Budgeting: How much does surfing cost? Lessons, board and wetsuit budget
The cost of surfing covers lessons, board and wetsuit hire or buying your own, and travel to the beach. In a worked example, a first year with lessons and then your own second-hand kit costs about 800.
By Wealtie Team · 3 min read
Key takeaways
- The cost of surfing covers lessons, a board, a wetsuit and travel.
- In a worked example, a first year with lessons and second-hand kit costs about 800.
- Hiring kit makes sense until you surf often.
- Living far from the coast makes travel the biggest ongoing cost.
How much does surfing cost?
Once you have the kit, surfing is mostly free: the waves don't charge. Getting started is where the costs are. Most beginners take a few lessons, then hire a board and wetsuit for a while, before buying their own. Travel to the beach is the main ongoing cost, especially if you live far from the coast. In a worked example, a first year with lessons and then your own second-hand kit costs about 800.
Prices vary by country and beach. Popular surf towns in summer cost more than quieter spots out of season.
What does a first year of surfing cost?
Here's a worked example, in round numbers that work in any currency:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Lessons | 200 |
| Second-hand board | 200 |
| Wetsuit | 150 |
| Travel | 200 |
| Wax, leash and extras | 50 |
| Total | 800 |
The lessons figure is five group lessons at 40 each, usually including board and wetsuit hire.
What are the main costs of surfing?
Lessons
Group lessons are the safest and cheapest way to start. They teach you how to paddle, stand up and stay safe in the water, including how to spot rip currents. Most beginners need a handful before surfing alone.
Board
Beginners do best on a large, stable foam board. Second-hand boards are easy to find and much cheaper than new. You'll likely want a smaller board as you improve, which you can buy when the time comes.
Wetsuit
In cooler waters, a wetsuit is essential, and colder seas need thicker suits, plus boots, gloves and a hood in winter. A good fit matters more than the brand. A suit that's too loose lets cold water in, while one that's too tight makes paddling hard work.
Hire
Hiring a board and wetsuit costs about 25 a session in a worked example. If you surf 20 times a year, that's 500, more than buying second-hand kit. Hiring makes sense while you're learning or if you only surf on holiday. Once you're going most weekends, buying second-hand kit usually pays for itself within a season.
Travel
Fuel, parking and train fares to the coast add up. If you live inland, surf trips can become the biggest cost.
What else adds to the cost of surfing?
Small extras build up over time. Wax, a leash, a board bag and fins wear out or get lost. Boards get dinged and need repairs. Wetsuits wear out after a few seasons of regular use. Surf trips abroad bring flights, board fees on planes and accommodation. Surf camps and coaching holidays are fun but cost far more than lessons at home. Food and coffee at the beach café after a cold session are a small but regular cost. A rough yearly figure for extras keeps them from catching you out.
Stay safe to save money
Surfing beyond your ability can lead to injuries and damaged kit, both of which cost money. Surf at beaches with lifeguards while you're learning, check the forecast and tides, and ask locals or instructors which spots suit beginners. Staying within your limits keeps you in the water and your board in one piece.
How can you surf for less?
- Buy second-hand: boards and wetsuits are easy to find used.
- Hire only while learning: buy once you're surfing regularly.
- Surf off-season: lessons and hire cost less, and beaches are quieter.
- Share travel: car-share with other surfers to split fuel and parking.
- Look after your kit: rinse your wetsuit in fresh water and store your board out of the sun.
- Join a surf club: clubs often offer cheap coaching, kit hire and lifts.
Is surfing an expensive hobby?
Once you're set up, it can be cheap, especially if you live near the coast. The kit lasts years with care, and the waves are free. It gets expensive with frequent long-distance travel and surf holidays. Work out the cost per use of your board and wetsuit: kit used every weekend costs very little per session.
Combine surfing with a cheap trip
A weekend of camping near a surf beach can be a cheap break. The camping trip budget and the staycation budget cover planning trips closer to home. How to save money on sports kit has more tips on gear, and how to save money on a hobby covers keeping the overall cost in check.
How do you track surfing costs in Wealtie?
Add a surfing category to your expense categories and set a budget for it, so you can see what you spend on lessons, kit and travel over a year.
Questions people ask
In a worked example, a first year with five lessons, a second-hand board and wetsuit, travel and extras costs about 800.
Hire while you're learning or if you surf only on holiday. Buy second-hand once you're surfing regularly, since hire adds up.
Most beginners need a handful of lessons to learn to paddle, stand up and stay safe before surfing alone.
Buy second-hand kit, surf off-season, share travel with other surfers and look after your board and wetsuit.
This article is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. Your situation is your own; check the numbers that apply to you before you act on them.
