Soft Surfboards For Safe Surfing
Soft surfboards is the name given to those surfboards that you see at surfing schools all over the world. Sometimes they are also known as “foamies”. A soft surfboard is called soft because, quite literally, it is. These surfboards have a very generous layer of foam on the top side.
Soft top surfboards are the ultimate for learning surfers, being safe, buoyant, and stable, allowing for easier standing, balance, and catching of waves. These softboards will allow you or your kids to gain some confidence, and be able to enjoy the thrill of catching a wave without worrying too much about nasty injuries.
Here are a few good reasons why you should consider buying one for your kids or yourself when you are just starting out:
They Are Very Safe
Traditional surfboards can be very unforgiving if you wear one in the head, or pretty much anywhere. There are lots of hard surfaces, sharp fins, and weight, that can all become quite dangerous in the hands of a beginner.
And not just for the hapless surfer, but everyone else out in the water as well. Soft surfboards are much softer when impacting with your body, and even the fins are designed to be safer.
They Float Well
Yes, all surfboards float in water, but some float better, and this is where soft top surfboards come into their own. Because they are so buoyant, it becomes much easier to catch a wave and stand up, as compared to a traditional surfboard.
This is why you will see surf schools all over the place promising that you will stand up in your first lesson. The reason? The soft surfboard. If they put you on a normal surfboard you would more than likely have an incredibly frustrating time and never want to surf again.
They Are Hard To Damage
All that extra foam means that much like a styrofoam package, damage to the surfboard is going to be kept to a minimum. If you crash into the rocks, or drop it in the car park, you will still have a surfboard in one piece to pick up.
Soft surfboards therefore also make a great addition to any family with kids, as the board can just get handed down from child to child.
Outgrowing The Foamie
At some point all that buoyancy, and those dimensions so suited for a beginner, are going to slow you down, quite literally. At this point it is time to pass on the foam surfboard and upgrade to the real thing. By now, you will be able to handle a traditional surfboard in the surf, and will be able to paddle, catch waves, and stand up no problem.
Since soft top surfboards are virtual indestructible, your crashes should not have devalued the foamie too much. You can therefore resell it to another beginner or parent looking to buy a used soft surfboard. These surfboards are always in high demand.
What Sizes Are Soft Surfboards Available In?
Soft surfboards are available in a huge range of lengths, varying from 4’2 and 5′ for the smaller kids, right through 6′,7′ 8′, 9′ and 10′ board sizes.
Due to their buoyancy, there is a little more leeway with sizing and your body weight than a normal surfboard. Here is a rough sizing guideline I whipped up from the Liquid Shredder website:
- A 50lb, or 23 kg, child, would go for the 4’2 soft surfboard.
- A bigger child weighing in around 80lb, or 36 kg, would be better suited to a 5′ soft surfboard.
- If you weigh around 140lb, or 64 kgs, then you are going to be around the 6’4 mark.
- An 8’2 softboard will hold someone weighing 180lb, or 80 kgs.
- If you weigh 280 lbs, or 127 kgs, then you will be needing the 10′ soft surfboard.
Some surf companies would be even less specific than the above and say kids on 6′ and adults on 8′.
Who Are The Top Manufacturers Of Soft Surfboards?
BZ Soft Surfboards
BZ Surfboards are extremely safety conscious soft top surfboards. This brand is extremely popular with surf schools the world over.
These soft top surfboards are made to last well.
Doyle Soft Surfboards
Doyle Surfboards have been around since the 1970′s, and were the first ever soft boards made. These surfboards are not only safe, but are a bit more surf friendly than some other foamies on the market. These boards are extremely durable and are currently available in 3 sizes: 6′, 7.5′, and 9′.
Liquid Shredder Soft Surfboards
Liquid Shredder Surfboards come in a huge variety of sizes from 4’2 all the way through to 10′. These soft top surfboards are excellent value for the kids and adults alike.
Roxy Soft Surfboards
The Roxy Soft Top Surfboard bridges the ocean between a surfboard with a soft top for the beginner and a traditional surfboard for the more advanced. These soft tops will give you a great surf without comprising in safety. These surfboards are available in a range of great colours and designs, aimed at the female market.
These boards are ideal for girls of almost any age and will last them longer (and without the accompanying embarrassment) than the usual foamie.
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