What This Is

Kauai Board Swap is a local surfboard marketplace for buying and selling boards on Kauai. Listings are posted by individual surfers and pickup is arranged directly between buyer and seller. We're a community-driven platform connecting local boardriders.

How It Works

For Sellers:

  1. Create a free account - Quick registration, no fees

  2. Click "List Your Board" - Fill out the simple form with board details and upload photos

  3. Wait for approval - Your listing will be reviewed and posted within 24 hours

  4. Connect with buyers - Buyers will contact you directly using the info in your listing

  5. Meet safely - Arrange pickup in an agreed upon location

  6. Mark as sold - Use the "Mark as SOLD" form when your board sells

For Buyers:

  • Browse the gallery - Check out all available boards

  • Contact sellers directly - Reach out using the contact info in each listing

  • Arrange pickup - Set up a time and place that works for both of you

  • Inspect before buying - Always check the board in person before money changes hands

Listing Guidelines

To keep the marketplace trustworthy and useful, please follow these guidelines:

What to Include:

  • Accurate board measurements (length, width, thickness)

  • Honest description of condition (dings, repairs, yellowing, etc.)

  • Clear photos showing top, bottom, rails, and any damage

  • Fair asking price

  • Your preferred contact method (phone, email, or both)

  • Location on Kauai for pickup

What's Not Allowed:

  • Boards you don't personally own

  • Misleading descriptions or photos

  • Commercial dealer listings (surf shops should contact us)

  • Spam or inappropriate content

  • Boards located off-island

Board Types Welcome:

  • Shortboards, longboards, mid-lengths, fish, funboards

  • SUPs and bodyboards

  • New, used, vintage, custom boards

  • Soft-tops and beginner boards

Best Practices

For Sellers:

  • Give buyers time to inspect the board thoroughly

  • Be honest about any damage or repairs

  • Don't feel pressured to accept lowball offers

  • Cash is safest - be cautious with payment apps from strangers

For Buyers:

  • Inspect the board carefully before handing over money

  • Check for hidden damage, soft spots, or delamination

  • Ask about the board's history and any repairs

  • Don't bring large amounts of cash - negotiate price beforehand

Red Flags to Watch For:

  • Prices that seem too good to be true

  • Inconsistent or evasive answers about the board

  • Requests for payment before seeing the board

Pricing Your Board

Not sure what to charge? Here are some tips:

Consider These Factors:

  • Original retail price and brand reputation

  • Age and condition (excellent, good, fair, rough)

  • Dings, repairs, and yellowing

  • How popular that size/shape is on Kauai

  • Current demand and season

General Guidelines:

  • Excellent condition, recent models: 60-75% of retail

  • Good condition with minor dings: 40-60% of retail

  • Fair condition with repairs: 25-40% of retail

  • Rough shape or project boards: Under 25% of retail

  • Vintage or collectible boards: May hold value better

Be Realistic:

  • Check prices of similar boards currently listed

  • Remember: used boards sell for much less than new

  • Price competitively if you want a quick sale

  • Be open to reasonable negotiations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take for my listing to appear? A: Listings are reviewed and posted within 24 hours of submission. Usually much faster!

Q: How do I edit my listing? A: Contact us at hello@kauaiboardswaponline.com with the changes you need.

Q: How do I remove my listing after my board sells? A: Use the "Mark as SOLD" form (link in the footer) or email us at hello@kauaiboardswap.com.

Q: How long will my listing stay up? A: Listings stay active until you mark them as sold or request removal. We periodically check in on older listings.

Q: Can I list multiple boards? A: Yes! Create a separate listing for each board.

Q: Can buyers from other islands contact me? A: Yes, but this platform is designed for local Kauai pickup. Any shipping arrangements are entirely between buyer and seller.

Q: What if I have issues with a buyer or seller? A: Contact us immediately at hello@kauaiboardswaponline.com. We take community safety seriously.

Q: Can surf shops or dealers list boards? A: This platform is for individual surfers only. Shops interested in partnerships should contact us directly.

Q: What if my board doesn't sell? A: You can lower the price, improve your photos/description, or just wait for the right buyer. Some boards take time!

Q: Why was my listing rejected? A: We'll always email you with the reason. Common issues: unclear photos, incomplete info, or boards that aren't locally available.

Q: Can I trade boards instead of selling? A: Sure! Just mention in your listing that you're open to trades and specify what you're looking for.

Need Help?

Contact us if:

  • Your board has sold and you need the listing removed ([Mark as SOLD Form])

  • You need to edit your listing details

  • You're experiencing technical issues with the site

  • You need to report an inappropriate or suspicious listing

  • You have questions not answered on this page

  • You have feedback or suggestions to improve the platform

Email: hello@kauaiboardswaponline.com

Response Time: We typically respond within 24 hours. Please be patient

Community Guidelines

Kauai Board Swap works because of mutual respect and trust. Please:

✓ Be honest and transparent in your listings ✓ Communicate promptly and respectfully ✓ Honor your commitments to meet up ✓ Treat others the way you want to be treated ✓ Support local surf culture and the aloha spirit

✗ Don't flake on meetups without notice ✗ Don't lowball or waste people's time ✗ Don't post misleading information ✗ Don't spam or post inappropriate content

About the Platform

Kauai Board Swap was created to make it easier for local surfers to buy and sell boards without the hassle of shipping or dealing with online marketplaces. We wanted a simple, Kauai-focused platform that brings our surf community together.

This is a passion project run by surfers, for surfers.

Mahalo for being part of the Kauai Board Swap community! 🤙🏄‍♂️

Last updated: January 2026