Things You'll Need:
- Cash
- Patience
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Step 1
Determine what size board you want - if you are a beginner, usually a 8' or longer is easier to learn on. Ask around - friends who surf, surf shop employees.
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Step 2
Visit local surf shops, check craigslist, and other local surf website classifieds. You will usually find that prices and selection are better after the summer.
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Step 3
Check the color, yellow usually indicates water leakage. A little is OK as long as the cause of it has been fixed, be wary of extensive damage.
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Step 4
Note all dings and for the ones that are fixed, the quality of the fix. A well-fixed ding should be smooth, not have any cracks, and no discoloration. You want to steer clear of any dings or cracks on the rail of the tail of the board (these are nearly impossible to fix).
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Step 5
See if there any delamination, or where the fiberglass has separated from the foam. A small area can grow into a larger one, depending on where it is and its size.
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Step 6
If the stringer (the wood piece running the length of the board) is cracked - beware! The board has been broken and depending on the fix may never ride the same again (and sometimes even with a great fix won't ride as the shaper originally intended)
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Step 7
Make sure you peel off stickers, wax, and even the tail pad if you can to make sure nothing is hidden.
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Step 8
Ask a knowledgeable salesperson about the board. Obviously there is a conflict of interest but they are typically very helpful and honest (they would rather keep you as a customer).
