Ultimate Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Softboard According to Your Surfing Level and Style?

Choosing the right softboard is essential to enhance your experience in the water, especially if you’re just starting out or simply looking to enjoy fun waves without worrying too much about the gear. Softboards are perfect for their versatility, safety, and accessibility, but not all are the same. In this guide, I will help you choose the perfect softboard based on your surfing level and the style you want to develop.

1. Beginner Level: Stability and Control
   If you are new to the surfing world, the priority should be stability. A longer and wider softboard will provide you with greater buoyancy and balance, making basic maneuvers like paddling and standing on the board easier.
   What to look for?

• Length: Opt for a board between 7'0 and 8'0. Longer softboards like an 8.0 offer better buoyancy and make it easier to catch small waves.
• Volume: More volume means more buoyancy, helping you paddle and stand up more easily. Look for boards with 60-80L, depending on your weight.
• Shape: Boards with a rounder, wider nose are the most stable.
  Ideal example: An Alder Pro II Softboard 8.0 would be perfect for you. It combines stability with a comfortable surface for quick improvement.

2. Intermediate Level: Maneuverability and Fun
   If you have some experience and want to start making turns and basic maneuvers, you can opt for a slightly shorter softboard. Here, the goal is to find a balance between stability and maneuverability.
   What to look for?

• Length: Boards between 6'0 and 7'0. A softboard of this size is more agile and allows you to perform maneuvers without losing much buoyancy.
• Volume: Aim for boards with 50-60L, depending on your weight and the waves you usually surf.
• Shape: Look for boards with moderate rocker (curvature of the board). This will help you avoid digging the nose in steeper waves, allowing the board to turn more easily.
  Ideal example: The Alder Base 6.6 offers an excellent combination of maneuverability and stability, ideal for those surfers who are already feeling more comfortable in the water.

3. Advanced Level: Speed and Maneuvers
   For advanced surfers, a softboard can be a great tool to perfect certain maneuvers or have fun on smaller wave days. What you're looking for here is a board that allows for quick turns, easy acceleration, and handling larger waves.
   What to look for?

• Length: Boards between 5'6 and 6'6. These shorter boards are much more agile, allowing for technical and quick maneuvers.
• Volume: Look for a board with less than 50L. Less buoyancy offers more control and quick response on the waves.
• Shape: A board with more rocker and a narrower tail will be ideal for tight turns and well-controlled riding in hollow waves.
  Ideal example: The Banshee Hybrid 6’6 will allow you to surf with greater control in bigger or more powerful waves.

4. Surf Style: Fun or Performance
   The surfing style you prefer also influences your board choice. If you lean toward a more relaxed and fun surf style, a larger and more stable softboard will be your best ally. If, on the other hand, you enjoy high-performance surfing, you will benefit from a shorter and more maneuverable softboard.

• For small waves and fun: Opt for a long board with good volume. These boards will allow you to catch many waves effortlessly, enjoying the sea even on days with softer conditions.
• For a more radical surf: A short board with good rocker and less volume will be ideal for those days when the waves are larger and more energetic.

Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Softboard
When choosing your softboard, you should consider both your skill level and the surfing style you wish to develop. Remember, a larger board with more volume is ideal for beginners, while a shorter and more maneuverable board is perfect for those looking for more technical surfing. The most important thing is to choose a board that you feel comfortable with and that allows you to continue progressing in the water.
At Aldersurfing, we have a wide range of softboards tailored to all surfing levels and styles.

Feel free to consult us to find your perfect wave companion!