2025 European Used Surfboard Market Report, by Board Exchange
At Board Exchange, we see hundreds of second-hand surfboards and accessories pass through our hands every month, giving us a unique vantage point into Europe’s used surfboard market. With thousands of data points tracked, we’ve analysed which boards sell fastest, which brands hold the best value, and consumer preferences in surfboard types and conditions. This insight helps both buyers and sellers navigate the market with confidence.
Overall Market Performance
Across our evolving portfolio, we see a steady turnover. On average, 23% of second-hand surfboards sell within the first week, and nearly half (48.4%) sell within the first month of arrival. This demonstrates a healthy and active marketplace driven by demand for quality, trusted brands and balanced board specs.
Top Brands Sell Faster and Hold More Value
Our data supports surfers’ instinct… Premium brands like Al Merrick/Channel Islands, JS, Lost/Mayhem, Hayden Shapes, Firewire, and Sharpey stand out. Boards from these makers sell around 34.4% within the first week of listing, versus 23% for our overall stock. Investing in a recognised brand not only guarantees performance but also quicker resale and better value retention.
Branded Hardtops: A Popular Intermediate Choice
For surfers transitioning from softboards to performance shortboards, branded hardtops such as Torq and NSP are highly sought after. An impressive 50% of these hardtops sell within the same week they arrive in-store, highlighting their popularity as a reliable step-up board.
7'0'' Softboards Are the Hottest Item
Whether branded or not, 7-foot softboards are the fastest sellers, with an incredible 74% selling within the first week. These boards are perfect for beginners and groms, making them a staple product in the second-hand market.
Grom Boards and Step-Ups Sell More Slowly
Contrarily, boards designed for younger surfers (“groms”) are slower to sell, with only 18.2% moving within the first month, suggesting a more cautious buyer pool where the decision maker is often the parent, not the surfer! Likewise, “step-up” boards sell slower than grovellers – 17.7% vs. 33.9% respectively – showing the weekend warrior segment outpaces the ballsy big-wave surfers in volume.
Made in Portugal: Quickest Selling Local Boards
Among the popular "Made in Portugal" boards, Chilli and Dylan stand out — over 50% of boards from these brands sell within the first week. This trend reflects the respect and demand for strong global brands, regardless of where the boards get crafted.
Medium Volume Boards Gather Highest Interest
Boards with a volume between 33 and 37 litres sell best, with 33% selling within the same week. In contrast, boards under 27L move slower (11.6%). This suggests buyers favour versatile volume sizes, balancing buoyancy and performance.
Price and Condition Affect Sales Speed
Interestingly, cheaper boards don’t always sell faster. Lower prices often correlate with lower quality, and buyers seek value over just cost savings. Condition ranks matter too: boards rated “Like New but not New” (category 2) sell fastest — 27.1% within the first week. Boards in the poorest condition (rating 4/4) and new conditon (rating 1/4) sell slowest.
At Board Exchange, we continue to refine our data analytics and pricing prediction models, giving surfers across Europe the best advantage when buying or selling second-hand surfing gear. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first softboard or an experienced rider upgrading to a top-brand shortboard, our deep market insights ensure you get the best deals with the utmost confidence.