A Practical Guide to Soft Surfboards
A soft surfboard is a fantastic investment in family fun, but not all softboards are the same. Choosing the right size and knowing how to care for it is the key to a good experience. This guide will walk you through the essential things you need to know before you buy.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"As a shop based right here in the Illawarra, we're on the coast. Fishing and surfing go hand-in-hand. We started stocking soft surfboards because we believe in getting families out on the water, and these are the best way to do it. There's nothing better than seeing a kid's face after they stand up on their first wave.
We've chosen a range of boards that are durable and have the right amount of volume. Getting the size right is the most important part—you want the board to be stable and easy to paddle, which is what makes it fun. It's the perfect way to get your kids (or yourself) confident in the surf."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | Retailer of soft surfboards for 20+ years
How to Choose the Right Size Soft Surfboard
When you're learning, the number one rule is: volume is your friend. A bigger, thicker, and wider board is more stable and much easier to paddle, which means you'll catch more waves and have a far better chance of standing up.
- For Small Kids (under 40kg): A board in the 5ft to 6ft range is a great starting point. It's light enough for them to handle, but still has plenty of float.
- For Teenagers & Adults (learning): Don't buy a board that's too small! You will have a frustrating time. A 7ft to 8ft "mini-mal" or "funboard" shape is the ideal choice. The extra length and volume give you the stability you need to get to your feet.
- For Nipper Training Boards: We also stock a range of softboards designed for Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Nipper programs. These are built to specific size and construction regulations, making them the perfect choice for training.
Pro-Tips for Your New Softboard
- To Wax or Not to Wax? This is a critical one. Look at the deck of the softboard. If it has a textured, grippy foam feel, it's designed to be used without wax. If the deck is smooth and slick, it's essential that you wax it just like a fibreglass board, or you'll have no grip at all.
- Get the Right Leg Rope: A leg rope is an essential piece of safety gear—it's what stops your board from washing away or hitting other people. The golden rule is that your leg rope should be at least as long as your surfboard. A 7ft board needs a 7ft leg rope.
- The "Bubble" Warning (Heat is the Enemy): This is the most common way a softboard is ruined. Never leave it in a hot car or lying deck-up on the beach in the direct sun. The intense heat can cause the glue holding the layers together to fail, resulting in ugly 'bubbles' and delamination. Always keep it in the shade when you're not in the water. Never Lay your board on the hot sand. This can create delamination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real advantage of a soft surfboard over a hard one?
The two biggest advantages are safety and ease of use. The soft deck and flexible fins are far safer for a learner and for others in a crowded, flagged area. Their high volume also makes them much more buoyant and stable, which makes paddling and standing up for the first time much easier.
What is the difference between a Nipper Training Board and a regular soft surfboard?
A regular soft surfboard is designed purely for fun and learning to surf. A Nipper Training Board is a specialised piece of equipment built to meet the specific size, shape, and construction regulations required for Surf Life Saving (SLS) nipper programs and competitions.
Is a softboard just for kids?
Not at all. While they're the top choice for kids, a 7-8ft softboard is the best and most popular board for any adult who is learning to surf. Even experienced surfers often have a softboard in their collection for a bit of fun on small-wave days.
How do I stop my softboard from getting damaged?
Besides avoiding heat (which is the number one rule), the best practice is to rinse it with fresh water after your surf, just like any other gear. Let it dry in the shade and store it in a board bag if you can. This protects it from the sun's UV rays, which can fade and degrade the materials over time. Never Lay your board on the hot sand. This can create delamination.
Do softboards come with fins and a leg rope?
Most of our soft surfboards are sold with fins but may not include a leg rope. Please check the individual product description to confirm what's in the box.
