The Ultimate Guide to Soft Boards: Choosing the Right One for You
Soft boards, also known as foam boards or soft top surfboards, have revolutionized the surfing world, making the sport more accessible and enjoyable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. These boards offer a forgiving platform to learn the basics, progress skills, and even experiment with new maneuvers without the fear of serious injury. This guide will delve into everything you need to know about soft boards, from their construction and advantages to choosing the right one and maintaining it properly.
What is a Soft Board?
A soft board is a surfboard constructed primarily from soft materials, typically a foam core wrapped in a durable, grippy outer layer. Unlike traditional hard surfboards made of fiberglass and resin, soft boards prioritize safety and ease of use. This construction makes them ideal for beginners who are still learning to pop up and maintain their balance. The soft exterior significantly reduces the risk of dings and injuries, making the learning curve less daunting.
The Anatomy of a Soft Board
Understanding the components of a soft board can help you make an informed decision when purchasing one:
- Foam Core: The core is usually made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyethylene (PE) foam. EPS cores are lightweight and buoyant, while PE cores offer more durability and flex.
- Outer Layer: This layer is typically made of polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. EVA foam provides a soft, grippy surface that eliminates the need for wax.
- Slick Bottom: The bottom of the board is often covered with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) slick bottom, which helps the board glide smoothly across the water.
- Fins: Soft boards usually come with soft, flexible fins that are easy to install and remove. These fins are designed to minimize the risk of injury.
Why Choose a Soft Board?
There are several compelling reasons to choose a soft board, regardless of your skill level:
Beginner-Friendly
Soft boards are incredibly forgiving and stable, making them the perfect choice for beginners. Their increased buoyancy helps with paddling and catching waves, while the soft surface minimizes the risk of injury during wipeouts.
Safety
The soft construction of these boards significantly reduces the risk of injuries to both the rider and other surfers in the water. This is especially important in crowded surf spots or when learning in shallow water.
Durability
While not indestructible, soft boards are generally more durable than hard surfboards. They are less prone to dings and cracks, making them a cost-effective option for beginners and those who surf frequently.
Fun for All Skill Levels
Even experienced surfers can enjoy riding soft boards. They are great for small waves, practicing new maneuvers, or simply having a fun, relaxed session in the water. Some advanced surfers even use them to experiment with finless surfing or other unconventional styles.
Choosing the Right Soft Board
Selecting the right soft board depends on several factors, including your skill level, weight, and the type of waves you plan to surf.
Size and Volume
The size and volume of a soft board determine its buoyancy and stability. Beginners should opt for larger boards with more volume, as they provide a more stable platform for learning. As you progress, you can transition to smaller boards with less volume for increased maneuverability.
Shape
Soft boards come in various shapes, each designed for specific wave conditions and riding styles. Common shapes include:
- Longboards: Ideal for beginners and small waves, providing excellent stability and paddle power.
- Shortboards: More maneuverable than longboards, suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- Fish Boards: Wide and stable, perfect for small to medium-sized waves.
- Funboards: A versatile option that combines the stability of a longboard with the maneuverability of a shortboard.
Core Material
As mentioned earlier, soft boards typically have either an EPS or PE core. EPS cores are lighter and more buoyant, while PE cores are more durable and offer better flex. Consider your priorities when choosing a board with either of these core types.
Fin Setup
Most soft boards come with a tri-fin setup (three fins), which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Some boards may also have a single fin or quad fin setup. The type of fin setup can affect the board’s performance in different wave conditions.
Top Soft Board Brands
Several reputable brands specialize in producing high-quality soft boards. Some of the most popular brands include:
- Wavestorm
- Catch Surf
- Surftech
- Liquid Shredder
These brands offer a wide range of soft boards to suit different skill levels and budgets.
Soft Board Maintenance and Care
To prolong the life of your soft board, it’s essential to maintain it properly:
- Rinse After Each Use: Rinse your soft board with fresh water after each surf session to remove salt, sand, and debris.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing your soft board in direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can damage the foam core and outer layer.
- Repair Dings and Tears: Repair any dings or tears promptly to prevent water from seeping into the foam core.
- Use a Board Bag: Protect your soft board from scratches and dings by using a board bag when transporting it.
Advanced Techniques on a Soft Board
While often associated with beginners, soft boards can also be used to perform advanced surfing maneuvers. Their forgiving nature allows surfers to push their limits and experiment with new techniques without the fear of serious injury. Some popular advanced techniques on a soft board include:
- Finless Surfing: Removing the fins from a soft board allows for a unique and challenging surfing experience, requiring precise weight distribution and balance.
- Aerials: The buoyancy of a soft board can help surfers launch into aerial maneuvers, providing a softer landing.
- Switch Stance Riding: Soft boards are ideal for practicing riding in your non-dominant stance, as their stability makes it easier to maintain balance.
The Environmental Impact of Soft Boards
It’s important to consider the environmental impact of soft boards. Traditional foam surfboards are made from petroleum-based materials, which contribute to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. However, some manufacturers are now using more sustainable materials, such as recycled foam and bio-based resins.
When purchasing a soft board, look for brands that prioritize sustainability and use eco-friendly materials. You can also extend the life of your board by maintaining it properly and repairing any damage promptly.
Soft Boards for Kids
Soft boards are an excellent choice for introducing children to the sport of surfing. Their soft construction minimizes the risk of injury, and their increased buoyancy makes it easier for kids to catch waves. When choosing a soft board for a child, consider their weight, height, and skill level. Opt for a smaller board with plenty of volume for added stability. [See also: Surfing Lessons for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide]
Soft Boards vs. Hard Boards
The debate between soft boards and hard boards is ongoing, but each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Soft boards are more forgiving, durable, and affordable, making them ideal for beginners and casual surfers. Hard boards offer better performance in larger waves and allow for more advanced maneuvers, but they are also more expensive and prone to damage. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Where to Buy Soft Boards
Soft boards are widely available at surf shops, sporting goods stores, and online retailers. When purchasing a soft board, it’s essential to choose a reputable dealer and read reviews to ensure you’re getting a quality product. Consider visiting a local surf shop to try out different boards and get expert advice from experienced surfers. [See also: Finding the Best Surf Shop Near You]
The Future of Soft Boards
The popularity of soft boards is expected to continue to grow as more people discover the joy of surfing. Manufacturers are constantly innovating and developing new technologies to improve the performance and durability of soft boards. We can expect to see more sustainable materials and advanced designs in the future, making soft boards an even more appealing option for surfers of all skill levels.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking a fun and relaxed session, a soft board is an excellent choice. Their forgiving nature, durability, and affordability make them a versatile option for surfers of all skill levels. By understanding the different types of soft boards and how to choose the right one, you can enhance your surfing experience and enjoy the thrill of riding the waves.
