I want to surf, how much will I pay?

[prdiosababe]

I have my heart absolutely set on learning how to surf this summer. I was wondering a few things.

1) I know for a lot of sports, equipment goes on sale at the end of the season and what not, When *exactly* is it. I mean i know its not in the middle of the summer or at the end of winter, more of what months.
2) How much does renting a board and equipment cost?
3) How much does buying a board and equipment cost during the... 'off'season?

*an price range would be fine, i'm not looking for exact*... oh! i dont know if this'll help, but I live in south jersey but I visit puerto rico occasionally in the summers.

Oh and what equipment is essential for me to buy vs what can i survive without. Like i ski and I *need* skiis and a coat and what not, i really dont need to have a waterpack or goggles or anything like that.

[Yeti]

When I started surfing, I called around looking for a used longboard. The first six or so places I tried just laughed. Ultimately I found what I sought. Here in New England, most folks surf the summer waves through hurricane season, but leave shortly thereafter. (They're misisng out.) Boards come up for sale August-November, I'd say.

Renting? Never done it. Probably $50-$100 a day, I'd guess.

Buying: depending on what you want, and whether you buy used -- and I generally do, since I've lucked out at finding boards used lightly by folks who didn't know what they were getting into in the north Atlantic -- you're looking at $200-$400 for a decent board in good condition. I buy my wetsuits new, but usually on closeout prices: $100-$300, again depending on quality and model.

What I'd get, if I were you:
board
leash (not necessary, but can be useful)
1 bar wax
3/2 wetsuit
rash guard top

[prdiosababe]

Do you think I'd be able to find something around that price now or...??

[TBski]

get a waterpack and uv goggles,also webbed gloves and an anti shark suit.

[F#*k you cat]

Clark foam went out of business so some boards are fettiching mucho dinero right now. Winter is the on season on the west coast Mexico to Oregon. Swells are biggest then. Summer is flatter generally speaking out west. Not sure what the East Coast seasons are anymore since I live out west.

Boards have changed somewhat recentally. Epoxy boards are lighter and bombproof. Compared to foam boards. Look for a egg (hybrid between a longboard and a short bord) usually 7'0-8'6" or a longboard > 9'0" that is made of this expoy I speak of. When you are learning you are hard on the board so I would rent for a while and see what type of surfer you are.

Ron Jon is in NJ along with Hansen's I think. I would check there for rentals and or purchaces. Also poke in on smaller shops in Brick - Manasquan (sp) area. They might have some deals.

Wetsuits
Definately get a 3/2 full for the east coast. 5mm if you plan to surf in cold water with a hood. 3/2 spring or thinner if you plan on just surfing on nice summer days. A rashgaurd is nice to have also.

Learning can be a lot of fun but you can also get your ass kicked. Go to Surfline.com to find some beginner friendly breaks where you live and NEVER drop in on someone!!!!

[Dudley]

Not sure where in Southern Jersey you are but Heritage Surf and Sport in OC is a great spot. Same can be said for Surfer Supplies. Good deals on used sticks could def. be had now, but I wouldnt wait for April as thats when they usually dissapear till fall.

[DanKo]

I am learning right now as well. Luckily I live in PR where the season goes year-round, although the winter months are best. A lesson including the rental ran me $40. There are 3 surf shops close to me and I've found an 8 foot used foam board for $275 and an 8'2" fiberglass for $225. I will probably buy one of these this week.

A rash guard is definitely a must. I didn't listen and skipped the rash guard my first 3 times out...no es bueno...unless you like a crusty stomach and crusty nipples.

Renting a board ran me $25 for two days over President's day weekend, but $25/day adds up fast. If you're planning on going a lot, just buy a board. I am told that I should outgrow an 8 foot board pretty rapidly if I surf frequently, but I don't know. Judging by how badly the ocean has kicked my ass during my first 3 tries at the sport I may be on a longboard for quite some time.

GOOD LUCK!

[Yeti]

If you are serious about surfing, buy a board. You will need/want to spend a lot of time on your board. (I live on the water, 10 minutes from a good break. I keep moving closer to surf.)

Be careful about what type/material board you get. Some people are talking about epoxy vs. foam boards. I personally prefer fiberglassed foam (Clark blanks), but that's decreasing in popularity compared to epoxy. Note that sponge boards (like a boogie board) are not the same as fiberglassed foam. Some people say n00bs should start on sponge boards. Unless you want to feel like you're totally slaying it by catching a 3 second stand-up ride on the shorebreak, facing forward like on a monoski, I say skip the sponges. Silly spongers.

I'm no expert on PR surf, but I'd wager that there are times and places there where an 8' board will serve the most professional of experts. Don't be fooled into thinking that shorter boards are always better. Just because such-and-such surfs a 5'6" potato chip, brah, doesn't mean that it's the right board for you and your breaks. Don't get me wrong -- shortboarding has its place, and can be awesome, but if you're out surfing 100 days a year, you'll probably put a lot of miles on a longer board.

[ckelly49]

You should check out Brave New World in Point Pleasant. They have a large selection of boards, including a bunch of used boards sold on consignment. i picked up a decent used board there last summer for $150. They have the sellers contact info taped right on most of the boards as well, so you can call and haggle with them if you want Maybe also check out Wavejammer in Toms River.

A 3/2 suit would be a good investment as well as a rashguard. Brave New World is always having sales on that stuff.

(I don't work in either one of these shops. Just my thoughts).

[cj001f]

dont start

[tuffy109]

you need two pairs of goggles in case you wipe out. you can attach the second pair to your waterpack strap.

[Shorey]

It's a well known secret that all the best surfers use a butt plug to prevent an impromptu enema during a bad wipe out. Invest in a good butt plug.

Do it, doooooo it.

[Jack Straw]

If you are going to warm water all you need is a longboard , a leash and reef booties. Thats it.

Just buy a crappy board from the local shop when you get there, you will spend a month just learning how to paddle and duck dive. After you can actually ride a wave, then go get a decent board.

[cj001f]

If you are going to warm water all you need is a longboard, a leash

a leash is nice so you don't hurt others.

if you are beginning, someplace where reef booties are necessary is probably not a good idea.

and boards are only necessary if you want to board surf

[willywhit]

It's a well known secret that all the best surfers use a butt plug to prevent an impromptu enema during a bad wipe out. Invest in a good butt plug.

Do it, doooooo it.

I heard there's a new ipod buttplug with blue tooth to waterproof headphones. That way, you can listen to dave matthews band while you learn to surf.
Pretty sweet

[Jack Straw]

Hey CJ, a leash is nice so not only do you avoid hurting others but for a beginner you don't have to swim every time you lose your board trying to stand up. Agreed, a pure sand bottom is best. I have not surfed in PR. I stick to the pacific. Does PR have sand only surf spots? I guess they must.

[willywhit]

http://www.surfline.com/travel/surfm...fmap.cfm?id=40
really not that hard to figger out....
standing up and turning is the hard part

[Superstar Punani]

I have my heart absolutely set on learning how to surf this summer. I was wondering a few things.

1) I know for a lot of sports, equipment goes on sale at the end of the season and what not, When *exactly* is it. I mean i know its not in the middle of the summer or at the end of winter, more of what months.
2) How much does renting a board and equipment cost?
3) How much does buying a board and equipment cost during the... 'off'season?

*an price range would be fine, i'm not looking for exact*... oh! i dont know if this'll help, but I live in south jersey but I visit puerto rico occasionally in the summers.

Oh and what equipment is essential for me to buy vs what can i survive without. Like i ski and I *need* skiis and a coat and what not, i really dont need to have a waterpack or goggles or anything like that.

I sell you my old board for half price, yeah? $500/2 = $250. I take Paypal, Checks and Money Orders accepted. I give you good price.

[cj001f]

damn - signed by Parko no less. That's a sweet hookup Super Pu

[greenroom]

you are not invited.
The only people I will support starting this crowded sport are my kids. I even question that.