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Table of contents
Introduction
Explanation of what a softboard is
Overview of the benefits of using a softboard
Safety
How softboards are safer for beginners than traditional surfboards
Discussion of the softer materials used in softboards
Suitability for different skill levels
How softboards are suitable for both beginners and more experienced surfers
Information on different types of softboards and their recommended skill levels
Durability
Explanation of why softboards are more durable than traditional surfboards
Discussion of the materials used in softboards and their resistance to damage
Versatility
How softboards can be used in different types of waves and water conditions
Discussion of different riding styles that can be performed on a softboard
Conclusion
Summary of the benefits of using a softboard
Recommendation for readers to try out a softboard for themselves
Introduction
Surfing is a thrilling and challenging sport that requires a combination of skill, strength, and courage. However, for beginners, it can be difficult to get started due to the high costs of traditional surfboards and the danger of crashing into hard, unforgiving surfaces. This is where softboards come in.
What is a softboard?
A softboard is a type of surfboard that is designed for beginners and intermediate surfers. Unlike traditional surfboards, which are typically made of hard materials such as fiberglass or epoxy, softboards are made of foam or a foam-like substance.
Softboards come in various shapes and sizes, with the most common shape being a hybrid of a shortboard and a longboard. They typically have a wide, round nose and a more pulled-in tail, making them more stable and easier to control than a traditional shortboard. Some Softboards are also shaped like mini-mal (the mini Malibu board) or fish shape.
The foam used in softboards is typically high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foam, which is a closed-cell foam that is water-resistant and highly durable. The foam is then covered in a layer of fiberglass and epoxy, which provide additional strength and durability to the board.
The soft material of a softboard makes it much more forgiving than a traditional surfboard, which is especially beneficial for beginners who are learning how to surf. When a person falls, the soft surface of the board reduces the impact of the fall and minimise the chances of injuries
Overview of the benefits of using a softboard
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using a softboard, including safety, suitability for different skill levels, durability, and versatility. By the end, you'll understand why a softboard is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to learn how to surf or is looking for a more forgiving and stable board.
Safety
One of the main benefits of using a softboard is that it is much safer for beginners than traditional surfboards. The softer materials used in softboards reduce the impact of a fall and minimise the chances of injuries.
How softboards are safer for beginners than traditional surfboards
Softer materials: The foam or foam-like materials used in softboards absorb the impact of falls better than the hard surfaces of traditional surfboards, reducing the chances of injuries.
Increased buoyancy and stability: Softboards are typically wider and more buoyant than traditional surfboards, which makes them more stable and easier to control in the water. This makes it easier for beginners to catch and ride waves, reducing the chances of them falling off the board.
Beginner-friendly design: Softboards are specifically designed for beginners and intermediate surfers, with features such as a wide, round nose and a more pulled-in tail that makes them more stable and easier to control than a traditional shortboard.
More durable: As softboards are made of softer materials they tend to be more durable and can withstand more dings and scratches, which means they will last longer and be less prone to breaking.
Less stressful and more enjoyable experience: Softboards are easier to handle which makes the learning experience less stressful and more enjoyable. This encourages beginners to continue with the sport and thus keeping them safe.
Softer materials used in softboards
Softboards are typically made of foam or a foam-like substance, which are much softer materials than the traditional surfboard materials such as fiberglass and epoxy.
The most common foam used in softboards is high-density polyethylene (HDPE) foam, which is a closed-cell foam that is water-resistant and highly durable. HDPE foam is a great material for softboards as it can absorb impacts well and provide buoyancy, it also doesn't absorb water, so the board remains light.
The foam is then covered in a layer of fiberglass and epoxy, which provide additional strength and durability to the board. The fiberglass layer gives the board its shape, and the epoxy layer provides a protective barrier against water and UV damage.
Another soft material used in some softboards are the EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam which have similar properties to HDPE but tend to be lighter and less expensive.
The softer materials used in softboards make them much more forgiving than traditional surfboards, as well as making them more durable as they are less prone to breaking. They also make the boards more suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers, as they provide a safer and more stable learning environment.
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So, in summary, the soft materials used in softboards - HDPE and EPS foam, make them safer and more forgiving than traditional surfboards, as well as more durable, lightweight, and beginner-friendly. These properties make them an ideal choice for anyone looking to learn how to surf.
Durability
Why softboards are more durable than traditional surfboards
Softboards are generally considered more durable than traditional surfboards for several reasons:
Softer materials: The foam or foam-like materials used in softboards can absorb impacts better than the hard surfaces of traditional surfboards. This means that when a softboard is bumped or hit, the foam will compress and then return to its original shape, without suffering any damage.
Stronger construction: Softboards are often constructed using a process known as "glassing", which involves laying fiberglass and epoxy over the foam core. This process provides additional strength and durability to the board, making it less likely to break or become damaged.
Resistant to water and UV damage: The epoxy layer that covers the foam in a softboard provides a barrier against water and UV damage, which can degrade the foam and weaken the board over time.
Less prone to dings and scratches: The softer materials used in softboards are less prone to getting dings and scratches compared to traditional surfboards, which can weaken the board over time and reduce its performance.
Long-lasting: With all the above factors considered, softboards tend to last longer than traditional surfboards, as they are less prone to breaking or becoming damaged.
In conclusion, Softboards are more durable than traditional surfboards because of the soft materials used in their construction, the strength and durability added by the fiberglass and epoxy layer, the resistance to water and UV damage, and their ability to withstand dings and scratches. This makes them an ideal choice for both beginner and intermediate surfers as they can withstand more abuse and last longer.
Materials used in softboards and their resistance to damage
Softboards are typically made of foam or foam-like materials, which are known for their resistance to damage. The most common foam materials used in softboards are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam.
HDPE foam is a closed-cell foam that is water-resistant and highly durable. It is a great material for softboards as it can absorb impacts well, maintain its shape and not absorb water. HDPE foam is also resistant to UV damage, which means that it won't degrade or weaken over time when exposed to sunlight.
EPS foam is a similar material to HDPE, it is also a closed-cell foam, lightweight and resistant to water. EPS foam is considered an eco-friendlier option, it is recyclable and not as harmful to the environment as some of the traditional materials used in surfboard construction.
The foam core is then covered in a layer of fiberglass and epoxy, which provide additional strength and durability to the board. The fiberglass layer gives the board its shape, and the epoxy layer provides a protective barrier against water and UV damage. The epoxy also bonds and seal the board which makes it more resistant to dings, scratches, and water absorption.
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In summary, the materials used in softboards - HDPE and EPS foam - make them resistant to damage, because of their ability to absorb impacts, maintain their shape, resist water and UV damage. The fiberglass and epoxy layer also help to add extra strength and durability, which makes them more resistant to scratches, dings, and water penetration. This makes them an ideal choice for both beginner and intermediate surfers as they can withstand more abuse and last longer.
Versatility
Another benefit of using a softboard is that it is a versatile surfboard that can be used in a variety of waves and water conditions.
How softboards can be used in different types of waves and water conditions
Different types of waves: Softboards are suitable for use in a wide range of wave conditions, from small, slow-moving waves to larger, more powerful waves. This makes them a great option for beginners and intermediate surfers who want to try different types of waves and progress their skills.
Suitable for different riding styles: Softboards can be used for different riding styles, from traditional longboarding style to shortboarding and fish-style. This versatility means that they can accommodate different skill levels and preferences, which makes them a great option for everyone.
Good in small and weak waves: Softboards have a wide, round nose and a more pulled-in tail which makes them more stable and buoyant, this means they can ride even in small and weak waves. This makes them a great option for surfers who live in areas where the waves are not always large and powerful.
Good in all types of water: Softboards are also suitable for use in all types of water, from freshwater to saltwater, which makes them a versatile option for surfers who want to try different environments.
Good for different body types and skill levels: Softboards come in a variety of sizes and shapes, which allows for different body types and skill levels to find the perfect fit for them.
Different riding styles that can be performed on a softboard
Longboarding style: Softboards with a wider and longer shape can be used for traditional longboarding style, which emphasizes flow, smoothness, and easy wave-catching. This riding style is great for beginners and intermediate surfers who want to develop their wave-riding skills and improve their endurance.
Shortboarding style: Softboards with a shorter and more pulled-in tail shape can be used for shortboarding style, which emphasizes performance, power, and manoeuvrability. This riding style is great for intermediate and advanced surfers who want to progress their skills and perform more advanced manoeuvres.
Fish-style: Fish-style softboards are a specific kind of softboards that are designed for small waves and allow for a more performance-oriented style of surfing. They have a wider nose and a squarish tail; this shape allows for easy wave catching and manoeuvrability. They are good for intermediate and advanced surfers who want to progress their skills and perform more advanced manoeuvres in small and weak waves.
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Nose riding: Softboards with a longboard-style shape can be used for nose riding, which is a traditional longboarding manoeuvre where the surfer rides on the front (nose) of the board. This riding style is great for intermediate and advanced surfers who want to develop their balance and wave-riding skills.
Keep in mind that these are just examples, and the specific riding style that a softboard is suitable for can depend on its shape, size, and volume. Softboards are versatile, and with the right technique and skill level, many different riding styles can be performed on a softboard
Conclusion
In this article, we've explored the many benefits of using a softboard, including safety, suitability for different skill levels, durability, and versatility. We've also discussed the softer materials used in softboards, like HDPE and EPS foam and how they make the board more durable, beginner-friendly, and versatile.
The benefits of using a softboard
To summarise, softboards are a great option for beginners and intermediate surfers due to their safety, forgiveness, and suitability for different skill levels. They are also more durable and versatile than traditional surfboards, as they can be used in a variety of waves and water conditions and for different riding styles. The softer materials used in softboards - HDPE and EPS foam - make them last longer, stronger, and more resistant to damage.
Recommendation for readers to try out a softboard for themselves
Considering these benefits, it is highly recommended for readers to try out a softboard for themselves. Whether you are a beginner looking to start learning how to surf or an intermediate surfer looking to progress your skills, a softboard is an excellent choice that can provide a safer, more forgiving, and more enjoyable surfing experience
Start your soft boarding journey today with Slimes Newcastle
Now that you understand the many benefits of using a softboard, why not consider getting one for yourself? If you're in Newcastle or the surrounding areas, I highly recommend checking out Slimes Newcastle. They have a great selection of high-quality softboards that are suitable for all skill levels and riding styles. They also offer a wide variety of sizes and shapes so you can find the perfect fit for you.
So why wait? Head over to Slimes Newcastle's website today, or drop into their store and find the perfect softboard for you. With the right board, you'll be catching waves and improving your skills in no time! Remember, they offer not only great boards but also all the necessary accessories you might need. Make sure you give them a visit and start your soft boarding journey today.