A run to the warehouse for bulk snacks and a 60-inch TV sometimes ends with a surfboard in the cart too. It sounds unlikely until the price tag comes into view.
Costco has quietly become one of the largest surfboard sellers in the country, and Wavestorm is no longer the only name on the shelf.
Over time, the warehouse chain has rotated in foam boards from Scott Burke and Hyperlite alongside the original Wavestorm lineup, and the 8-foot softtop slot itself has changed hands recently, with Scott Burke stepping in where Gerry Lopez once stood.
For anyone standing in the aisle wondering if a soft-top next to the paper towels is a smart buy, this Costco surfboard review breaks down actual pricing, what’s inside each board, and how these surfboard materials compare to a dedicated surf shop purchase, so the question of whether Costco surfboards are good gets a straight answer before checkout.
Quick Verdict:
Costco’s foam board lineup is a strong pick for first-time surfers and families who want a durable, affordable board.
It’s a weak pick for intermediate or competitive surfers who need a shapeable, high-performance board.
Pricing spans a wide range depending on model and pack size, from around $60 for a single Scott Burke Sushi up to $339.99 for the Wavestorm 7ft two board set, with the Hyperlite Westport and the 8ft softtop package models typically landing between $180 and $300 when in stock.
What Is a Costco Surfboard, Really?
The name most shoppers associate with “costco wavestorm surfboard” searches is Wavestorm, historically the exclusive foam-board partner at Costco. Here’s what sets it apart from a standard surf shop board.
- Sold under the Wavestorm brand, historically exclusive to Costco warehouses and Costco.com
- Soft-top foam construction rather than fiberglass or epoxy used on performance boards
- EPS foam core with wooden stringers built in for added rigidity
- Ships with fins, a leash, and a traction pad already attached
- Shaped for first-timers rather than high-performance surfing
Worth knowing before you shop: Costco’s 8-foot softtop supplier changed in 2025, with Scott Burke’s own 8ft board replacing the longtime Gerry Lopez signature model at most warehouses. The Gerry Lopez board still turns up occasionally in clearance racks or resale marketplaces, but it is no longer a standard, ongoing listing across Costco locations.
Knowing what’s under the deck matters, but the number on the price tag is usually what settles the decision.
How Much Does a Costco Surfboard Cost?
Pricing is one of the biggest reasons shoppers weigh a Costco board against a trip to a dedicated surf shop in the first place. Here are the models currently in rotation across Costco warehouses and Costco.com.
| Costco Surfboard | Length | Typical Price | Shape | Intended Rider | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavestorm 8ft Classic (single board) | 8 ft | $100 to $110 | Classic longboard, rounded nose | First-time surfers, families | EPS foam core, marine ply stringers, fins/leash/traction pad included |
| Wavestorm 7ft Surfboard 2 Pack | 7 ft (x2) | $339.99 for the set | Classic longboard, wood grain graphic deck | Families or couples buying two boards at once | Sold as a matched pair, removable fins, tail pads, 8ft leashes included with each board |
| Wavestorm 5’8″ Retro Fish | 5’8″ | Varies, check current listing | 1970s style fish, twin swallow tail | Beginners with basic wave catching experience | Shorter and easier to turn than the classic longboard; availability shifts by season and warehouse |
| Scott Burke Sushi | 5’8″ | $60 to $90 | Fish shape, blunted bat tail, thumb rail grab deck | Intermediate to advanced riders in small to medium waves | EPS core with 3 wood stringers, tri fin system, HD polyethylene slick bottom; widely stocked, frequently discounted |
| Scott Burke 8ft Softtop | 8 ft | Varies by location | All around longboard | Beginners through advanced riders wanting one all around board | Replaced the Gerry Lopez model in most Costco warehouses starting in 2025; specs closely mirror the outgoing softtop |
| Hyperlite Westport | 8 ft | $249 to $299, often unavailable | Universal funboard shape | All ability levels, easy paddling | Dura-Shell construction, EPS foam core with fiberglass interior, full cork top, Futures compatible fin boxes |
Costco surfboards typically range from about $60 for a single Scott Burke Sushi to well over $300 for the Wavestorm two-board set, with the remaining models sitting somewhere in the middle depending on stock and season.
Wavestorm and Scott Burke boards are usually the easiest to find, while the Hyperlite Westport and the 8ft softtop package models tend to be regional, online only, or intermittently out of stock.
Overall, Costco offers strong value for beginners, but the best choice still depends on board shape, skill level, availability, and how much performance a rider actually needs.
How Does a Costco Surfboard Perform in the Water?
Performance varies across Costco’s foam board lineup, and matching the board shape to your skill level matters more than the brand name on the deck.
- Wavestorm 8ft and Scott Burke 8ft Softtop: Prioritize stability with wide, thick shapes that paddle easily and catch small to medium waves; turn slowly and don’t hold a line like fiberglass boards
- Wavestorm Retro Fish and Scott Burke Sushi: Sacrifice some stability for speed and maneuverability with shorter fish tail shapes; suit riders who already know how to catch waves but are less forgiving for complete beginners
- Hyperlite Westport: Sits between the two, with a funboard shape that paddles more easily than the fish models and a cork deck that provides grip without wax; not as stable as the Wavestorm in weak surf
- Across the lineup: Foam construction means softer rails, slower turns, and limited performance in faster or steeper waves, the standard tradeoff with most soft top surfboards
Wavestorm vs Other Costco Surfboard Options
Costco doesn’t stock a huge range at any given time, and the roster shifts more often than shoppers expect, but the lineup has covered a few different rider types across recent years.
Wavestorm Surfboard
Built for families or first-timers, the Wavestorm remains Costco’s most recognizable foam board and the most widely stocked across warehouses.
The single 8ft board typically runs $100 to $110, while the 7ft two board set is priced separately as a bundle at $339.99, which suits households buying for two riders at once rather than a single first board.
Scott Burke: Now Costco’s Full Softtop Lineup
The 5’8″ Sushi is a fish-style foam board built for intermediate to advanced riders in small-to-medium waves, with a wide template, blunted bat tail, and thumb rail grab deck.
It’s one of the most widely stocked Costco boards, with pricing that swings from clearance lows near $60 up to a regular $90.
Since 2025, Scott Burke has also taken over the 8ft softtop slot that Gerry Lopez previously held, so shoppers researching the Gerry Lopez board by name should expect to find a Scott Burke model in its place at most warehouses now.
Hyperlite Westport
An 8-foot universal funboard shape with a full cork top and Dura-Shell construction, positioned as usable by riders of any ability level.
Futures-compatible fin boxes give it more upgrade flexibility than the screw-through fins on most Costco soft-tops, though online availability has been inconsistent, and the listing has shown as unavailable in-warehouse at various points.
Historical pricing has landed between $249 and $299, so it sits closer to entry-level surf shop pricing than the rest of the Costco lineup.
Wavestorm Retro Fish
A shorter, easier-to-turn 5’8″ shape modeled on 1970s fish boards, better suited to someone with basic wave-catching experience rather than a total beginner.
It has a live product page on Costco.com, but stock is inconsistent enough that confirming current availability before a warehouse trip saves a wasted drive.
Shape and size decide comfort on the water, but the real debate around Costco surfboards centers on what shoppers gain and give up by skipping a surf shop.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Surfboard at Costco
There’s a reason the Wavestorm became one of the best-selling soft-tops in the U.S., though not every wave-riding experience with it is smooth sailing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Noticeably cheaper per board than most beginner surf shop options | Foam construction limits performance beyond the beginner stage, trading stiffness for safety |
| Soft foam build reduces injury risk for first-time surfers | Limited size and shape choices compared with a dedicated surf shop |
| Includes fins, leash, and traction pad with no extras needed | Availability changes often, with models frequently swapped or discontinued |
| Costco’s return policy makes exchanges easier if needed | Beginner reputation may affect how some surfers view it |
| Simple buying process through warehouse or online checkout | Screw-through fins and basic rails limit advanced performance |
The affordability and beginner-friendly build are real advantages, but the drawbacks matter more for some riders than others. The next section breaks down exactly who benefits most from this kind of board.
Is a Costco Surfboard Good for Beginners?
For most first-time surfers, a Costco surfboard is a solid choice, especially a Wavestorm or the current Scott Burke 8ft softtop. Foam construction makes these boards safer, more stable, and easier to balance on while a rider is still learning to pop up.
First-time surfer: Strong fit because soft-top models are affordable, stable, and beginner-friendly
Intermediate surfer: Weak fit because most Costco boards offer limited speed, turning, and responsiveness
Family sharing one board: Strong fit for casual use, especially with the larger Wavestorm or Scott Burke 8ft models
Rider wanting more maneuverability: Moderate fit with shorter models such as the Wavestorm Retro Fish or Scott Burke Sushi
Competitive or frequent surfer: Weak fit because a higher-quality surf shop board will offer better performance and durability
The final choice depends on the rider’s skill level, body size, wave conditions, and how often the board will actually see use.
Size Guide: Which Costco Surfboard Matches a Rider
Board length and rider size matter as much as skill level when picking between Costco’s current models. A quick match by body type and use case narrows the choice fast.
- Under 5’4″ or lighter riders: the Wavestorm Retro Fish or Scott Burke Sushi at 5’8″ offer enough float without excess bulk.
- Average adult beginners (5’4″ to 6’0″): the 8ft Wavestorm or the current Scott Burke 8ft softtop provide the most forgiving paddle and pop-up.
- Larger riders or those near a 200 lb capacity: the Hyperlite Westport or an 8ft softtop model, both rated near 200 lbs, hold up best.
- Kids or lighter family members sharing one board: a shorter fish-shaped option is easier to carry and control than a full 8 ft longboard, and the Wavestorm 2 Pack is worth a look for two riders splitting the cost.
Getting the size right up front avoids the most common beginner mistake: buying a board too small to float comfortably.
How to Decide If a Costco Surfboard Is Right for a Purchase
A short checklist settles most of the back-and-forth before checkout.
☐ Is this a first surfboard for a beginner?
☐ Is budget the main priority over performance?
☐ Will the board see occasional, casual use rather than daily sessions?
☐ Is the current model actually listed and in stock on Costco.com or at the local warehouse?
☐ Is a simple, no-hassle return option a priority?
If most boxes get checked, a Costco surfboard is a reasonable buy. If not, a surf shop board is worth the extra cost.
Conclusion
None of Costco’s surfboards were built to replace a shaper-crafted performance board, and none of them try to.
For a beginner learning to stand up, a family sharing a board for weekend trips, or anyone testing the water before committing to the sport, the current lineup delivers real value at a fraction of surf shop pricing.
The tradeoffs, including limited sizing, foam-only construction, and shifting availability, matter more for advancing riders than first-timers.
Matched to the right rider, each of these boards remains a solid, low-risk way to get into the water.
Across the current lineup, prices land anywhere from roughly $60 for a single Scott Burke Sushi to well over $300 for the Wavestorm two-board set, making it hard to find a cheaper way into the sport.
If you are also weighing whether a sit-on-top kayak might suit your local water better than a board, it is worth comparing both before you commit to gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Costco Sell Surfboards in Every Warehouse Location?
No. Availability varies by region and has changed in recent years, so checking Costco.com first is recommended before a dedicated trip.
Can a Foam Surfboard Be Repaired After Damage?
Yes, minor dings and delamination on foam boards can often be patched with foam-safe repair kits once fully dried.
Do Surf Instructors Recommend Foam Boards for Lessons?
Yes, many surf schools use soft-top boards for lessons since the buoyancy and cushioning help new students learn safely.
Can a Costco Surfboard Be Upgraded with Better Fins?
Some Wavestorm models accept upgraded Bonzer or single-fin setups, though standard screw-through fins limit true FCS or Futures compatibility. The Hyperlite Westport is the exception, since it ships with Futures-compatible boxes already built in.
Which Costco Surfboards Are Currently Available?
The lineup has shifted recently. The Wavestorm 8ft board and the Scott Burke Sushi remain the two most consistently stocked models, and Scott Burke’s 8ft softtop has replaced the previous Gerry Lopez model at most warehouses as of 2025. The Wavestorm Retro Fish and the Hyperlite Westport appear more intermittently and are worth confirming locally before a trip, since exact stock varies by warehouse and season.
