to visit when the crowds die down. Flights, accommodation, and even surf lessons can be significantly less expensive during these times.

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also avoid the crowds. Less crowded lineups? Yes, please!

3. Use Budget Airlines and Flexible Dates

For those trips where you need to fly, there are a few tricks to keep the costs down. First, use budget airlines. Sure, you might not get a fancy meal on the flight, but you’ll save a ton of cash. Just be aware of any baggage fees, especially if you're traveling with your board.

Another tip is to be flexible with your travel dates. Flight prices can vary wildly depending on the day of the week or the season. If you have the flexibility to fly mid-week or outside of peak holiday times, you can find some seriously good deals.

4. Consider Surf Camps in Cheaper Destinations

Surf camps can be pricey, but not all of them. If you're open to exploring, you can find budget-friendly surf camps in places like Nicaragua, Morocco, or Sri Lanka. These camps often offer all-inclusive packages that cover accommodation, meals, lessons, and gear rentals, making them a great value for money.

Plus, these locations are often less expensive overall compared to more popular surf destinations.

5. Camp Out

Accommodation can be one of the biggest travel expenses, but if you're up for a bit of adventure, why not camp out? Many great surf spots have nearby campgrounds where you can pitch a tent for a fraction of the cost of a hotel or Airbnb. Plus, camping gets you closer to nature—and isn't that the whole point of surfing?

Just make sure to check the weather and pack the right gear. No one wants to deal with a soggy tent after a day of surfing.

Additional Tips for Budget Surfing

1. Carpool to Surf Spots

If you're road-tripping to a surf spot, why not bring a few friends along and split the gas? Carpooling is not only cheaper, but it’s also a lot more fun. There’s nothing like a road trip with your surf crew, blasting tunes and getting stoked for the waves ahead.

2. Look for Free Surf Events

Surfing communities are full of awesome events like free surf clinics, beach cleanups, and even surfboard swap meets. These events are a great way to score some freebies, learn new skills, and meet other surfers without spending a dime.

3. Pack Your Own Food

Surfers need fuel, but eating out at beachside cafes and restaurants can get expensive fast. Instead, pack your own food and snacks for the day. A simple sandwich, some fruit, and a water bottle can keep you energized without the hefty price tag of a restaurant meal.

4. Use Surf Forecasting Apps

It might seem like a small thing, but using surf forecasting apps can save you money in the long run. These apps help you time your surf sessions perfectly, so you’re not wasting gas driving to the beach when the waves are flat. Apps like Surfline can give you real-time updates on swells and conditions, ensuring you’re always in the right place at the right time.

Conclusion

Surfing on a budget is totally doable. With a little creativity and some smart planning, you can chase waves without draining your wallet. Whether you’re cutting costs on gear, finding cheap travel options, or simply embracing the joy of local surf spots, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the stoke without the stress of spending too much.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your board (new or used!) and hit the waves. After all, the ocean doesn’t charge a fee.