Second Hand Surfboards

This is the cheapest option for buying a surfboard, and can be an excellent way to get a bargain board. However, it is easy to pick a dog if you are not careful. Firstly bear in mind that if a board is really really cheap then it is probably not a lot of good. You need to be really careful when shopping for a second hand surfboard.

When buying any surfboard you need to be realistic about the right board for you. Before you start looking have a clear idea of the board you are after. Once you have narrowed down your search you can concentrate on making the right choice of second hand board. Here are the main points to check.

• We recommend that you get to see the board first and check it out fully before buying. It's not such a great idea to buy one online without a guarantee of the condition.
• Check for dings and cracks. Any second hand board will have a few dings on it, and is not generally a problem. A heavily dinged / cracked board is a problem, and should not be bought (no matter how cheap it seems!)
• General Check - give the board a check all over, looking for discolouring to the foam or any other signs of water damage, delamination of the fibreglass and any areas that will need attention if you buy the board
• Fins - check carefully around the fins, especially where the fins are attached to the board. If the fins are non FCS fins and show signs of cracking the board should be avoided
• Repairs - these are not necessarily a problem if the repair has been done correctly. Check the repair completely covers the damaged area and that water is still not getting into the foam inner (this will show as discolouration)
• Dirty Boards - if the board you are looking at is covered with wax make sure that you remove the wax before buying the board. Wax can hide a multitude of problems. If the person who is selling you the board will not let you clean it (I am about to go surfing on it or some other excuse) then do not buy it.
• Take your time, it is very important that you check the board all over to ensure you are not buying a dud
• Compare the cost of the second hand board to a similar new board - is it really worth the savings? It might be better spending that bit extra to get a new board you know you can rely on.

Now you have checked it over - check it over again to make sure you did not miss anything. If you have thoroughly checked the board over and it is in good condition, the price is right and most importantly the surfboard is the right surfboard for you - permission to buy!

We told you to clean that surf wax off!

Ready to buy? See the boards at our surfshop.

Where to Buy a Second Hand Board

There are three main options for buying a used surfboard. A surf shop is the best place as you get to see the board and have time to check it over. You may also have some comeback if there is a serious problem with it after you have bought it.

Another option is your free ads paper. Even if you live nowhere near the beach you might be suprised at how many boards appear in the listings. Buy the ads for your local area and you'll be able to check the board out personally.

The third option is to buy online. There plenty of places to find the right board in your area on t'internet. There are even sites specific to second hand boards. We even have our own surf classifieds which are often worth a look - you can post a wanted ad with your board or gear requirements.