Is Surf More Expensive Than Horse Riding?

When it comes to recreational activities, there are few things more exhilarating than catching a wave or galloping through a meadow on horseback. But which one is more expensive?

We all know that horse racing is often regarded as the Sport of Kings reserved for the elite, but does this mean that is actually really expensive to become a casual horse rider?

Well, in today’s article we will break down the costs of these two popular past-time activities: Horse Riding and Surfing, and find out which is a more budget-friendly option.

The Cost of Surfing

Let's start with surfing. Obviously, the first thing you’ll need is a board.

A beginner's board can cost anywhere from $200 to $600, while more advanced boards can run up to $1,000 or more. Of course, you can always rent a board if you're just starting out, which will typically cost around $30 to $50 per day depending on the location.

But that's not all. You'll also need a wetsuit to keep you warm in the water. This is not necessary, but if you want to do it the right way, and possibly surf in places where the water is cold, you’ll definitely need one.

A good wetsuit can cost between $100 and $500, depending on the brand and quality. And if you're planning on surfing in colder water, you may need additional gear like booties, gloves, and a hood, which can add several hundred dollars to your expenses.

You must consider the expense of wetsuits, leashes, wax, and other equipment in addition to the cost of the board. These products can rapidly add up, especially if you buy them new.

The boards need to be maintained (regularly waxed), which is not a significant cost but definitely adds up to the total value of this past-time activity.

The cost of instruction is another factor to consider. If you're new to surfing, you should take lessons to acquire basic techniques and safety precautions. Surf lessons can cost between $50 and $100 per hour, depending on location and teacher.

The Cost of Horse Riding

When it comes to horse riding, the situation is a bit different.

The horse is the most expensive aspect of horseback riding. If you're ready to commit to owning your own horse, be prepared to shoulder financial obligation. You'll need money for feed, bedding, veterinarian care, and several pieces of equipment. It's like having a child with superhuman speed!

However, most people that are interested in casual horse riding, shouldn’t commit to owning a horse. Instead, renting a horse will be just fine if you ride it a few times a year.

But if you're not quite ready for that level of commitment, don't fret! You can still ride these magnificent beasts by taking lessons or going on guided rides. Lessons can be as cheap as $30 an hour, or as expensive as $100, depending on the location and the instructor.

Meanwhile, guided rides can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 an hour, depending on the location and the type of ride.

We still didn’t cover the cost of gear. Things like a helmet, safety vest, pants, boots, saddle, horse bridle, grooming kit, and much more.

When renting out a horse, you will be provided with all the necessary equipment, but if you decide to purchase a horse then you should reserve $1,000 if not more only for the equipment. Nonetheless, betting is cheaper and with this horse racing sign up bonus by TwinSpires anyone can start waging for free.

The Verdict

So, which activity is more expensive? Both surfing and horse riding can be expensive, depending on the level of involvement and the quality of the equipment.

If you are just starting to explore pastime activities, you’ll find that surfing may be a more affordable option, if you have a nearby location that is perfect for catching some waves.

If you have to travel to a different location, then horse racing might be more affordable.

On the other hand, owning a horse is very expensive. According to analysis, the average cost of owning a horse starts from $6000 and can go up to $8000 a year.

In the end, owning a horse is definitely more expensive than any other past-time activity, but there is always a chance to rent a horse and enjoy some outdoor riding without investing a lot of money.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nurlana Alasgarli          

Content Specialist

Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including adventure, outdoor and water sports. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.