What is a Softboard?
A softboard is a surfboard made with a foam core and a soft, grippy deck for extra cushioning and safety. Unlike traditional fibreglass boards, foamies are way more forgiving when you wipe out and are built to handle plenty of action. Most come with removable or soft fins, so you can tweak the setup to match your style.
Who should ride a softtop surfboard?
Softboards are for everyone! Whether you're just learning or already shredding, these boards are a blast. Beginners love them because they’re stable and easy to paddle. More experienced surfers also dig them for fun, relaxed sessions on small waves. Surf schools and rental shops swear by them since they’re durable and make learning way safer.
Benefits of riding a softboard
Softboards are all about fun, safety, and catching loads of waves. Unlike hardboards, they won’t leave you with bruises when you wipe out, making them perfect for crowded line-ups and beginners. They’re also super buoyant, meaning you can catch more waves with less effort.
Why Choose a Softboard?
- Soft and safe for wipeouts
- Easy to paddle and catch waves
- Nearly indestructible - great for travel and beach days
- Awesome for messy, small waves
- Less risk of injury
- Excellent price-performance ratio
- Funky colours and designs
Which softboard shape is right for you?
Soft-top surfboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed for different surf styles, skill levels, and wave conditions. If you want to learn more about shapes, read our Surfboard Buyer's Guide.
Here is a quick breakdown:
- If you’re a beginner → Go for a longboard or mid-length for easy paddling and stability
- If you want a mix of fun and control → A funboard or fish is your best bet
- If you’re after high performance → Try a shortboard-style softboard for sharp turns and speed
- If you just want to mess around → A beater board will keep things playful
The rise of the perfoamies
Performance softboards are hybrids between a traditional softboard and a high-performance hardboard - and increasingly popular. It combines the user-friendly features of a soft-top with enhanced performance elements that allow for sharper turns, more speed, and greater control. Many seasoned surfers are now embracing these hybrids and take them all around the globe.
What Makes a Soft-Top "Performance"?
- More Refined Shape: Typically features a sleeker outline, refined rails, and a more performance-oriented rocker for better manoeuvrability.
- High-Density Foam Deck: Provides grip and comfort while maintaining a softer, safer feel.
- Hard Bottom (Slick or Epoxy-Infused): Unlike standard softboards, many performance soft-tops have a slick, rigid bottom for better speed and glide.
- Stringers for Extra Rigidity: Some models include stringers (wooden or carbon reinforcements) for increased stiffness and control.
- Advanced Fin Setups: Usually equipped with a thruster (3-fin) or quad (4-fin) setup, allowing more drive and sharper turns, similar to hardboards.
- Lighter and Thinner than Regular Softboards: Makes it easier to duck dive, generate speed, and carve on waves.
Which size do I need?
With our volume calculator in the Surfboard Buyer's Guide, you will find the right size quickly.
Which fins do I need for a soft top surfboard?
There are four common fin systems: FCS, FCS2, Futures, and Universal. Before you buy fins, you should know which system is compatible with your surfboard. Many softies already come with tuned fins. On the product page of our webshop, we provide information about the specific fins required for the product. Alternatively, you can check the fin boxes on the bottom of the board.
General surfboard buying advice
We recommend our Surfboard Buyer's Guide if you still need to determine which surfboard is right for you. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, a shortboarder or a longboarder, we'll explain what you should look for when choosing your new surfboard.
Softboard Care & Maintenance
Softboards don’t need much upkeep, but a little care goes a long way. Rinse yours with fresh water after each surf to stop salt and sand from wearing it down. Store it in the shade to avoid heat damage, and check for any wear and tear, especially on the bottom and around the fins. Treat it well, and your foamie will keep the good times rolling for years.
Maintenance Tips:
- Rinse with fresh water after each surf
- Keep it out of direct sunlight for long periods
- Check the bottom and fins for damage
- Store in a cool, dry spot
- Transport in a surfboard bag
