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Buying surfing gear is more than a purchase — it’s the start of countless sessions, wiped-out wipeouts and those perfect little rides that make everything worth it. Choosing the right store means better advice, gear that fits your style and a higher chance you'll actually get in the water. Think of your first board and wetsuit like a good pair of shoes: get the fit wrong and every step (or paddle) can feel off. A great shop will steer you away from impulse buys and toward kit that helps you progress.
If you want wide choice and a mix of price points, start with mainstream retailers that specialise in outdoor and water sports. They often stock their own value brands alongside premium names, making it easy to compare. In the UK, look at Decathlon for wallet-friendly entry kits and Go Outdoors or Cotswold Outdoor for a broader outdoor selection that includes surf essentials. Online marketplaces like Amazon UK and eBay are also handy for last-minute bits or hard-to-find accessories, but shop carefully — read reviews and check seller ratings.
Decathlon is the go-to for bargain hunters and beginners. Their in-house water-sports brand (Tribord) offers practical wetsuits, beginner boards and accessories at prices that leave room in your budget for lessons or weekend trips. If you want to try gear without breaking the bank, Decathlon is a solid place to start.
Surfdome is a specialist online surf retailer with a strong UK presence, stocking boards, wetsuits and a wide selection of surf brands. If you want surf-specific advice and a big brand mix without wandering across multiple sites, Surfdome often has the variety and depth beginners and intermediates appreciate.
These retailers are less surf-only and more outdoor-all-rounders. They’re great if you combine surfing with other coastal activities — think booties, jackets and sturdy dry bags. Their stores and online ranges include trusted brands and decent mid-range options.
Some brands sell directly in the UK through dedicated webshops or authorized dealers. If you favour a particular label, buying from an official UK outlet gives you access to the brand’s full line-up and sometimes exclusive seasonal pieces. Expect to find Quiksilver, Billabong, Rip Curl, O'Neill and Roxy across specialist shops and their UK webstores.
Quiksilver and Roxy (its sister brand) are staples for surf clothing and wetsuits. Their ranges cover everything from shortboards and trunks to warm chest-zip suits that handle cooler seas. If style and brand heritage matter, these are safe bets.
Rip Curl and Billabong focus on technical wetsuits and surf hardware, often with higher-end materials for warmth and flexibility. For surfers who spend long sessions in chilly UK water, investing in a reputable wetsuit brand can make each outing more comfortable.
Choosing a wetsuit for UK surfing is about balancing warmth, flexibility and price. UK water is famously cool most of the year, so thickness and seam construction matter. When shops show suits, ask about cut (chest-zip vs. back-zip), internal linings and whether the suit has welded or taped seams — features that reduce cold-water entry. Also, try the suit on and move: raise your arms, crouch and mimic paddling.
Wetsuit thickness is often described in fractions because different body areas need different insulation. A common beginner suit is 4/3, meaning roughly 3/16 in up top and 1/8 in across the limbs — that mix keeps your core warm while letting your shoulders rotate. For winter, look at 5/4 (around 3/16 in to 1/8 in plus a thicker torso) and consider booties, gloves and a hood for extra warmth when the temperature drops. Remember: a suit that’s too baggy will let cold water flush in; one that’s too tight will restrict movement.
Surfboard shopping is a balance between volume (buoyancy), shape and intended use. If you’re learning, a foam or soft-top board between about 7'0" and 8'6" gives forgiveness and stability. Intermediate riders often move to hybrids or funboards in the 6'6" to 7'6" range, then eventually to shorter performance boards around 5'8" to 6'6". Specialist shops will help match your weight and local wave conditions to the right board dimensions.
Buying new gives you warranty and pristine performance; buying used saves cash and can be kinder to the planet. Many UK surf shops take in part-exchange boards or sell second-hand quivers, and online communities and marketplaces are full of bargains. When buying used, check for repaired dings, delamination and how the rails have fared — small repairs are normal, but deep cracks can signal structural problems.
Leashes, fins, wax, booties and board bags might seem like small extras, but they change your session quality. A reliable leash stops you swimming long distances after every fall. Fins tune the board’s performance — removable fin systems let you experiment with setups. Booties and a good wetsuit extend your season, and a padded board bag protects your investment on trains, cars and flights.
Stock fins are fine for beginners, but as you progress you might pick fins that make the board looser or more drivey. Fin size is usually listed by the manufacturer and matched to the board’s fin box type. Leashes come in different lengths; a general rule is to buy a leash roughly the same length as your board — a 7'0" board needs about a 7'0" leash. This keeps the board close without unnecessary drag when you swim back to it.
Want to save cash? Look at local surf shops that run consignment or online forums and marketplaces. Facebook groups, community boards and surf forums are goldmines for second-hand boards and kit, often from people who’ve only used the board a few times. Specialist shops sometimes refurbish and resell demo gear at lower prices — a great way to get premium kit without premium cost.
End-of-season sales are perfect for scoring bargains on boardshorts, wetsuits and accessories. Retailers clear space for new stock in spring and late summer, so if you can wait until then you’ll find discounts. Sign up for newsletters from specialist shops to hear about flash sales or demo-day reductions — but don’t be seduced into buying things you won’t use.
The UK has surf communities up and down the coast, and local shops often offer the best regional expertise. In Cornwall and Devon you’ll find a dense network of independents that know local breaks inside out. Wales, especially around Gower and the Pembrokeshire coast, boasts independent retailers who can advise on tides and board choice. Up in Scotland, shops cater for cold-water demands with thicker suits and winter-focused gear. Wherever you are, local surf schools often collaborate with shops — a great way to get hands-on advice and test kit in real conditions.
Local shops breathe surf culture. They’ll know when the swell runs, which boards suit a particular break and which wetsuit brand copes best with local water. They might not always be the cheapest, but the advice and community you get can cut weeks off a learning curve. Think of them as the navigational charts for your surf progression.
If sustainability matters to you, many brands and shops now offer eco-friendly boards and wetsuits made from plant-based resins, recycled materials and natural fibres. They can cost more up front but lower the environmental footprint of your hobby. Some UK retailers curate eco-lines or have buyback programs for old boards and wetsuits — ask shops about green options when shopping.
Eco gear often aims to match the performance of conventional kit while using less damaging materials. Expect similar fit and feel, though you might pay a premium for the sustainable sourcing and manufacturing. If reducing impact is part of why you surf, seeking out eco-friendly brands turns your purchases into a statement.
Budgeting depends on goals. A beginner starter pack — soft-top board, entry-level wetsuit, leash and basic fins — can often be assembled for a modest outlay if you hunt sales or buy some second-hand items. A ballpark for a sensible beginner setup might range from a few hundred pounds to more, but if converting estimates, think in the ballpark of a few hundred pounds. Premium gear and performance boards cost more, but good kit lasts and often pays back in better sessions.
Prioritise the wetsuit and board. Buy the best wetsuit you can afford and consider a good second-hand board. Save on non-critical items like spare wax or multiple board bags until you’re sure the sport will stick. Renting or borrowing for your first few sessions is another way to postpone big expenses until you know what you really want.
Talk to staff, ask for demos and test gear if shops offer demo days. Join local surf groups and follow local surf shops on social media for flash sales and community events. Buy for conditions and progression: a board that’s perfect for a flat bay won’t be ideal for a punchy reef. Lastly, care for your kit — rinse your wetsuit and wax your board — and it will serve you for years.
When shopping, keep an open mind, compare specialist surf retailers and general outdoor stores, and balance cost with longevity. With the right shop and a bit of patience, you’ll build a quiver that gets you into the water more often and keeps you there happier and safer.
| Surfing | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Km1 | £ 146,38 |
