What is the difference between a soft board and a surfboard?
Hardboard / Hard Tops
We’ve discussed why a soft-top surfboard is your best option when beginning your surfing journey, but let’s have a look at hardboards.
Since you’re most likely starting out on a softboard, you’ll probably become a regular surfer and this will cause you to quickly outgrow your foam surfboard. Since you’re becoming more experienced and you’re starting to perfect your surfing skills, board performance and aesthetics will most likely become a priority for you. You’ll also want to show off your killer board, right?
Different Types of Hard Boards
Polyester Resin Type
The more traditional or standard type of surfboard manufactured over the years. This type of surfboard has soft foam shaped into it and covered with layers of polyester resin and fibreglass cloth, giving the surfboard a harder outer layer making it extremely waterproof.
This type of surfboard is fairly easy to carry as it’s not heavy and looks just like a traditional surfboard.
However, these boards can turn slightly yellow after spending time in the sun for long periods, and they can ding or break easily, again, not ideal for beginners.
Moulded Epoxy Sandwich Type
Because of the mould used to shape the surfboard, it’s often called a “Pop-out”.
The Moulded Epoxy Sandwich type surfboard is very durable and usually allows its owner to remove its fins.
Epoxy Resin with Fibreglass Cloth Type
Although similar to the polyester boards, it uses a different foam for its core but still has a fibreglass cloth outer layer.
These surfboards are even lighter than the polyester resin surfboards and they’re also more durable. They are also shaped like the traditional surfboards and they can easily be repaired if they get a ding or crack.
Why Hardboards are Better for Professional Surfers
Modern surfboards are typically made of polystyrene foam covered by layers of fibreglass cloth. This makes their outer surface extremely hard, making them unfit for beginner surfers.
Fragile in Beginner Surfer’s Hands
As these boards are quite easy to get a dent or even break, it’s not ideal for beginner surfers to make use of these boards as they’ll most likely be falling off the board 99% of the time.
Paddling Power
As these hardboards aren’t as easy to paddle with as softboards, you’ll need some paddling power when making use of these boards.
Upgrading Your Softboard to a Hardboard
If you’ve been surfing for a while and you’re more comfortable on the water, you might want to upgrade from your softboard.
For beginner surfers, the best boards to upgrade to are the funboard (Mini Malibu) or the Mini Malibu’s big brother, the longboard (Malibu).
As a smaller version of the longboard, the Mini Malibu is the preferable option if you are paddling through larger surf as they are easier to operate. This board is great when you’ve moved on from the foam surfboard and you’re ready to start learning turns.
Another thing to keep in mind with progressing from a softboard to a hardboard is increased risk of injury. As you’re moving away from the softer foam material, surfboards with harder outer layers can become quite painful when they hit you during your surfing.
Which One Should You Choose as a Beginner?
As we’ve mentioned, the better option when choosing between a softboard and hardboard is definitely the softboard. Since you’re just starting out it’s a given that you’ll be falling off your board quite a lot before becoming better at surfing.
The foam surfboard will save you some money in the long run and you’ll avoid massive injuries when you’re learning to surf on it. Once you’re comfortable with surfing, you can choose to upgrade to a hardboard of your choosing. Although, try to stay away from anything shorter than the funboard or longboard until you’re 100% comfortable surfing larger waves.
Our mission is to ensure you don’t miss out on the stoke of surfing here in the Mother City. Get in touch with our team to start riding waves no matter your surfing level or experience.
In the world of surfing, there are two main types of surfboards: softboards and hardboards. The choice between the two depends on a variety of factors, including your skill level, personal preference, and the type of surfing you want to do.
Softboards
Softboard surfboards are made from a variety of materials, including polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam, and polyester foam. They are often used by beginners because they have that soft exterior, making them safer to use and easier to ride and control. They're also generally more durable than hardboards, which means they can withstand impacts from rocks or other hard objects without getting damaged too easily. The soft exterior may dent a little bit, but it will not compromise the water-tight integrity of the board like it would on a hard surfboard. Softboard surf sessions are great for summertime small waves...maximize your fun!
TCSS owner Ryan Gerard says: "Soft surfboards have been all the rage the last few years for a variety of reasons: they're safe, easy to surf, and ideal for kids, new surfers, and even good surfers wanting to just have a little fun. Maybe best of all? They are more affordable than traditional hardboards."
Softboard Highlights:
- Easy for beginners to ride and control
- Durability – can withstand impacts from rocks, sandbars, or travel without getting damaged too easily
- More affordable price tag
Our favorite "foamie" brand? Catch Surf , a southern California-based company that has been making high quality softboards for years and has a huge line to choose from. Whether you're a total newbie, a family with kids, or a shredder looking for something fun and different to play around on, Catch Surf has you covered.
HERE.Check out our current selection of Catch Surf softboards
Hardboards
Hard surfboards are made from fiberglass-reinforced epoxy or polyester resin, which gives it the hard exterior. Hardboards are faster, lighter, and more performance-oriented but require more care than a typical softboard. If a hard surfboard dings or dents, you'll want to get it repaired before surfing it again so as not to compromise the integrity of the board's construction. Pro tip: buy a good board bag , which we like to call "insurance" for your expensive board!
Ben Sass, head of marketing and man of many talents at Third Coast, thinks starting on a softboard is a great idea before graduating to the benefits that come from surfing a traditionally made hardboard. "As soon as your skills allow it and you're ready to take that next step in your surfing life, get a good board that will work best for the type of surfer you are and the waves you want to surf," he says. "There are a lot of options, so do your research and talk to people with experience before making that big decision. And don't forget to get a good board bag!"
Hardboard Highlights:
- Faster and lighter than softboards
- Unmatched speed, maneuverability, and glide for more experienced surfers
- Greater variety of shapes and sizes available to suit your skill level, preferences, and surf conditions
You can view our collection of 3rd Coast Surfboards - built specifically for us by the craftsmen at Bing Surfboards -then scroll around to see the variety of other hard surfboards we carry
Lastly, did we mention how beautiful a traditionally glassed surfboard can be!?
In Summary
If you're just starting out on your surfing journey or want something safer for smaller waves or your kiddos, a softboard is probably the way to go. The ease of use, safety, and affordable price tag make getting into surfing much more friendly. However, if you have some surfing experience and are ready to up your game, grab a hardboard! The speed, maneuverability, and glide will get you where you want to go.
Questions about the right board for you? Call us at 269-932-4575 or pop an email over to
and we'll be happy to help you narrow it down.Most important? Have fun!
info@thirdcoastsurfshop.com and we'll be happy to help you narrow it down.Most important? Have fun!
See you in the water,
TCSS