Surfboard rentals: pick the right board for the day.

Airlines charge $75–$200 each way for a board bag, and rental cars rarely fit a 9' longboard. Renting from a local means you show up with a leash and wax and paddle out the same afternoon - no oversized baggage, no dings from the flight, no scrambling for a shaper when it happens anyway.

Every owner sets a daily rate, and the listing shows the price before you request. Compare the board itself, condition, included fins and leash, pickup location, and minimum booking length—not just the headline rate. A complete setup can be more useful than the cheapest board if it includes the pieces you would otherwise need to find.

First time out or paddling back after years off? Rent a 7'–9' soft-top. It paddles easily, is stable under your feet, and won't hurt when it hits you. Intermediate riders should try a mid-length (7'6"–8') for small, mushy days and a shortboard when it's overhead. Ask the curator what's been working at their local break - they know.

Check the listing for a leash, fins, board bag, and any included wax; owners decide what comes with each board. You may still need a rash guard or wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen. If you're renting a shortboard, confirm whether a traction pad is installed and ask the owner what wax is appropriate for the local water temperature.

Boards get dings. Small pressure dents are different from cracked fiberglass that lets water into the foam. Review the original condition photos at pickup. If the board is seriously damaged during the rental, tell the owner immediately and document it. Any claim requires evidence and is capped at the damage amount shown on the listing; normal wear does not count.

Browse available boards, send a free request with your dates, and the owner decides whether to accept it. You coordinate pickup in Cache, then both sides document the board at pickup and return. Nothing is held upfront for the damage cap. How Cache protects renters →