Best Time to Buy Surfboards (2026 Guide)
Save 30-50% on surfboards by timing your purchase right. Here's exactly when to buy.
Surfboard prices swing dramatically throughout the year—up to 50% off during clearance events. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned surfer, knowing when to buy can save you hundreds. This guide reveals the best months, sales, and strategies to score the perfect board without breaking the bank.
Executive Summary
The absolute best time to buy a surfboard is during the end-of-summer clearance (August-September) and Black Friday (November). Expect savings of 30-50% off retail. If you can't wait, target Prime Day in July for solid deals on soft-top boards and accessories.
Why Timing Matters
Surfboards are highly seasonal. Demand spikes in late spring and summer when waves are consistent and beginners flock to the sport. Retailers stock up early, and prices stay high until the season wanes. By late summer, shops need to clear inventory for winter sports, leading to deep discounts. Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer additional opportunities, especially on higher-end epoxy and fiberglass boards. A surfboard that costs $700 in May can drop to $400 in September—a $300 saving. Over a lifetime of surfing, smart timing can save thousands.
Best Time to Buy: End-of-Summer Clearance & Black Friday
Expected Savings: 30-50%
From late August, surf shops and online retailers slash prices to make room for winter sports inventory. This period coincides with the end of the peak surfing season in many regions, so demand softens. Black Friday (late November) adds another layer of discounts, often on premium boards that rarely see markdowns. Many retailers also offer free shipping and bundle deals during this window.
What to Expect:
- Clearance sales on soft-top beginner boards (30-50% off)
- Significant markdowns on last year's fiberglass models
- Black Friday deals on top brands like Catch Surf and Wavestorm
- Free shipping on many orders
- Bundles with fins, traction pads, or leashes
- Increased availability of used/refurbished boards on Amazon Warehouse
Alternative: Prime Day (July)
Amazon Prime Day typically includes steep discounts on popular surfboards, especially soft-top models from Wavestorm and California Board Company. It's a great alternative if you need a board before summer ends. However, the selection is narrower and premium boards are rarely included.
Worst Time to Buy
Avoid buying surfboards from late May through July. This is peak season—demand is highest, and retailers have little incentive to discount. Prices can be 40-60% higher than in September. New model releases often happen in early spring, so you'll pay full retail for the latest designs. If you must buy during summer, look for last-year's models or consider used boards.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. Wavestorm 8' Classic Soft Top Surfboard
The Wavestorm 8' Classic is the go-to board for new surfers. Its soft top makes it safe and forgiving, while the 8-foot length provides plenty of stability and paddle power. The board comes with a removable center fin and a leash. Perfect for learning to catch waves at the beach break. At the regular price under $150, it's already a steal, but savvy shoppers can snag it for under $100 during Prime Day or Black Friday.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Prime Day (July) or Black Friday for the best price.
2. California Board Company 6' Beaver Soft Top Surfboard
The California Board Company 6' Beaver is a versatile soft-top perfect for smaller surfers or those wanting a shorter board for performance. Its smaller size makes it easy to handle in the water and suitable for modest waves. The soft top ensures safety, while the slick bottom enhances glide. Ideal for youngsters or lightweight adults transitioning from a longboard.
Best Time to Buy: Look for clearance in August-September for 25% off.
3. BIC Sport 7'6 ACE-TEC Surfboard
The BIC Sport 7'6 ACE-TEC is a high-performance surfboard built with ACE-TEC technology—a thermomolded EPS core wrapped in a tough polyethylene skin. This makes it nearly indestructible and lighter than traditional fiberglass. The 7'6 size offers a balance of stability and responsiveness, ideal for intermediate surfers looking to progress. It comes as a thruster (three fins) and includes a leash.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Black Friday—historically drops to ~$399.
4. Torq Longboard Surfboard 9'0
The Torq 9'0 Longboard is a stylish and functional board for surfers who love to noseride or cruise gentle waves. Made from Torq's proprietary TET (Torq Epoxy Technology) construction, it's lighter and more durable than traditional polyester longboards. The 9-foot length provides excellent paddling speed and stability. It includes a thruster fin setup and a leash.
Best Time to Buy: Buy in August-September for 20-30% off.
5. Intex 1 Person Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
While technically a stand-up paddleboard, the Intex 1 Person Inflatable SUP offers a budget-friendly way to catch small waves or cruise calm bays. It inflates quickly with the included manual pump, and the sturdy construction supports up to 220 lbs. Perfect for family outings or beginners who want to try SUP surfing without a big investment.
Best Time to Buy: Best price during Prime Day (July) or Black Friday.
6. Slater Designs Sci-Fi 5'8 Surfboard
The Slater Designs Sci-Fi is a performance shortboard designed by Kelly Slater in collaboration with Firewire. It features a squash tail and moderate rocker, ideal for a wide range of waves. The Helium technology makes it incredibly light and responsive. This board is for experienced surfers who demand the best in maneuverability and speed.
Best Time to Buy: Almost never goes on sale; buy if you find a used or open-box deal.
7. South Bay Board Co. 8' Classic Soft Surfboard
South Bay Board Co. offers an 8' classic soft top that directly competes with Wavestorm. It features a slightly different foam density and comes with a leash and removable fin. Many users find it just as durable and stable. Great for beginners or families looking for two boards without breaking the bank.
Best Time to Buy: Buy on Prime Day or during summer clearance for under $100.
8. Firewire Seaside 5'10 Surfboard
The Firewire Seaside is a popular groveler shortboard designed for weak or small waves. It has a wide point forward, deep concave, and swallow tail for speed and hold. Constructed with Firewire's Helium technology, it's lightweight yet strong. Ideal for those days when the surf is 2-4 feet.
Best Time to Buy: Best price on Black Friday, sometimes 15% off.
9. Bodyglove 8' Paddle Surfboard
The Bodyglove 8' Paddle Surfboard is an entry-level soft top that offers decent quality at a low price. It features an EPS core, stringer, and soft deck. The board is lightweight and comes with a leash and removable fin. While not as refined as Wavestorm, it's a solid choice for casual use or young surfers.
Best Time to Buy: Watch for Prime Day deals under $90.
Pricing Strategies
End-of-Summer Clearance
Monitor prices on Amazon and surf shops starting mid-August.,Set price alerts on CamelCamelCamel for target boards.,Check for 'used - like new' Warehouse Deals.,Buy when discount hits 35%.,Avoid buying in May-July to get this window.
Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Make a wishlist of boards on Amazon.,Check Black Friday ad scans from major retailers (e.g., Costco, Walmart).,Use Amazon 'Lightning Deals' for timed discounts.,Purchase on Cyber Monday for additional discounts on accessories.
Prime Day Shopping
Ensure you have an active Prime membership.,Browse early deals a week before Prime Day.,Focus on soft-top boards and bundles.,Use the Amazon app for lightning deal notifications.
Buy Last Year's Model
Identify the new model release date for the brand.,Remain stocked on older models at discount retailers.,Search Amazon for 'previous model' or 'model year'.,Compare price with current model.
Warehouse Deals & Refurbished
Search Amazon Warehouse for 'Used - Like New' surfboards.,Check condition notes for dings or scratches.,Ensure return policy covers damage.,Compare with new price.
Buy Off-Season (Winter)
Ignore the high demand of summer.,Look for post-Christmas clearance.,Check local surf shops for leftover inventory.,Buy now to avoid price hiking in spring.
If You Need It Now
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Bottom Line
The best time to buy a surfboard is from late August through November, during end-of-summer clearance and Black Friday. You'll save 30-50% off regular prices. If you can wait, this is the way to go. For those who need a board before summer ends, Prime Day in July offers solid deals on beginner boards. Remember to track prices, set alerts, and consider open-box or used options for additional savings. Avoid peak season (May-July) unless absolutely necessary.
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Surfboards