Mick Fanning holding a Beastie softboard

Softboards 101: The easiest way to start surfing in NZ winter

Winter in Aotearoa often brings more powerful swell, but like any season, there are also smaller, cleaner days, especially on the East Coast, perfect for learning. The water is cooler, lineups can be quieter, and softboards make the whole experience safer and more fun. If you are helping the kids catch first waves or you are finally taking the plunge yourself, a soft top can turn nervous paddles into confident rides.

Ocean and Earth Ezi Rider softboard in green

This guide explains why softboards shine in winter, what to look for in build quality, how to pick a size by rider weight, and how they compare with hardboards as you progress. We will finish with simple care tips to avoid waterlogging and a few local pointers so you can try before you buy.

 

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Why softboards make winter learning easier

Softboards float better, forgive mistakes, and reduce the risk of knocks. The deck and rails are padded foam with a grippy skin, so beginners can pop up without the bite of fibreglass. Extra volume helps you paddle earlier and catch waves that hardboards might miss on smaller days.

Gnaraloo Beach cruiser softboard

They are also fun for experienced surfers in tiny swells. A softboard opens up the inside reforms and close-in runners that you would skip on your everyday shortboard. Less pressure to perform, more time on your feet.


  • Safety: Softer rails and deck reduce bruises in wipeouts.

  • Buoyancy: More litres equals easier paddling and earlier entry.

  • Stability: Wider outlines help you stand and trim sooner.

Softboard vs hardboard for progression

If your goal is to stand up consistently, trim down the line, and learn to turn, a softboard is the simplest path. The same volume that makes it easy to catch waves also smooths out wobbles when you pop up. Most learners progress faster on foam.


Hardboards reward refined technique and open performance ceilings, but they can feel tippy early on. As you start linking turns, you can step to a midlength funboard or a traditional longboard for glide, then into smaller hardboards if you want sharper turns.


  • Easiest board to ride: a long, high-volume softboard.

  • Hardest surfboard to ride: a low-volume performance shortboard, especially in weak winter surf.


There is no rule that says you must leave foam behind. Many surfers keep a soft top for family days, shorebreak fun, and tiny surf.

Typical sizes and volumes by rider weight

Use these starting points, then factor in confidence, fitness, and where you surf. Volume is measured in litres. More litres equals more float and stability.


  • Kids up to 35 kg: 5'6 to 6'6 softboard, 35 to 45 L. Go longer if very new or conditions are weak.

  • 40 to 60 kg: 7'0 to 8'0, roughly 55 to 70 L.

  • 60 to 80 kg: 8'0 to 8'6, roughly 70 to 85 L.

  • 80 to 100 kg: 8'6 to 9'0, roughly 85 to 100 L.

  • 100 kg+: 9'0+, 95 L and up.


If in doubt, size up for winter. Cold water, thicker wetsuits and boots add drag, so extra volume helps you keep sessions fun and warm. Our team at Blitz Surf Shop can recommend sizes and shapes for your weight and local banks, and we can point you to the right gear online or in-store.

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Build quality explained: slick bottoms, stringers and fins

Not all softboards are the same. Here is what matters.


  • Slick bottom: Most use a durable HDPE slick for speed and easier takeoffs. It should lie flat without ripples.

  • Stringers: One to three internal stringers add stiffness so the board holds shape and keeps its pop. Heavier riders benefit from more stringers.

  • Core: An EPS foam core is standard. Quality cores resist compression and help prevent water intrusion if you get a small nick.

  • Rails and skin: A well-laminated deck skin that wraps cleanly over the rails lasts longer and resists peeling.

  • Fins: Many softboards come with flexible safety fins and a bolt-through or soft-fin system. Some models accept standard fin plugs so you can upgrade to stiffer fins as you progress.


Higher-spec boards typically feel faster, hold shape longer, and handle a wider range of conditions.

Care basics to avoid waterlogging

Soft tops are tough, but they still need care.


  • Rinse in fresh water and dry in shade. Direct heat can warp or delaminate the skin.

  • Do not leave the board baking in the car. Heat expansion can pop seams.

  • Check the leash plug and fin bolts. Tighten gently to avoid crushing the foam.

  • Repair dings early. If the skin is punctured, dry the board thoroughly before using a softboard-safe repair kit. For bigger damage, consider professional repair. Always follow manufacturer instructions and consider professional repair for major damage.


Can a soft-top surfboard get waterlogged? Yes, if the skin or seals are compromised and you keep surfing before it dries. Quick checks and early fixes usually prevent this.

What a beginner should get this winter

For most first-timers on the East Coast:


  • Adults 60 to 90 kg: 8'0 soft top with 70 to 85 L, wide outline, and at least two stringers.

  • Lighter adults or teens 45 to 60 kg: 7'0 to 7'6 around 55 to 70 L.

  • Kids: 6'0 to 6'6 with a friendly template and soft safety fins.


Match it with a warm 4/3 wetsuit in midwinter, booties if your feet run cold, and a reliable leash. If you want to read more about leashes and sizing, see our complete guide to choosing the right surf leash on the Blitz site.


Internal link suggestion: You can find a range of soft tops in our soft top surfboard collection and pick up quality leashes while you are there.


Try before you buy with Blitz hire

Curious but not sure on size? Blitz offers board and wetsuit hire for short sessions and day hires. We currently have two softboards available to try: an 8'0 and a 9'0. Numbers can be limited on busy mornings, so book ahead for holidays. Hire is a handy way to compare those sizes before committing, and our friendly team can advise on sizes and simple DIY care. We can demonstrate basic checks and point you to the right tools and products. Check availability and details here: https://blitzsurf.co.nz/pages/surfboard-hire-in-gisborne

Bonus winter comfort tips

  • Choose the right wetsuit thickness for your tolerance. Many East Coast surfers pick a 4/3 in midwinter.

  • Switch to cold-water wax so your deck stays grippy.

  • Keep a towel poncho in the car for quick changes out of the wind.


If you are refreshing your kit, you can browse wetsuits for men and women, and grab a fresh bar of surfing wax on the site.

Quick FAQ

  • Are soft top surfboards any good? Yes. They are forgiving, buoyant, and ideal for small winter surf, from first waves to fun days for experienced riders.

  • Is a softboard good for beginners? Absolutely. Softer rails, high volume, and stability make learning safer and faster.

  • What kind of board should a beginner surfer get? A long, stable softboard matched to your weight, usually 7'0 to 9'0 with generous volume.

  • Is it better to surf on a hardboard or softboard? For learning and tiny swells, softboards win. For sharper turns and performance once your technique is solid, a hardboard can be the next step.

  • Can a soft-top surfboard get waterlogged? It can if the skin is punctured. Dry it fully and repair early to avoid issues.

  • What is the hardest surfboard to ride? Low-volume performance shortboards, especially in weak winter waves.

  • What is the easiest board to ride? A high-volume softboard or traditional longboard that paddles early and feels stable.

Ready to roll this winter?

Softboards make winter one of the friendliest seasons to start in Aotearoa, more powerful swells roll through, but you will still find mellow windows with extra float, safety and smiles on every small day. If you want help sizing a board or layering for warmth, the Blitz Surf Shop team can recommend the right setup for you and your whānau. Explore our softboards online, add a dependable leash, and if you are local to Gisborne, hire a setup to test the fit before you buy. Then pick a mellow bank, keep it fun, and enjoy more waves this winter.


Further reading and gear:



Always follow manufacturer instructions for any repairs, and seek professional help for major damage.

 

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