If you’ve spent any time at a Kiwi beach lately, you’ve seen them. From the mellow breaks at Waikanae to the legendary points in Raglan, soft top surfboards are absolutely everywhere. They’re the boards that have taken the fear out of learning to surf and put the fun back in, making that first wave a whole lot more achievable.
Soft tops, or ‘foamies’ as they’re often called, are your ticket into the world of surfing. They’re built with a soft foam deck that’s forgiving on your body (and your head!), making them the perfect blend of safety, stability, and durability. If you're looking for softboards in Gisborne or anywhere in NZ, you've come to the right place.
Why Soft Tops Are Ruling New Zealand's Waves
Think of a traditional fibreglass board as a high-performance race car – it’s fast, incredibly responsive, but it’ll punish you for every tiny mistake. A soft top, on the other hand, is like your trusty first car. It’s built to handle a few bumps and scrapes while you figure out what you’re doing.
This approachability is precisely why they’ve become the go-to for surf schools, families, and pretty much anyone wanting to get into surfing without the steep, and sometimes painful, learning curve of a hardboard.
From Learner Foamies to Performance Hybrids
Not all soft tops are created equal, though. The term covers a whole spectrum of boards now. On one end, you have the classic, thick foamie that’s all about buoyancy and making it as easy as possible to paddle into waves and get to your feet.
But the game has changed. Now we have modern epoxy softboards. These boards are a brilliant hybrid, mixing a proper epoxy core (just like a performance hardboard) with a soft, durable deck. You get the speed and feel of a fibreglass board but with the safety and knock-around durability of a foamie. It’s the best of both worlds, and a great way to find a board that will give you good converting traffic on the wave face.
The Best Softboard Brands for Kiwi Surfers
Here at Blitz Surf Shop, we’re pretty picky about the brands we stock. We only carry softboards that we trust and know will give you a great experience out in the water, from your first paddle to your hundredth wave.
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Softech makes some really innovative shapes designed to help you progress quickly.
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Gnaraloo builds boards that are pure fun and almost indestructible – perfect for the whole family to have a go on.
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Ocean and Earth uses its decades of surf hardware expertise to create some of the most reliable and well-built softboards out there.
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Salt Gypsy focuses on performance shapes with a unique style, especially for female surfers who want a board that rips.
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Mick Fanning Softboards specialising in both higher performance epoxy softboards and more traditional super soft beginner boards
These are brands you can depend on, whether you’re just getting your feet wet at Wainui or packing the car to explore other epic locations. To find your next adventure, check out our guide to the best surf spots in New Zealand.
Understanding Softboard Construction From Foamies To Hybrids
When you hear "soft top surfboards," you probably picture the big, forgiving boards you see lined up at surf schools. While that's the classic starting point, the technology has come a seriously long way. Getting your head around the different construction types is the key to picking a board that actually fits your goals and your budget.
Let's demystify what’s really under that soft deck. The two main camps are your traditional foamies and the more modern epoxy softboards, and the difference in how they ride is massive. Think of it like the difference between a trusty family station wagon and a tuned-up hatchback—both will get you on the road, but they offer completely different experiences.
The Classic Foamie Construction
The traditional foamie is built with one main purpose in mind: to be as safe, stable, and user-friendly as humanly possible. This is the board that surf schools all over New Zealand, from right here in Gisborne to the West Coast, have trusted for decades to get people hooked on surfing.
Its construction is pretty straightforward:
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Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Foam Core: This is a big, lightweight block of foam that gives the board heaps of volume and buoyancy. It’s what makes paddling and catching waves feel so easy.
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Soft Deck Skin: The top of the board is wrapped in a soft, durable foam like polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This cushioned deck stops you from getting banged up when you fall and is way more comfortable to lie on.
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Slick Bottom: The underside is a hard, smooth plastic (HDPE) that helps the board glide across the water with less friction.
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Internal Stringers: Any decent foamie will have one or more wooden or composite stringers running through the core. These are vital for giving the board stiffness and stopping it from bending or, worse, snapping.
This simple, bomb-proof design makes the classic foamie the undisputed champ for your first few surfs. It gives you the confidence to get to your feet without the fear of hurting yourself on a hardboard.
The Rise of Epoxy Softboards
For surfers who want a bit more performance without giving up that user-friendly feel, the epoxy softboard is an absolute game-changer. These hybrid boards blend the best bits of a traditional fibreglass board with the durability of a soft top. This is where brands like Softech, Mick Fanning and Salt Gypsy really excel.
At its heart, an epoxy softboard is basically a performance surfboard wrapped in a soft, protective shell. It starts with a high-density EPS core that’s shaped just like a normal hardboard, which is then laminated with fibreglass and epoxy resin. This creates a rigid, responsive 'chassis' that delivers proper speed and control.
Finally, a thin, soft skin is vacuum-sealed over the whole thing. This construction gives you a board that feels much more like a real surfboard under your feet but still has the safety and ding-resistance of a foamie. While this hybrid tech is common, some brands are pushing the envelope even further. To see how material science is changing surfboard design, check out our piece on Firewire's innovative Volcanic Technology.
This approach allows shapers to create much more refined rails, rockers, and bottom contours. The result is a softboard that can actually generate speed, perform proper turns, and handle a much wider range of waves. For anyone looking to progress beyond the whitewater, an epoxy softboard is the perfect next step. They perfectly bridge that gap, helping you build real skills on a board that can keep up.
How To Choose Your Perfect Soft Top Surfboard
Picking out your first soft top surfboard can feel like a massive decision, but it really doesn't need to be a headache. If you just dial in on three simple things—yourself, your skill, and your local break—you’ll find the perfect board to get you in the water and having a blast in no time.
Think of it like this: you wouldn't buy shoes that are three sizes too small, and you definitely wouldn't take a learner's car to a racetrack. A surfboard is exactly the same. The whole idea is to match the board to what you need, so you can maximise your wave count and get better, faster.
Start With Your Size And Skill
For any beginner, the single most important thing is stability. And stability comes from volume. A bigger board with more volume is way more stable, paddles faster, and makes catching waves a whole lot easier. It's why you see surf schools down at spots like Gisborne using those big, high-volume softboards.
As a general rule, if you’re new to the game, go for a board with plenty of volume for your weight. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a smaller board just because it looks “cooler” or is easier to carry around. You'll spend more time falling off than you will actually surfing. Our detailed guide can help you figure out exactly what size surfboard you need based on your height and weight.
Consider The Waves You Will Surf
Next up, have a think about where you'll be surfing most of the time. The gentle, rolling waves at Waikanae Beach call for a different board than the faster, punchier waves you might find up at Wainui.
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Mini-Mal or Funboard (7' to 8'6"): This is the classic beginner board, and for good reason. It’s long and wide enough to be super stable but shorter than a full-on longboard, making it easier to handle in and out of the water. Brands like Gnaraloo and Ocean and Earth make awesome, durable funboards that are perfect for getting the hang of the basics.
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Longboard (9' and up): If you reckon you'll be surfing really small, gentle waves, then a soft top longboard is your new best mate. Its massive length and volume make paddling and catching even the smallest ripples incredibly easy. It’s the ultimate wave-catching machine for those mellow days.
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Fish or Hybrid (Under 7'): Once you’ve nailed the basics and are starting to look for a bit more manoeuvrability, a shorter hybrid softboard is a great next step. Brands like Softech and Salt Gypsy are experts in these high-performance epoxy softboards. They give you more speed and turning ability, making them ideal for surfers who want to start doing actual turns.
From Classic Foamie To Epoxy Softboards
Your final choice really comes down to the board's construction, which usually lines up with your ambition and budget. Like we've touched on, there are two main types: the classic foamie and the modern epoxy softboard.
This little decision tree shows a simple way to think about it, helping you choose between a basic foamie and a more advanced hybrid epoxy board.
The path is pretty clear: if you're a complete beginner and your main goal is safety and stability, a classic foamie is your best bet. On the other hand, if you've got a bit of experience or you're keen to progress quickly, a hybrid epoxy softboard gives you a much better runway.
Key Takeaway: A traditional foamie is the go-to for pure learning, giving you maximum safety and float. An epoxy softboard is a true performance hybrid—it's for the surfer who wants to move past just standing up and start doing real manoeuvres.
If you’re just dipping your toes in, a basic foamie is a brilliant and affordable way to see if you love surfing. They are forgiving, safe, and they get the job done.
But, if you're committed to improving, putting your money into a quality epoxy softboard from a trusted brand will definitely pay off. These boards have a proper rigid core that feels much more like a traditional fibreglass board, which lets you generate speed and do turns properly. You get the safety of a soft deck but with performance that won’t hold you back.
The Best Softboard Brands For Kiwi Surfers
Walking into a surf shop and being faced with a wall of colourful softboards can be a bit much. They might all look pretty similar at first, but the brand behind the board makes a massive difference to its performance, how long it'll last, and ultimately, how much fun you're going to have. Here at Blitz, we've spent decades sorting the good from the bad, stocking only the brands we'd be happy to ride ourselves.
When you're looking for a good soft top, you're really investing in your own surfing journey. A quality board from a proper brand isn't just a thing you buy; it's a tool that's been designed to help you catch more waves and get better, faster. Let's run through the names we trust to get the job done for surfers here in Gisborne and right across New Zealand.
Softech: Innovative Shapes For Progression
If one brand is really closing the gap between softboards and traditional hardboards, it's Softech. They've nailed the epoxy softboard, creating shapes that deliver genuine performance without giving up that user-friendly feel you want from a soft top. Their boards just feel alive and responsive under your feet.
That's because Softech surfboards are built around a proper performance core. They often use advanced stringer systems that give the board the stiffness it needs for generating speed and drive. They even work with pro surfers to fine-tune shapes that will help you go from just cruising in the whitewash to laying down real turns on the open face of a wave.
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Who they're for: New surfers who are serious about getting better.
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Key feature: Performance-focused shapes that won't hold you back as your skills improve.
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Perfect for: Making the jump from a basic foamie to a board with more get-up-and-go.
Gnaraloo: Fun And Indestructible Builds
Gnaraloo's approach is dead simple: surfing should be fun. Their boards are built to be incredibly tough—almost indestructible, really. This makes them the go-to choice for families, kids, or anyone who just wants a board that can take a few knocks without any stress. They're the true workhorses of the softboard world.
When you see a Gnaraloo surfboard, you know it’s all about having a good time with zero fuss. Their high-volume, stable designs make catching waves a breeze for pretty much everyone, no matter their age or ability. It's the perfect board to just grab and go when the waves are looking fun.
Ocean And Earth: The Gold Standard In Quality
Ocean and Earth (O&E) has been a solid part of the surf scene for over 40 years, earning a legendary reputation for making some of the best surf gear on the planet. They've put that same dedication to quality and design into their softboards, and it really shows.
When you buy an Ocean & Earth surfboard, you're getting something backed by decades of proper research and development. They use top-notch waterproof EPS cores, multiple stringers for strength, and shapes that are tried and tested to perform.
O&E softboards are reliable, well-made, and designed by people who live and breathe surfing. They're a safe, smart choice for anyone after a board that will last for years and give them a solid platform for learning and having a blast. Just like with hardboards, construction quality is a game-changer; you can read more about why in our guide on why Torq epoxy boards are perfect for all skill levels.
Salt Gypsy: Performance Meets Style
Salt Gypsy brings a fresh, stylish eye to softboards, created especially for female surfers who don't want to choose between performance and looks. Born out of a need for gear that both rips and looks great, Salt Gypsy has created a really unique space for itself.
But these aren't just pretty boards. Salt Gypsy surfboards are properly designed epoxy softboards with performance rails and rocker profiles that are built for progressive surfing. They’ve got the paddle power to get you into waves easily, but also the manoeuvrability to let you perform stylish turns once you're up and riding.
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Who they're for: Female surfers of all levels who want a board that looks as good as it performs.
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Key feature: Unique, stunning aesthetics paired with genuine high-performance shapes.
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Perfect for: Standing out in the lineup on a board that feels every bit as good as it looks.
Grabbing a softboard from one of these brands means you’re getting a piece of kit that’s actually designed to make your surfing better. Whether you’re a Gizzy local or somewhere else in NZ, we back these boards because we know they deliver the goods.
How To Look After Your Soft Top and Make It Last
You've just scored a quality soft top, an investment in your surfing fun. Awesome. The great news is that a little bit of care goes a seriously long way in keeping it ready for action. By taking a few minutes to follow these easy steps, you'll keep your board performing at its best season after season.
The number one enemy of any soft top surfboard is heat. Seriously, it's a killer. The materials, from the foam core to the deck skin, just can't handle being baked by intense heat or direct sun. Never, ever leave your board in a hot car on a summer day or let it fry on the sand for hours. That’s the quickest way to cause delamination—where the soft deck bubbles up and peels away from the inner core.
The Post-Surf Rinse and Stash
Getting into a good post-surf habit is the easiest way to protect your board. It only takes a couple of minutes but it's a total game-changer for its lifespan.
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Fresh Water Rinse: After every single session, give your board a good hose down with fresh water. This gets rid of all the salt, sand, and grime that can slowly eat away at the deck and slick bottom.
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Quick Towel Dry: Give it a quick wipe-down with a towel before you put it away. Storing a board sopping wet, especially in a dark corner, is just asking for mould or mildew to move in.
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Store in the Shade: This is a big one. Always store your board out of direct sunlight. A cool, shady spot in the garage, under the house, or inside a board bag is perfect.
Pro Tip: Never store your board standing on its tail on hard concrete. It's an easy way to ding or crush the tail. It’s always best to lay it horizontally on a rack or lean it against a wall on its side (the rail).
Dealing with Dings and Scratches
Even the toughest softies can take a hit, whether it's a run-in with some fins, a nudge against rocks, or just getting knocked about in the car. The good news? Most minor repairs are dead simple. The key is to fix any cut or gouge that goes right through the soft deck and exposes the inner EPS foam core.
If water gets into that core, your board will get heavy and waterlogged, killing its performance.
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For Small Slices: For little cuts, a waterproof sealant like hot glue or a specific softboard repair product works wonders. Just make sure the area is completely clean and dry, then apply the sealant to make it watertight again.
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For Fin Chops: Fins are probably the most common cause of slice marks on the deck. Make sure the area is bone dry before you carefully apply your repair sealant to fill the gash.
For any bigger damage, we stock specialised repair kits designed specifically for soft top materials. Acting fast to seal up any breach is what really counts. Look after your board, and your classic foamie or high-performance epoxy softboard will stay light, strong, and ready for your next session at the local Gisborne break.
Why Blitz Surf Shop Is Your Go-To For Softboards
Picking out your first soft top is a massive deal, and honestly, where you get it from is just as important as the board itself. Here at Blitz, we’ve been part of the Gisborne surf scene since 1983. We're a family-owned shop, built on decades of real, hands-on experience helping Kiwis get their first taste of stoke.
When you come to us, you’re not just another order number. You’re tapping into a local hub. Whether you walk through the doors of our Gisborne shop or hit us up online, you'll get straight-up, honest advice from people who are out in the water every chance they get.
Expert Advice and a Curated Range
We live and breathe surfing. That passion is what drives our selection of boards. We only stock soft tops from brands we’ve come to trust for quality, durability, and most importantly, a whole lot of fun. We’ve personally seen how the right board can completely change the game for a beginner.
Our lineup has some of the best names in the business:
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Softech: Perfect for riders who want innovative shapes to really start progressing their skills.
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Gnaraloo: The go-to choice for family fun. These things are pretty much bomb-proof.
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Ocean and Earth: Backed by decades of quality, these are super reliable boards you can count on.
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Salt Gypsy: Blending one-of-a-kind style with genuine performance for female surfers.
We stock everything from classic foamies for absolute beginners to high-performance epoxy softboards for those ready to start laying down some turns. We’ll help you find the perfect match for what you want to achieve, whether you're surfing the Gizzy breaks or anywhere else in NZ.
Local Roots, Nationwide Service
While we’re proud Gisborne locals, we bring that same local-shop service to every corner of New Zealand. Our website is loaded with all the gear you could need, and we ship it out fast to get you in the water sooner. Don't forget our famous Wainui Beach surf cam—check the conditions in real-time before you even leave the house.
The surf scene in Aotearoa is buzzing, and we know how people shop for gear is changing. We’ve made sure our online store gives you the same expert guidance you'd get if you walked in and had a yarn with us. It's this mix of local knowledge and modern convenience that makes us New Zealand's go-to online surf store.
Choosing Blitz means you're supporting a Kiwi family business that has been part of the surf community for over four decades. We’re here to give you the right advice, the best gear, and the stoke to get you started on your surfing journey.
The softboard market itself is growing, especially as more people discover the fun of just getting out there. We're also seeing a big push towards sustainability—a trend we're fully behind. We're committed to helping you find that perfect board to kick off what we hope becomes a lifelong passion.
Your Soft Top Surfboard Questions Answered
Here at the shop in Gisborne, we get asked a ton of questions about soft tops. They’ve come a long way from the old floppy boards of the past, so let's run through some common queries to get you sorted for your next session.
Are Soft Tops Just For First-Timers?
Not a chance. While they are hands-down the best board to learn on because they’re safe and stable, you’ll find plenty of experienced surfers with a foamy in their quiver.
They're perfect for having a laugh on those small, fun days when a high-performance shortboard would be a total slog. Plus, modern epoxy softboards from brands like Softech have some serious performance built-in, making them a blast for just about anyone.
Do I Need to Wax a Soft Top?
Your choice completely, some do and some don't. While the foam deck has a bit of texture, you may still want a good coat of wax for proper grip. Trying to pop up on a slippery deck is a surefire way to kill the stoke.
Just like a hardboard, we always suggest a solid base coat followed by a top coat that suits the water temperature. It gives you the confidence you need to plant your feet and go for it.
How Long Will a Soft Top Board Last?
This really comes down to two things: the board’s construction and how you treat it. A cheap, generic board might only see you through one summer, but a well-built epoxy softboard from a proper surf brand can last for years if you look after it.
To get the most life out of your board:
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Always give it a rinse with fresh water after a surf.
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Store it in the shade, out of direct sun. UV rays are not its friend.
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Never, ever leave it cooking in a hot car. That’s the quickest way to cause delamination.
What’s the Difference Between a Cheap Board and a Good One?
The difference is huge, and it all comes down to the core, the construction, and the shape. A cheap board from a department store is basically a glorified pool toy – it’s got a weak core, no proper stringers for stiffness, and a shape that will seriously hold back your surfing.
On the other hand, reputable brands like Gnaraloo, Ocean and Earth, and Salt Gypsy use high-density, waterproof cores, multiple stringers for proper flex and strength, and shapes designed by actual surfers. You’re not just buying a board; you’re investing in something that’s durable, performs well, and will genuinely help you get better.
Ready to find the perfect board to get you in the water? At Blitz Surf Shop, we've got a massive range of the best softboards in New Zealand. Check out our full collection and get expert advice online or drop into our Gisborne store.
