Why are firewire surfboards so expensive?
Firewire is also on the forefront of sustainable surfboard production, and, as of now, the materials required to adhere to standards like environmental non-profit Sustainable Surf ‘s celebrated ECOBOARD program are more expensive than traditional foam, fiberglass and resin. With a strong reputation in the surf industry, Firewire is known for producing high-quality surfboards. In this blog, we’ll provide a brief overview of the brand, highlight its latest offerings, and take a look at the products that have helped establish it as one of the leading names in the surf industry.
What is the world’s most expensive surfboard?
If you search for the world’s most expensive surfboard online, google will no doubt spit out the news of “The Rampart”. That was a wooden board shaped by New Zealand’s Roy Stuart that he claimed he sold for $1. The price of brand new foam surfboards typically starts at about $150, and higher quality foam surfboards can get into the $600-$800 price range.Material costs have been on the rise, driving up the price of surfboards. Shipping costs have also increased, adding to the overall expense. The market is a bit saturated with post-pandemic overstock, so you might be able to score a good deal on your board in 2024!The Rising Cost of Materials One of the biggest factors contributing to the high price of surfboards is the cost of materials. From foam blanks and fiberglass to resin and fins, the price of raw materials has been steadily increasing over the years.Surfing, as a whole, can be expensive or very affordable, depending on what your priorities are. There are multiple ways to save up and make the right purchases. You need to thoroughly research everything from surfboards to your professional gear.
What is the cost of a surfboard?
The price range for surfboards typically starts around $200 for entry-level foam boards and can go up to $1000 or more. Boards like funboards or mini-malibus in the 7-foot range can work well for beginners because they offer a balance between stability and maneuverability. However, if you’re just starting, a longer board (8–9 feet) might still be a better choice to make catching waves and standing up easier.Know that funshapes and longboards both make excellent choices in beginner surfboards, but keep this in mind when deciding between the two: A longboard will help to teach you the basics of surfing more so than a funshape. These basics include paddling, popping up, and riding straight on a wave.A foam board between 8-9 ft. Get 9 feet if you are a heavier/taller person or really want that extra stability, but for many people 8 feet is just fine.When picking your first beginner surfboard you don’t want to have a surfboard that’s too small for you to catch any waves but you also don’t want something that’s so big that it becomes difficult to control when surfing a wave into the shore. A minimal surfboard is what we recommend for most beginner surfers.
Is sun bad for surfboards?
The sun will damage your surfboard with both its harmful UV rays and heat. Surfboards exposed to the sun for long periods of time begin to fade and yellow. If your board gets too much intense, direct sunlight in the summer this will cause the board to overheat and delaminate. When surfboards are exposed to oxygen, the resin components begin to oxidize, leading to discoloration and yellowing. This process is known as oxidation and can cause surfboards to lose their clarity and aesthetic appeal over time, even if the board is not placed in the sunlight.Salt can damage your surfboard, eating away at the materials over time, so a thorough rinse will keep your board in top shape. Make sure your board is completely dry before you put it away somewhere cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.
How long do surfboards last?
This depends on how much you use your board, how well you look after your board, what kind of waves you surf etc etc. Really, it could last from 1 day or until it falls apart under your feet in 20 years. Unfortunately any surfboard can break quite easily. Without proper surfboard care, your board can experience wear and tear that prevents you from catching those perfect waves.Last but not least, if you’re wondering whether you’re too old to start surfing, remind yourself that you’re never too old to try something new. Surfing is a personal journey and everyone learns at their own pace. Don’t worry about what others are doing, focus on your own progress and enjoy the ride (literally).