How long will a Softboard last me?

Question

I am a beginning surfer and considering getting a long softboard (foamie). Someone told me that I would outgrow it and need to get a new surfboard. How long can I expect to use the foamie though? Is it worthwhile to buy one to start one? I have an old beat up 8' board that I can take out, but learning to balance on it, even to just sit, seems difficult.

Answer 1

Well the question really is not how long the board will actually last but how quickly you out grow it and that depends on how often that you surf , how dedicated you are, how fast you progress and just how good you want to get. If you are happy to catch waves easily and cruise in on them a soft board will be fine for ever.

The advantages of the 'softie' are that they are very stable, making learning to balance (sitting and standing) easier. They are very buoyant which makes catching waves easier. So for mastering the basics they are great.

However when you get a little more experienced and want to paddle out further through the waves and start learning to turn these advantages start to work against you.

Experienced surfers can go out on a softie and chuck them around to pull off some good maneuvers but they are a lot less responsive than thinner boards and you need some skills to get the best from them.

I would advise a few days of surf lessons at a school that uses softboards (all BSA approved schools use them), see how you get on and speak with the teachers to see how they think you are progressing.

Take a look at Bic boards, they are also  stable and buoyant enough to catch plenty of waves but much lighter and more responsive, also HARD... don't forget to cover your head every time you wipe out until you surface to avoid a face full of surfboard.

Most important what ever you choose  - enjoy it!

Answer 2

OK, at the Parks & Recreation Dept. where I used to work, we had Surfing Classes that used the big blue Softboards.  They saw very heavy use year-round (though heaviest in the summer), way more use than a typical personal board would normally get.

About half the boards would need to be replaced in a year, but some would last two years.  We never kept a board for more than two years even when it looked pretty good still.  Being in the sun all the time would start to stiffen/harden the foam, too.

We donated old boards that still looked pretty good to Goodwill.

I would expect a personal board if stored properly and used moderately would last at least two years.  Probably longer if kept clean, stored out of the sun, and generally cared for well.