Wondering how much it would take to start your journey into SUP and other popular board sports? We break down how much time and how much money it will take for you to start today!
In this article we discuss the cost of entry of stand up paddle boarding, compare it to other board sports, and explain why SUP might be the best board sport to get you into the others.
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Cost of Entry Compared to Other Board Sports
To make this as clear as possible, we’re going to break down the cost of entry for each board sport into two categories. First is time spent learning. And second is the cost of lessons, rentals, and eventually equipment.
By breaking it down into these two categories you will have a great idea on how long you can expect to practice an activity before you become competent. And how much you will need to save in order to buy your own equipment.
SUP
Time Spent Learning: First lesson
As long as you have the proper board to hold your weight and accommodate your athletic ability, typically an average paddler can learn the basics of SUP on their very first lesson.
This includes how to stand, paddle, turn, stop, and return back to the launch location.
An average class lasts about an hour and will take you through the proper technique for 15 minutes on land with the rest of the 45 minutes spent paddling on the water.
Therefore, time spent learning how to SUP is minimal until you grow into more advanced activities.
Cost
A beginner SUP lesson will run anywhere between $35-$75 dollars for an hour depending on location (with a Perfect Paddles Membership you can save up to 25% off a beginner lesson or rental with participating shops).
A rental for boards will typically be a bit cheaper than lessons since it doesn’t involve an instructor on the water with you. But this price can vary based on different outfitters.
Once you’ve been through a lesson or two and want to make your own purchase, a beginner paddle board cost will vary depending on the make and model. An average inflatable board will run around $350-$1,299 on the high end with hard boards ranging from $599-1,599+ depending on the construction materials (carbon fiber boards are more expensive).
While this might seem like a lot of money up front, you can also purchase a used board from a qualified outfitter for a significant price reduction. To find an outfitter near you check out our SUP Search section.
In addition, paddles can range anywhere from $30 for a basic aluminum paddle to $400 for a carbon fiber paddle.
Surfing
Time Spent Learning: Years
Unlike SUP, the time spent learning how to surf can be much longer and more difficult.
There are a few reasons for this. First, you need the right conditions in order to learn. Unlike SUP where you can paddle any flat water surface, surfing requires you to pick the correct day when there are manageable waves for a beginner.
Because of this factor, it can be difficult to get started in surfing, let alone master it.
To really understand the way the wind and the waves work in the ocean, as well as learn how to paddle, duck dive, and pop up all while reading which way the wave is breaking, you are going to need at least a few years of consistent practice to become competent at the activity.
If there is one activity on this list that requires the highest level of skill to master, it has to be surfing.
Cost
Where surfing’s cost of entry might level out is in the equipment and lessons/rentals. The price of a beginner lesson will vary depending on location but will typically run anywhere from $75-$100 for an hour.
In addition, a good beginner soft top surfboard can cost up to $400 with used boards ranging in the $150-$200 range.
If you are bent on learning how to surf, we recommend a few lessons with a qualified instructor. As well as investing in your own foam top surfboard so you can fall without any danger from the board.
Kiteboarding
Time Spent Learning: Average 5-6 lessons
Kiteboarding is an interesting activity when it comes to the learning curve. Some people can master the technique and find success after just a lesson or two. While others can take up to 15 lessons with a qualified instructor to feel comfortable in the wind.
It all depends on your athletic ability, your experience with additional board sports, and your age.
Yes, it’s true, younger people are able to pick up sports at a quicker rate than the older generation. There might be a few factors involved in this but it most likely comes down to how in-shape you are and how your persevere through failure.
However, a good average on the number of lessons before you will feel comfortable is right around 5-6. After that, you should be able to head out on your own.
Cost
Each kiteboarding lesson will run you between $275-$400 dollars or more especially if you request a private lesson.
In addition, kiteboarding is probably the most expensive outdoor activity on our list.
A full kit will typically cost:
- Kiteboarding kite ($250 - $2,100)
- Kiteboarding board ($400 - $1,000)
- Kite control bar and lines ($250 - $600)
- Harness ($150 - $300)
With such high costs, often the best thing to do for beginners is to invest in an entire kiteboarding kit.
As you can see, not only do you need to invest quite a bit of time to understand the basics of kiteboarding, but also money.
Foil Boarding
Time Spent Learning: 4-5 lessons/session
The time spent learning how to foil board will largely depend on how you plan to use the board.
Foil boards can be towed behind a boat, used with a wing, or with a kite. Or you can give SUP surfing a foil board a go as well.
For beginners, the easiest and safest way to learn how to foil board would have to be being towed behind a boat on a flat water surface. This controlled way of learning what it feels like to glide above the surface is the only way to remove many of the inherent dangers of learning how to foil. By doing this, you should expect to be able to stand within 1-3 sessions.
However, once you move into using a wing or a kite, you might have a longer learning curve. This method uses the wind as your means of propulsion. With the wind you can often be a victim of gusts or a change in direction. This can lead to spills, falls, and frustrations.
By using a wing or a kite, you might need at least 5 sessions to become comfortable or even up to 10 to become competent. Just remember to exercise patience and proper safety when learning how to foil board.
Cost
Foil boarding lessons will cost between $200-$1,200 an hour depending on the type of equipment you plan on using.
You can expect to pay more for wing and kite surfing private lessons as opposed to the foundational skills lesson which is done by pulling you behind a watercraft.
The high price is due to the inherent danger in the activity and the need to charter a private boat for the lesson.
Regular foil boards with the foil sold separately will cost around $999-$1,500 in total and that’s without the wing or the kite to propel them.
If you are not into winging or kiting you can also look to purchase a battery-powered e-foil but those cost around $12,500.
Snowboarding
Time Spent Learning: At least 1 season
How long it will take you to learn how to snowboard will depend on your tenacity and athletic ability.
To acquire the necessary skills and be comfortable on the slopes, you might have to spend at least a season on your board with some variation in time given your personal abilities. At the very least you will need 1-3 lessons under the right conditions to learn how to snowboard.
Cost
To go snowboarding it costs an average of $170 for a snowboarding lesson and rental package. To rent a snowboard it costs about $45 and to purchase a lift ticket you can expect to pay about $75-$100.
A good snowboard will run around $150-$800 along with the additional cost of gear — helmet, clothing, gloves, goggles, etc. In total, you’re looking at around $1,000+ to grab your own gear.
SUP: The Perfect Entry Into Board Sports
As you can see, SUP has the lowest cost of entry in both time and money. Most paddlers can understand the basics and begin paddling after their very first lesson. In addition, an average paddle board costs considerably less with surfing being the only exception.
Now, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t pursue these other sports. Quite the contrary! What we are saying is that SUP is the perfect entry into the world of board sports.
With SUP, you develop a sense of your body on the water, your athletic ability, and you cultivate the necessary movements you can use in every other board sport on this list.
This includes balance, situational awareness, endurance, an understanding of the conditions (wind, waves, etc), and the ability to persevere even when you think you can’t seem to master the motions.
With an outdoor activity like SUP, you open your life to the world of board sports both on and off the water!
Ready to get started? Head to our SUP Search section, type in your location, and find an outfitter near you to get you on the water – today!
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