Softie Surfboards: The Ultimate Guide to Soft-Top Surfboards

Softie surfboards, also known as soft-top surfboards or foam surfboards, have surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These boards offer a forgiving and accessible entry point for beginners, while also providing experienced surfers with a fun and versatile option for smaller waves. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know about softie surfboards, from their construction and benefits to selecting the right board and maintaining it properly. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a new dimension to your surfing quiver, understanding the world of softie surfboards is essential.

What are Softie Surfboards?

At their core, softie surfboards are surfboards constructed with a soft foam deck, typically made of polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This soft deck is bonded to a core, which can be made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam or polyurethane (PU) foam. The bottom of the board is usually a slick HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic, providing glide and durability. The combination of these materials creates a board that is more buoyant, forgiving, and safer than traditional hard-top surfboards.

Construction of Softie Surfboards

The construction process of softie surfboards is crucial to their performance and durability. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

• Deck: The soft foam deck provides cushioning and grip, making it comfortable to paddle and stand on. EVA foam is often preferred for its superior grip and durability.
• Core: The core provides the board’s shape and buoyancy. EPS foam is lightweight and buoyant, making it ideal for beginners, while PU foam offers more flex and responsiveness for experienced surfers.
• Bottom: The HDPE slick bottom reduces friction and improves glide across the water. Some softie surfboards also feature channels or contours to enhance performance.
• Stringer: Many softie surfboards include one or more stringers, which are thin strips of wood or composite material that run down the length of the board. Stringers add strength and stiffness, preventing the board from bending or breaking.

Benefits of Softie Surfboards

Softie surfboards offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice for surfers of all levels:

• Beginner-Friendly: The soft deck and high buoyancy make softie surfboards incredibly stable and easy to paddle, allowing beginners to catch waves and learn the basics of surfing quickly.
• Safety: The soft construction reduces the risk of injury in case of collisions. This is particularly important for beginners who are still learning to control their boards.
• Durability: Softie surfboards are generally more durable than traditional hard-top boards, as they are less prone to dings and cracks. This makes them a cost-effective option for surfers who are hard on their equipment.
• Versatility: While softie surfboards are often associated with beginners, they can also be a lot of fun for experienced surfers in small waves. They offer a different feel and can be used to experiment with new maneuvers.
• Affordability: Softie surfboards are typically less expensive than hard-top boards, making them an accessible option for surfers on a budget.

Choosing the Right Softie Surfboard

Selecting the right softie surfboard depends on several factors, including your skill level, weight, and the type of waves you plan to surf. Here are some key considerations:

Size and Volume

The size and volume of a softie surfboard are crucial for stability and paddle power. Beginners should opt for larger boards with high volume, as these boards are easier to paddle and stand on. As you progress, you can experiment with smaller boards that offer more maneuverability.

Generally, a beginner should choose a softie surfboard that is at least 8 feet long and has a volume of 70 liters or more. Intermediate surfers can consider boards in the 7-8 foot range with a volume of 60-70 liters, while advanced surfers may prefer smaller boards with lower volume for more performance-oriented surfing.

Shape

The shape of a softie surfboard also affects its performance. Wide, rounded shapes are more stable and forgiving, making them ideal for beginners. Pointed shapes are more responsive and maneuverable, but they require more skill to control.

Common softie surfboard shapes include:

• Longboard: Longboards are typically 9 feet or longer and are designed for gliding and cruising. They are a great option for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
• Mini-Mal: Mini-mals are shorter versions of longboards, typically in the 7-8 foot range. They offer a good balance of stability and maneuverability.
• Fish: Fish surfboards are wide and flat, with a swallowtail. They are designed for small waves and offer excellent speed and glide.
• Shortboard: Shortboards are performance-oriented surfboards that are designed for experienced surfers. They are typically shorter than 7 feet and require a high level of skill to ride.

Core Material

The core material of a softie surfboard affects its flex and responsiveness. EPS foam is lightweight and buoyant, making it ideal for beginners. PU foam offers more flex and responsiveness, but it is also more expensive.

Fin Setup

The fin setup of a softie surfboard affects its stability and maneuverability. Most softie surfboards come with a tri-fin setup (three fins), which offers a good balance of stability and control. Single-fin setups are more traditional and are often found on longboards, while quad-fin setups (four fins) offer more speed and drive.

Maintaining Your Softie Surfboard

Proper maintenance is essential for prolonging the life of your softie surfboard. Here are some tips:

• Rinse with Fresh Water: After each surf session, rinse your softie surfboard with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your softie surfboard in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the foam to delaminate and degrade.
• Avoid Sharp Objects: Be careful not to puncture or damage the soft deck with sharp objects.
• Repair Dings and Tears: If you notice any dings or tears in the deck, repair them promptly with a foam-compatible sealant.
• Use a Board Bag: When transporting your softie surfboard, use a board bag to protect it from scratches and dings.

Popular Softie Surfboard Brands

Several reputable brands offer high-quality softie surfboards. Some popular options include:

• Wavestorm
• South Bay Board Co.
• California Board Company (CBC)
• Gnaraloo
• Liquid Shredder

Advanced Techniques on Softie Surfboards

While often associated with beginners, softie surfboards can also be used for advanced surfing techniques. Their forgiving nature allows for experimentation and progression in smaller wave conditions. Surfers can practice maneuvers like:

• Cross-Stepping: Walking along the board, typically on a longboard softie surfboard, to adjust trim and position.
• Nose Riding: Positioning oneself on the nose of the board for an extended period.
• 360s: Rotating the board 360 degrees on the face of the wave.
• Soft Board Transfers: Transferring from a hard board to a softie surfboard mid-wave, often performed as a stunt.

The Future of Softie Surfboards

The softie surfboard market continues to evolve, with manufacturers constantly innovating to improve performance and durability. We can expect to see advancements in materials, construction techniques, and fin designs, making softie surfboards even more versatile and appealing to surfers of all levels. The affordability and accessibility of softie surfboards will likely continue to drive their popularity, making surfing more accessible to a wider audience. [See also: Surfboard Types for Beginners]

Conclusion

Softie surfboards are an excellent choice for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Their soft construction, high buoyancy, and affordability make them a versatile and accessible option for a variety of wave conditions. By understanding the different types of softie surfboards and how to properly maintain them, you can enjoy years of fun and rewarding surfing experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a new dimension to your surfing quiver, consider the benefits of a softie surfboard.