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Watersports including surfing can be very exciting, enabling you to keep fit, make new friends, and gain a new sense of adventure. One problem some people have is that entering into the world of watersports can be expensive. The costs of items like wetsuits, surfboards, and accessories can be hefty.
Let’s look at some of the things that you can do to bring down the cost of watersports without compromising on fun.
Before you start hitting the waves, you’ll need to set a realistic budget for any surfing gear that you want to buy. Some of the essentials you’ll need to get hold of include a surfboard, a wetsuit, a leash and various accessories. Once you’ve established a clear budget, it will become easier for you to make sensible decisions and avoid overspending on items you don’t need.
A great thing about watersports and surfing is that there are always ways to acquire second-hand gear and make big savings. Some watersports fans are constantly upgrading their gear, selling high-quality equipment that they don’t need anymore at great prices. You can head to surf shops or look online to get the best deals on second-hand watersports gear.
Off-season is a great time to find amazing deals and discounts on watersports gear. Surf shops often offer massive discounts during the off-season around the time new products are being released. This gives you an amazing opportunity to purchase high-quality goods without making a huge dent in your bank balance.
Package deals can help you get your hands on numerous essentials and make big savings at the same time. These packages might include a surfboard, a leash, and wax for much less than you’d pay for them individually.
Renting equipment before you go ahead and make a full purchase can help you find out which equipment is right for you. With renting, you can try out different gear types and make informed decisions when you’re ready to make a purchase.
It’s important to not only budget for the equipment that you need but things like maintenance and surf destinations. You may also need to include the cost of lessons and classes in your budget.
It’s also a great idea to build an emergency fund for any unforeseen expenses that you might face as part of your watersports activities. These costs can include medical expenses from injuries you might sustain, equipment repairs, and anything that might go wrong when you’re traveling to destinations. A financial safety net can stop your watersports activities from grinding to a halt when an emergency strikes.
Some surf destinations can be more expensive to visit than others. If you are on a tight budget, consider heading to more affordable surf destinations. Choose lesser-known beaches are locations that don’t cost the earth to visit.
Although lower-quality gear can be much more affordable, it can cost you more in the long run due to how often it needs to be replaced. High-quality gear made from tough materials tends to last much longer as it doesn’t need to be replaced or repaired as regularly.
Participating in community events isn’t just a great way to make new friends who share your passion. The contacts that you make can also provide you with detailed advice on saving money when buying equipment for watersports. Events and workshops can help you make fantastic connections within the world of watersports.
Learn the basics of surfboard maintenance so you can carry out your own minor equipment repairs and save money. Some fixes like leash replacements and waxing can be done at home for a modest cost. You can learn how to carry out basic maintenance by looking at online tutorials and attending local workshops.
Some up-and-coming brands offer items of great quality that won’t cost as much as those from the biggest manufacturers. Although paying less can mean compromising on quality, this isn’t always the case.
Look online and read reviews to find out what the most highly-rated affordable items are. You can find great deals by subscribing to newsletters, following relevant social media accounts and using price-tracking tools.
Keep a record of your watersports spending to find how much your hobby is costing you. Record gear purchases, maintenance costs, and travel expenses. Review your spending on a regular basis to see if there are any expenses that could be reduced.
If you frequently shop at specific surf stores, see if they have loyalty programmes and join them. These programmes often offer discounts, exclusive access to sales, and reward points that you can use for future purchases.
It helps to be tactical about timing when you’re planning a surfing trip. If you travel during the off-peak season or on a weekday, you may be able to save money on accommodation and transport.
Once you have grown your skills, you could make extra cash by offering lessons to beginners. Teaching can be great for your CV and very lucrative.
If you are considering using credit to purchase surfing gear, choose carefully. If you have bad credit, you may have to pay more interest on your borrowing. Make sure you can definitely afford to pay back what you’re borrowing before you proceed.
These steps can help you make the most of the waves without going over budget. Choosing your purchases carefully and networking can help you bring down the cost of watersports activities including surfing. Watersports don’t have to be as expensive as you might think. The more experienced you become at navigating the market, the easier it will be to make big savings and budget effectively.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aleksandra Djurdjevic
Senior Content Creator
Aleksandra Djurdjevic is a senior writer and editor, covering surf, kayak and various watersports activities. She has previously worked as ESL teacher for English Tochka. Aleksandra graduated from the Comparative Literature department at the Faculty of Philosophy in Serbia. Aleksandra’s love for the ocean / rivers, getting out waves, season after season, seeking epic adventures across the globe helps her continue to be a top expert at CSG.
