Best Softboards in 2023 November 30, 2022 – Tags: Best Softboards, Review, Softboards
The Best Softboards in 2023. What are they you ask ? Read on for a quick look at what we think are the best softboards of this year. We have dealt with all reputable brands over the last 15 years here at Tradewind Surf. So we know a thing or two about softboards.
BEST SOFTBOARDS IN 2023 –
Our best softboards article has become a bit of a tradition. As we evolve each year, we believe that we can continue adding value with new products & insights as the years go by. We have been selling, surfing, hiring & recommending softboards for 15 years now & as the offering grows online & in store, the more confusion there can be with products & brands contradicting themselves. Below is our Best Softboards of 2023 edition & we hope you enjoy & get the info you need to start or continue your surfing journey.
Depending on where you are in this beautiful country of ours, it’s time for getting back down to the beach & enjoying all of the perks that come with it So let have a look at the best softboards 2023 in Australia. Here at Tradewind Surf we pride ourselves on our softboard range! Having something for everyone, whether it be price point you are after, the best design, durability or something the whole family can enjoy.
Truth is, there’s a lot to choose from & it can be confusing, especially as a lot of you are first time surfboard buyers. In the paragraphs ahead il break down simply what you need to know & what is going to be a great choice for your first or next soft board.
WHO CAN BENEFIT OUT OF USING A SOFTBOARD?
This is an interesting question as most people, especially surfers, think that softboards are for beginners only which is only kind of true. Beginners benefit greatly, as they are safe, flotatious, provided you get the right size & heaps of fun, for first time surfers the softboard is a no brainer. But for people that can already surf there is some added benefits also.
As life goes on & the kids & family arrive, what used to be a solo mission to the local or a cruise down the coast with your friends, has now become the full on family affair. It is one of the best things in the world to show your groms the ocean & what better way than to get them a softboard to begin with. To go a step further though to surf next to them in the flags with your own softboard is a perfect way to keep your eye on your little one whilst enjoying it to the full in the safest way possible.
I had my own reservations about softboards as I had never ridden one. I got an Ocean Earth Ezi Rider for my girlfriend a few Christmases back. When it is small or we are having a beach day the Ezi Rider comes out, I must say it gets me excited, you can fully surf these things, they are so much fun & I think every surfer can benefit in some way, even if it is a way to keep you psyched when there is no surf.
WHICH SOFTBOARD SHOULD I GET ?
So what are the best Softboards in 2023 and what one would be best for you? Like anything in the surfing industry now there is plenty to choose from brand wise with each product & same but different variations. We now stock all reputable brands so you know that by reading this or contacting us for advice you are going to leave with the best information & the right softboard coming to you. So now we are carrying the best brands between safety, quality & durability, also price to an extent. Cheaper is not always cheaper in the long run & more expensive is not always better.
OCEAN N EARTH –
A world leader in surfing products, Ocean Earth epitomise The Best Softboards in 2022. The Ezi Rider boasts the best construction in the business when it comes to durability (my girlfriends has lasted 3 years & i am taking it out often also) they have a great colour offering & the price is reasonable for the quality. The Ezi Rider is sized from 5’6 through to 9’0 which has an incremental increase of 6 inches up to this size, so something for everyone. Am posting the 7’0 as it is the size I ride frequently & is a good all round length –
Catch Surf –
The Catch Surf models are new to us here at Tradewind Surf compared to some of our other labels. They are proving to be great boards for our customers. They are a bit higher in price, I believe due to the fact that they have the most comprehensive softboard team in the world. Think Kalani Robb & Jamie Obrien to name a couple. These guys are involved with design & you know that they are not going to have a sub par softboard made, when their head is on the chopping block. Check out attached video to see Jamie O shredding on his log at Pipe.
Softlite –
Softlite makes the list again this year, great boards, with durability & performance in mind. Our first ever hire board from a few years back is a Softlite 7’6 Chopstick cool grey. It is still in circulation & looks good! The colour options with Softlite are the best out of any Softboard label. They have so many options you are going to not be starved for choice. The Chopstick is the staple of the range & The Test Tube & Koolite are mega beginner boards. The Popstick is there for some refined beginner performance.
MF Softboards –
If Mick Fanning makes a softboard then people are going to ride it right ? Maybe in the interim, but like most things, it has to be proven. Another one of the more recent brands for Tradewind Surf is MF softboards. I have to say that we have been impressed with the quality of these boards, they are rigid & durable. You see MF softboards a lot as hire boards or surf school boards. Which is a great insider tip. For anyone looking for durability as that is what hire businesses & surf schools go for. There are some great beginner models like the Beastie & Supersoft. Or there is also some great performance models like The Kuma Fish.
View our range of MF Softboards
TORQ –
Some might consider it cheating that Torq is in our Best Softboards in 2023 article. As it is more of an almost unbreakable surfboard, Soft top hard bottom with one model & a full on softboard for another, the Torq boards are coming in hot this Summer & offer the top of the range in durability, they make amazing hire boards for the business owner or the person looking to spend a bit more to get the time out of them. When comparing price to durability, Torq is arguably the best value. They have some funky patterns coming out this year too which is going to be popular.
WHAT SIZE SOFTBOARD SHOULD I RIDE?
This is honestly down to personal preference, the golden rule is don’t go too small, it ruins the whole experience. If your child is over 9 years old then 6 foot is the cut off go for that or even up to 7’0 can be good, foam is your friend. In saying that a board that is too big can be daunting for a child & ruin it that way, the process here is fairly important. Be sure to give me a call to sort that out or speak to a trusted person who knows their stuff.
When it comes to the advanced surfer picking a softboard this is a lot easier, the joy is that you are pretty much going to be able to surf any softboard as they all have plenty of volume, if your looking for ridiculously fun, flicky performance, hit something from the Mullet range & some of the Ocean Earth range & you are not going to be disappointed, so much fun to be had & different to what you are used to even if hybrids are already your thing in epoxy or PU.
SO WHAT ARE THE BEST SOFTBOARDS IN 2023 ?
The Best Softboards in 2023 is something we could go on forever about. But a basic guide is what I promised, so there it is, please get in contact if you have any questions as it is an important choice to make & not one you want to get wrong. Bring on the warm days & good times. Feel Free to check out our whole range by clicking this link or hitting the softboards tab on the top bar. If you are wanting a good price point option then check out our Random X Softboards range, we have been selling them for a couple of years & while they are not up with the other brands we have listed they are a great price point & seem to be doing the job durability wise if your on a budget.
Feel free to contact us about any of the info you have read here. Or check us out on Instagram or Facebook. Happy Surfing!
