⭐ 9.4/10 based on over 10,200 reviews

Payment in 3x, 4x, and 10x with no fees

🚨 BLACK Friday : up to 70% off your favorite brands! I'M IN →

Softboards : Les Meilleures Planches pour Débuter - HawaiiSurf

Softboards: The Best Boards for Beginners

(95 products)
See more

The softboard: the best way to learn to surf

The Softboard has become the go-to choice for discovering the feeling of surfing in the best conditions. Its foam construction, generous volume and excellent stability make it easier to learn with confidence, while reducing concerns about impacts and getting into the right position. It's the board that inspires the most confidence when you're starting out.

Whether it's an adult catching their first waves or a young surfer looking to progress quickly, a softboard lets you focus on what matters: catching waves, standing up more often and getting more time on the water. For decades, it's been one of the best tools for learning to surf.

A board designed to help you progress quickly

When you're starting out, your progress often depends more on how many waves you ride than on your physical or technical ability. That's exactly where a softboard makes the difference. Its volume makes paddling easier, improves flotation and helps you catch waves more easily.

At HawaiiSurf, we regularly see beginners with a suitable board progress much faster than riders who choose a board that's too technical from the start. A softboard helps you build solid fundamentals before moving on to more demanding shapes.

Choosing the right softboard

The right choice mainly depends on the surfer's build, skill level and the conditions they surf in most often. A longer board offers more stability and makes takeoffs easier, while a more compact model is easier to maneuver as your technique improves.

L'the goal isn't to choose the board that looks best on paper, but the one that lets you catch as many waves as possible and progress with confidence, session after session.

A great alternative to surf schools

Contrary to popular belief, softboards aren't just for your first few hours of learning. Many surfers keep riding foam boards for several seasons after they start. They let you surf more often and in a wider range of conditions, while keeping the fun factor high.

Surfers looking to become more versatile can naturally progress to Funboards. Those who prefer a more classic style of surfing will love Longboards, while fans of small waves can discover the qualities of Surf Fish.

The starting point for lasting progress

A softboard is often the first step in a surfer's journey. It helps you learn the essentials, such as positioning, reading waves, paddling and timing your take-off. Once you master these fundamentals, moving on to other types of boards feels much more natural.

Even experienced surfers sometimes keep a softboard in their quiver for small-wave days or laid-back sessions where fun comes before performance.

Gear up your softboard

Like any Surfboard, a softboard deserves the right gear. Surf Leashes keep riders safe, while Surf Fins directly affect how the board performs in the waves.

A Surfboard Bag will effectively protect your gear in transit, while Surf Wax suited to the conditions will improve grip and comfort underfoot.

L's expertise since 1976

For fifty years, HawaiiSurf has helped watersports enthusiasts choose their gear. Our selection of softboards brings together reliable, stable and versatile models that support surfers from their very first waves and well beyond.

Because learning to surf should above all be fun, we focus on boards that genuinely make it easier to progress and help you make the most of every session in the water.

Pourquoi choisir un Softboard pour apprendre le surf ?

Les Softboards sont les planches idéales pour découvrir le surf dans les meilleures conditions. Grâce à leur construction en mousse et leur volume généreux, ces Planches de Surf offrent stabilité, sécurité et facilité de rame dès les premières sessions.

Voir plus

Des planches conçues pour progresser rapidement

Les riders qui débutent apprécieront particulièrement la tolérance et la stabilité des Softboards. Pour poursuivre leur progression, ils pourront ensuite découvrir les collections Funboards et Longboards, réputées pour leur polyvalence et leur facilité de prise en main.

Les surfeurs souhaitant davantage de vitesse ou de maniabilité pourront ensuite s’orienter vers les collections Fish Surf et Shortboards selon leur évolution et leurs objectifs.

Les accessoires indispensables

Complétez votre équipement avec notre sélection de Leashs Surf, de Dérives Surf et de Housses de Surf afin de protéger efficacement votre matériel et surfer en toute sérénité.
View as

FAQ – How to choose your foam surfboard

What is a softboard or foam surfboard?
A softboard is a surfboard with a soft outer coating, usually on the top and rails. Its internal structure varies by model: core, reinforcements, and possible laminating influence its stiffness and performance. This category includes both large learning boards and compact shapes designed for experienced surfers.

Which foam surfboard should you choose to start?

Go for a softboard designed for learning, with enough length, width and volume for your build. It should make paddling, catching waves and staying balanced on your first take-offs easier. Avoid choosing a small board just because it seems easier to carry: a board that's too compact can make your first sessions harder. Check the recommended skill level and weight on the product page. Our guide helps you choose your first surfboard by explaining the differences between beginner softboards and more technical models.

What size softboard should an adult choose?

Your choice depends on your weight, skill level, paddling confidence and surf conditions. Compare length, width and volume, rather than length alone. For an adult beginner, focus on good stability and enough buoyancy. Two 7-foot boards can perform very differently: recommendations for each model remain essential. Our guide helps you choose your softboard dimensions based on your weight, skill level and desired paddling comfort.

What volume to choose for a foam surfboard?

The volume should match your build and the way you surf. Beginners generally need more buoyancy than experienced surfers of the same weight. There’s no one-size-fits-all volume for softboards: width, shape and volume distribution also affect stability. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations, and don’t choose based on a weight-to-volume calculation alone. To understand the guidelines by weight and their limitations, find out how many liters to choose for a surfboard.

Which foam board should you choose for a child?
Choose based on the weight, height, skill level, and autonomy of the child, rather than just their age. The board should provide enough stability while still being suitable for their ability to paddle and handle it. A small technical softboard is not necessarily a learning model for children. For the first sessions, have the choice validated by an instructor or advisor familiar with the model.

Are softboards reserved for beginners?

No. Large soft-top boards for beginners generally prioritize stability and ease of paddling, while some shorter models allow for practicing turns or enjoying small waves with a more dynamic glide. The foam coating does not define the required skill level: choose based on the program, dimensions, and recommended conditions.

Is a foam board safer than a rigid board?
Its soft coating can reduce some impacts compared to a hard surface. However, it remains a board with an internal structure and fins, capable of causing injuries. Choosing a softboard does not replace learning how to control the board, distances, and right-of-way rules. For beginners, prioritize suitable conditions and professional guidance.

Can you use a softboard in small waves?
Yes, a suitable softboard can make it easier to catch waves and provide a smooth ride in less powerful conditions. A large learning board is generally better for the first sessions than a short model. Not all small waves are easy: a gentle wave and a wave that breaks sharply near the shore require a different approach.

Should you put wax on a foam surfboard?
It depends on the surface. Some softboards require wax to improve grip, while some textured or EVA surfaces may be designed for use without wax. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations before applying it. When necessary, choose a wax that is compatible with the surface and suitable for the water temperature.

Are the fins and leash included with a softboard?
The content varies by model: do not assume that all accessories are included. Check the mentions regarding fins and the leash separately on the product sheet. If you need to buy fins, check their attachment system: some softboards use specific attachments, while others use compatible boxes with common systems.

Can the fins of a foam board be replaced?
Yes, when the mounting system and the manufacturer's recommendations allow it. Choose fins compatible with the boxes, the intended setup, and the use of the board. Do not automatically replace soft learning fins with rigid fins: this change can alter the board's behavior and the consequences of contact.

How to maintain and store a softboard?
Rinse it with fresh water after use, let it dry in the shade, and store it in a ventilated place, away from heat. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and storing it in a hot car. For transport, use appropriate protection and do not overly tighten the straps. Regularly inspect the coating, the fin attachments, and the leash connection.

Can a foam surfboard be repaired?
Some damages can be repaired, but the method depends on the material and construction. Do not use a resin or glue without checking its compatibility with the board. In case of delamination, cracking, or damaged attachment, consult the manufacturer or a repairer before returning to the water.

When to switch from a softboard to a hardboard?
You can consider the transition when you regularly catch waves, master your take-offs, and control your trajectories. A funboard suited to your level can help maintain an accessible paddle while discovering new sensations. Continuing on a softboard is still a valid choice: changing construction is not a requirement for progression.

What accessories to consider with a foam board?
Plan for a leash suitable for the length of the board and the conditions, as well as a cover that matches its dimensions. Check if the fins are included and if the surface requires wax. Complete your gear with a wetsuit appropriate for the water temperature. A softboard setup is not necessarily a complete package: check the exact contents before ordering.