Why a Softboard is the #1 Kids Beginner Surfboard
When it comes to learning to surf, three things matter more than anything else - and a quality softboard delivers all three from the very first session.
High foam volume keeps the board floating even with an inexperienced rider on top.
A wide, thick foam deck gives beginners a forgiving platform to find their balance.
More volume means easier paddling and more waves caught - the key to fast progression.
It really is that simple when learning to surf. A soft surfboard's large volume plays a key role in helping a new surfer learn how to balance. The foam material adds buoyancy that makes it dramatically easier for beginner surfers - kids especially - to paddle, pop up, and ultimately ride a wave all the way to shore.
Softboards Are Safer for Kids
Beyond performance, safety is the number one reason parents choose a softboard as their child's first surfboard. Unlike fibreglass boards, foam surfboards are genuinely forgiving when it comes to the inevitable collisions every beginner experiences.
🛡️ Safety Advantages of a Kids Softboard
- Soft edges - the rails are padded and rounded, dramatically reducing cuts and bruises from board contact.
- Flexible rubber fins - won't lacerate skin the way fibreglass or glass fins can.
- Buoyant foam deck - means the board stays at the surface, making wipeouts far less punishing.
- Lightweight construction - easier for kids to carry, manoeuvre, and control in the water.
Choosing the Right Size Kids Beginner Surfboard
It is really important to buy the right size surfboard for both volume and maneuverability. A child will need a different size board to an adult - one board will not work for the whole family. Use the chart below as your starting guide.
| Rider Height | Rider Weight | Recommended Board Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 120 cm | Under 25 kg | 5'0″ – 5'6″ | Young groms, ages 5–8 |
| 120–145 cm | 25–40 kg | 5'6″ – 6'6″ | Kids ages 8–12 |
| 145–165 cm | 40–65 kg | 6'6″ – 7'6″ | Teens & smaller adults |
| 165–180 cm | 65–85 kg | 7'6″ – 8'6″ | Adults, absolute beginners |
| 180 cm+ | 85 kg+ | 8'6″ – 9'0″ | Larger adults or those progressing slowly |
Our Ocean & Earth Ezi-Rider softboards come in sizes from 5'6 to 9'0 and an array of great colours - making it one of the most popular kids beginner surfboards stocked at Tidal Surf.
When Can Kids Progress Beyond a Softboard?
One of the most common questions we hear in-store: "When should my kid move on from a foamie?" The honest answer - there's no rush. Many intermediate and even advanced surfers ride softboards regularly, particularly on smaller days. When your child can consistently pop up, ride down the line, and start to turn, it's worth considering a transition to a mini mal or funboard. But for the first 6–18 months of learning, a quality softboard is simply unbeatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find the Perfect Kids Beginner Surfboard?
Browse our full range of softboards, from 5'6 grommets to 9'0 adult foamies. Free shipping across Australia on orders over $100.
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