Going surfing without owning your own equipment is now easier than ever. Thanks to a new generation of online platforms and local surf shop websites, you can reserve your board and wetsuit in just a few clicks, whether it's for an impromptu weekend getaway or a surfing trip lasting several weeks. No more stressing about finding equipment when you arrive at your destination: everything is sorted before you leave.
In this article, we review the best websites for renting surf equipment in France—from major national platforms to local surf shops that offer online booking—so you can focus on what matters most: catching waves.
National surf equipment rental platforms
Lokki — The equipment rental search engine
Lokki is the go-to platform for finding and booking sports equipment online anywhere in France. With over 3,000 professional rental companies listed and 2 million items of equipment available, it's a bit like the "Booking.com of sports equipment rental." The way it works is simple: you enter your destination (Hossegor, Quiberon, Biarritz, etc.), the dates of your stay, and the type of equipment you are looking for, and Lokki instantly displays the rental companies available nearby with prices, customer reviews, and online booking.
Lokki's biggest advantage is its geographical coverage: whether you surf in the Landes, Brittany, Vendée, or on the Basque Coast, you'll find options. The platform has an average rating of 4.9/5, which attests to the quality of the rental companies listed. And beyond surfing, you can also book bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks—handy if you're combining several activities during your vacation.
Who is it for? All surfers who want to compare rental offers at a given spot and book in two minutes, with the guarantee of verified professional rental companies.
The website: lokki.rent
Lab Boardstore — Surfboard leasing
Lab Boardstore stands out with a concept that is unique in France: surfboard leasing. Rather than renting by the day or buying outright, Lab Boardstore offers you the chance to lease a new surfboard from €30 per month. The largest French online surf shop lists more than 3,000 new boards from the most sought-after brands: Chilli, Rusty, Haydenshapes, Sharp Eye, Torq, Venon, and many others.
The concept is particularly appealing to intermediate surfers who want to improve by trying out different shapes without committing to a purchase. Instead of renting a generic board from a surf shop, you can surf with a new, high-end board chosen to suit your profile. To help you understand which type of board is right for your level, the site also offers detailed advice sheets.
Lab Boardstore also offers a wide range of foam boards for beginners (Madness brand), Torq and Venon funboards, and performance shortboards for experienced surfers.
Who is it for? Regular surfers who want to ride new, brand-name equipment without investing a large budget all at once, or who want to test several shapes before making a decision.
The website: lab-boardstore.com
The Corner Shop — The board sports specialist with surfboard rentals
Based in the Paris region, The Corner Shop specializes in board sports—kiteboarding, wing surfing, surfing, wakeboarding, and SUP. In addition to sales, the shop offers a surf equipment rental service accessible directly from its website, a particularly attractive option for surfers in the Paris region who want to go on a trip without investing in equipment they will only use a few times a year.
The shop offers a varied catalog ranging from foam boards for beginners to performance boards, with a team of enthusiasts who can advise you on choosing the right board for your destination spot.
Who is it for? Surfers in the Île-de-France region and surrounding areas who want to rent high-quality equipment before heading off for a weekend or vacation on the coast.
The website: thecornershop.fr
Jam — Peer-to-peer rentals
Jam operates on the collaborative economy model. The platform connects owners of surfing equipment with surfers looking to rent, much like a "Leboncoin for surf rentals." Boards, wetsuits, complete equipment: everything is offered by individuals, with a secure reservation and payment system.
The main advantage is the price—often lower than surf shops, since there is no commercial structure to finance. The disadvantage is that the quality and condition of the equipment can vary from one rental company to another. Be sure to read the reviews and descriptions carefully before booking.
Jam offers full wetsuits for rent for all seasons and promises to have your gear ready for pickup within 30 minutes of booking—which is super handy when you're just arriving at the spot and want to get out there and enjoy the conditions ASAP.
Who is it for? Budget-conscious surfers who are comfortable with peer-to-peer rentals and are looking for great local deals.
The website: jam-location.com
Kiwiiz — Board rental between neighbors
Similar to Jam, Kiwiiz is a peer-to-peer rental platform, but with an even more local focus: the idea is to rent "between neighbors." You can find surfboards and wetsuits starting at €7 per day.
The catalog is more limited than on specialized platforms, but you can sometimes find some real gems—especially high-quality boards that their owners don't use often enough. It's also a more responsible approach: rather than buying a board that will sit in the garage for eleven months out of the year, it makes more sense to share its use.
Who is it for? Occasional surfers who want to rent at the best price, in a friendly and sustainable spirit.
The website: kiwiiz.fr
The best local surf shops with online rentals
National platforms are convenient, but local surf shops are often still the best option for finding high-quality, well-maintained equipment, with advice from a professional who knows the spot. More and more of them now offer online booking.
Basque Coast and Landes
Homie Boards (Biarritz and Basque Country) is one of the smoothest rental services on the coast. Book online in two clicks, pick up on site, and enjoy very competitive rates: €15 per day or €75 per week for a board. The catalog includes foam boards for beginners and resin boards for more advanced surfers. The website is clear and reservations are instant. If you're surfing on the Basque Coast and wondering which board to choose depending on the spot, the Homie team is also on hand to offer advice.
The website: homieboards.com
Agréou Surf (Seignosse) offers rentals at several locations in Seignosse, with a wide selection of all types of boards, full wetsuits, and shorties. Reservations are made online with pickup in store. It is a historic shop in Seignosse, renowned for the quality of its rental equipment.
The website: lagreou-surf-seignosse.com
Aloha Surf School (Seignosse/Hossegor) combines surf lessons and equipment rental in Seignosse and Hossegor. Ideal if you want to combine a lesson in the morning with a free session in the afternoon using rented equipment.
The website: aloha-ecoledesurf.com
Brittany
MAKU Surf (Plouharnel, Morbihan) is a Breton shop renowned for the quality of its rental equipment: softboards, foam boards, shortboards, malibus, longboards, and wetsuits of all sizes. Rates are discounted on a weekly basis. In Brittany, the quality of your wetsuit is crucial—the water is cool even in summer—and MAKU offers 4/3 wetsuits suited to local temperatures.
The website: maku-surf.com
ATS Surf Shop / Board Kulture (Morbihan) boasts the largest surfboard rental fleet in Morbihan. The advantage: easy online booking and a wide selection of O'Neill, Rip Curl, and Xcel wetsuits in 3/2 and 4/3 thicknesses. The website allows you to check availability in real time.
The website: board-kulture.com
Surf Harmony (Northern Brittany) offers board and wetsuit rentals with a clear catalog on their website. This is the option for surfers exploring the spots along the northern coast of Brittany.
The website: surfharmony.com
Vendée and Charente-Maritime
Manusurf (Vendée) is the local benchmark in Vendée for surf equipment rental. The site offers boards and wetsuits suited to Vendée conditions, with a team that knows the local spots inside out.
The website: manusurf.com
Cocosurf (Charente-Maritime) covers the Charente coast with a comprehensive rental service. Less well known than the spots in the southwest, Charente-Maritime nevertheless offers beautiful waves—and Cocosurf is one of the few shops to offer online rentals in this area.
The website: cocosurf-charentemaritime.com
Ze Hero (Loire-Atlantique) offers surfboard and wetsuit rentals on the Loire-Atlantique coast. Convenient for surfers exploring spots around La Baule and Pornichet.
The website: ze-hero.com
Choosing the right rental equipment: our advice
Renting equipment online is convenient. But you still need to know what to rent. Here are a few pointers to help you make the right choice.
The board
If you are just starting out, always start with a foam board (softboard) between 7′ and 8′. It is stable, forgiving, and safe. Don't try to rush things by renting a shortboard—you'll spend your session paddling without catching a single wave.
If you are an intermediate surfer, an evolutionary board or a mini-malibu resin board will allow you to improve your maneuverability while maintaining buoyancy. Understanding the volume of your board is one of the best investments you can make in terms of progress.
If you surf regularly, it's probably timeto invest in your own board. Renting is still a good option for trying out new shapes or when you're traveling light, but nothing beats a board that's tailored to your size and skill level.
The combination
This is something you really shouldn't overlook. If your wetsuit is too thin, you'll cut your session short because of the cold. If it's too thick, you'll overheat in the middle of summer. Here are the essential guidelines for each season in France:
- Summer (water > 18°C): a 3/2 mm wetsuit or shorty is sufficient. At €79 from Prism, it's sometimes cheaper than two weeks' rental.
- Mid-season (water between 12°C and 18°C): a 4/3 mm wetsuit is essential.
- Hiver (eau < 12°C) : une 5/4 mm avec accessoires (gants, chaussons, cagoule) est nécessaire.
If you rent more than once a week per year, the calculation is easy: buying your own wetsuit is cheaper than renting, and it is incomparably more comfortable and hygienic.
Accessories
Don't forget to check that the leash is included in the rental—it's an essential safety feature that connects the board to your ankle. Also, make sure that wax is provided or available on site. A rear traction pad is a plus, especially for shortboards.
Renting vs. buying: when to take the plunge?
This is the big question that all surfers ask themselves after a few sessions. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide.
| Criterion | Rental | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per session | $15 to $40 | Worn out after 10-15 sessions |
| Comfort | Variable (wear and tear, size not always ideal) | Equipment suited to your body type |
| Hygiene (coveralls) | Shared with other users | Yours alone |
| Practicality | No storage, no maintenance | Transportation and storage to be arranged |
| Discovery | Test different shapes and brands | Unique choice, better targeted |
As a general rule, if you surf more than ten sessions per year, investing in your own equipment becomes cost-effective. And this investment doesn't have to be huge: a €79 Prism 3/2 wetsuit and an affordable surfboard will get you properly equipped without breaking the bank. For children who are just starting out, the same reasoning applies: a few rental sessions to confirm their interest, then a small investment to kit them out.
Conclusion
Surfing has never been more accessible in France thanks to the proliferation of online rental platforms. Whether you use the Lokki search engine to compare rental companies, board leasing at Lab Boardstore, rentals at The Corner Shop, the collaborative economy with Jam and Kiwiiz, or your local surf shop such as Homie Boards or MAKU Surf, you're sure to find the option that suits you best.
And if, after your first few rentals, you feel that surfing is becoming more than just a vacation hobby, stop by the Prism surf shop: you'll find everything you need to get properly equipped at prices that won't sink your budget.