Why Ride a Softboard
These days a soft surfboard is an essential part of any quiver, especially for Summer in Australia! Long gone is the stigma that only kooks or beginners ride them, so lets check out some of the reasons why we think it worth investing in one.
To put it basically, the main reason we recommend getting a softboard is because it will make you go surfing more and catch more waves!
Crowds? Flags up? Pretty sure Josh Ku, wouldn't have surfed this day without his 8 foot Chopstick. Photo: Kian Bourke-Steere
If you're a beginner, they generally have a bit more volume making them paddle fast and extremely stable once your up. At this point , the more waves you catch the quicker you will improve!
If you're an experienced surfer, you can surf between the flags (often where the best waves are in metro areas!).It'll also get you in the water when you normally wouldn't bother!
Overall, we also feel that riding a softboard is fun. You wont take yourself too seriously, or have a bad surf.
What's that saying? The best surfer is the one having the most fun !? Photo: Josh Tabone
Some other reasons to consider are:
Safety - Soft Deck, Soft Rails and Soft Fins. This is particularly important when you are learning. This protects yourself and others. You are also less likely to damage anyone elses boards! This makes them the perfect board choice for kids & families.
No need to worry about Harley charging round all day on his Softlite
Durable - Unlike a fibreglass board, they are generally much harder to ding. If you do ding them, as they have a waterproof core, the result is not as serious and they are easier and cheaper to repair. This also makes them a handy board to have when travelling!
Price - Generally cheaper to buy than fibreglass boards. Particulary important if you want a board you will be able to progress from. Also handy if you just want a board to give a flogging in summer shoreys. Good re-sale values too!
You probably wouldn't swing around for this one on a $900 fibreglass board! Photo: Josh Tabone
Performance - Due to modern technology, you can get all these benefits without sacrificing too much performance! 99% of the waves people ride on a surfboard are still rideable on a softboard. Lots of experienced riders now see riding softboard in serious waves as a new challenge!
