Softboard Information

It’s no secret that the last decade has seen more people learn to surf than any other time in history. And now with so many new and beginner surfers entering the water each day, the use of safe softboards in most surf schools around Australia have become standard surfing equipment.

The good news is that softboard technology has come a long way over the last 2 years, and it is now possible to buy your own softboard to begin your surfing life that will not inhibit your learning ability as you get better. Softboards consists of a strong, professionally designed EPS core, that rides much like a traditional surfboard. Historically, softboards have been composed entirely of sponge-like materials and therefore flex and twist too much to be responsive. The modern softboard carves and turns with the best of them and has enough overall stiffness to be ridden on the face of a wave.

“Customers can take their learning skills a lot further on our new softboards than they can on some of the older-style softboards,” says Merrick. The Softops line by Redfin also tout performance,  they’re actually somewhere between a softboard and hardboard.

Part of this unique rail construction incorporates many colorways that Merrick says are changing the way people think about softboard colours. “Five years ago, when people thought of softboards in terms of color, you’d think either blue or yellow,” he says. “But what has been created is a multitude of colours and variety .”

Surfing Australia believes that everyone will benefit from learning to be safer surfers and softboards are a great way to start to get into surfing as a sport or recreational past-time.”

Construction
The exterior shell of the softboard comprises multiple layers of different types of foam positioned for strategic functions. The center deck of the board has soft, textured foam for grippability, while the rails are a higher density, smooth foam to reduce chafing and friction. The bottom of the board has a slick polyethylene laminate skin for speed.