Softboard
A softboard to start on needs 85 to 100 per cent of your weight in litres: roughly 68 to 80 litres at 176 lb (80 kg). Lengths run from 7'0" to 8'6", and above 6'1" of height the volume comes from width and thickness rather than more length.
Length7'0"–8'6"
Width24 %
Thickness2¾"–3¾"
Fill0.60
Foam is not a toll to pay: it is the fastest way to stack up waves, and waves are the only thing that teaches. On a correctly sized softboard you will catch ten times more waves in a month than on a badly chosen hard board, and that difference decides whether you are still surfing next year.
The usual mistake is not buying a softboard, it is buying a small one because it looked less ridiculous. Forty litres short and you catch nothing, then blame the sport.
| weight | vol | length | width | thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 132 lb | 58 L | 7'10" | 21⅝" | 2⅞" |
| 154 lb | 68 L | 8'6" | 22½" | 3" |
| 176 lb | 78 L | 8'6" | 22½" | 3½" |
| 198 lb | 84 L | 8'3" | 23⅛" | 3¾" |
| 220 lb | 88 L | 8'6" | 23⅜" | 3¾" |
Who it is for
Everyone's first few weeks, no exceptions, plus foam days with kids or friends who want a go.
Who it is not for
Anyone already catching green waves consistently. Past that point a softboard stops teaching you anything and starts hiding your paddling mistakes.
Which waves
Foam and mushy beach break. It does not fit a wave with a wall.