Where to Get Used Sporting Equipment on the Seacoast

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We want active kiddos so we join organized activities through the rec or special leagues. And just when you think you’ve made it through the gauntlet of registration and activity fees you are told that your child will also need the gear. The dang gear! Buying new when you have kids is tough (they grow so fast!). I’m here to tell you where to get used sporting equipment on the Seacoast for our growing munchkins.

This information is also important if you have a first timer or a growing athlete. Try these local sources and see if you can help older sports gear fulfill their sporty-destiny while saving you a dollar or two.

BRINN’S 3 GO-TO TIPS FOR SCORING USED SPORTING GEAR ON THE SEACOAST:

1. Friends:

That’s right! Ask your network of moms and neighbors. Speak up and ask your coach, the league, and Facebook community forums. We all have garages full of used sporting gear that we would happily sell or gift away. We are just waiting for someone to ask if we have any slightly used cleats. Also, some leagues have equipment swap days and will gladly direct families to that resource (they want to empty their storage locker, too). All you need to do is ask.

2. Shops & Swaps:

  • Play it Again Sport in Portsmouth located in the Market Basket plaza on Lafayette Rd. Whoa, this is a life changer for all us sports parents looking for used gear for all sorts of sports. You’ll find sticks for field hockey, hockey, and lacrosse, plus tennis rackets, helmets, and gloves. And lots of ski gear too. You can also follow them on Facebook.
  • Ski equipment can be very costly so I highly recommend the basements of the local ski shops. My go-to is Putnum’s Ski and Snowboard Shop in Portsmouth. Located on Rt 1 in Portsmouth they sell used skis, snowboard, boots, and poles. Plus they allow trade-ins of your old gear as a credit towards your new (used gear). Philbricks in Dover does a ski tent event in the fall, too. Also, most ski shops, including Golf & Ski Warehouse, do a junior lease programs which means you don’t even have to buy the gear that your child will outgrow in one season. 
  • Ocean Cycles and Board Shop in Hampton. Their Facebook page posted this past week that they have a great selection of used hockey gear. Plus they have bikes, snowshoes and cross country skis. 
  • For Christmas last year we bought our daughters surf boards. Used of course. We bought them beginner boards for $99 each at the end of the season sale at Summer Sessions. They were a killer wow factor when the girls walked into the living room on Christmas morning. Santa did good! 
  • Lastly check your local ski mountain like Gunstock, Pats Peak and UNH Ski Swap. Most places have a system where you bring your old equipment to sell and swap for newer gear.

3. Online:

  • Facebook Marketplace: Great place to mine for gear. When you are on your FB page it is the little-house icon at the bottom of your phone. You can type into the search bar what you seek and see what is available in your area. My tip is ask a lot of questions of the seller to make sure the sizing and used status meets your expectations. The good thing about FB Marketplace is you are shopping from local people so you can find a good meeting spot and not go too much out of your way.
  • Craigslist NH:  Local NH folks selling their children’s childhood memories (just kidding…kinda). Lots of good sporty finds including fishing and hunting. They have a “sporting” section but I recommend just using the search bar in the “for sale” section.
  • Ebay: A site for which your purchases will be shipped. Craigslist and FB Marketplace you are personally inspecting the items prior to purchse from a person. Ebay is an online site with both new and used items. I am currently in search of a used Swix brand ski boot bag so to Ebay I went. If the price is right I don’t mind paying the shipping.
  • Also, check out my post about shopping for brand names on Poshmark for clothing type gear like Adidas track pants or Burton snowpants or Northface jackets. Because we all know kids want those name brands! 

BRINN’S FINAL THOUGHTS ON BUYING USED SPORTING EQUIPMENT ON THE SEACOAST:

Safety First!  My last bit of advice when buying used sports gear is make sure everything fits. Having the correct size helmet and shin pads and hockey pants will make all the difference in your child’s safety, performance and confidence. Saving money at the expense of your child’s comfort and safety is not worth it. So if the helmet is too big then don’t buy it. If the shin pads are too small then skip ’em. Because while used gear is more cost effective, you also need to make sure your little one’s noggin is protected.

Happy Shopping!

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Hi, I'm Brinn. I am an imperfect mom who strives to do better every day at caring for the people and pets in my life. Together with my husband, 4 daughters and 2 dogs, I live in Exeter (but have lived all over the Seacoast). I've spent the last 20-years working in the Recreation biz and currently manage of the Portsmouth Senior Activity Center and the Portsmouth Holiday Parade. Before Portsmouth, I worked for Rochester Recreation & Arena...Some of your children might have been taught to skate by me! 25 years ago I started my career in Boston at the New England Aquarium and pretty much love all animals. In my free time I volunteer for the Marine Mammal Rescue Team at the Seacoast Science Center as well as kayak and paddle board. Follow me at @brinnieloohoo on Instagram to learn more about my ever so imperfect attempt at life and motherhood.