MF Softboards
The foam surfboard is known by everyone, from beginners to experienced surfers. This construction , increasingly used and widespread on all your favorite spots , provides very good stability and flotation while minimizing the risk of accidents. Generally used by surf schools or beginners (but not only!), in recent years we have seen different brands develop more models, sizes, variants in terms of materials and choices. There are now foam boards for all levels and for all tastes! We explain the essentials to you:
Beginners:
Originally the foam surfboard was invented more for beginner surfers because it is more flexible, more tolerant and less dangerous for yourself and others when learning to surf. Due to its shape and volume , the Malibu or mini-malibu with its rounded shape, long but not too much, is the most suitable and widespread model for beginners . With a comfortable volume and good stability , it is perfect for small, soft waves or foam close to the edge . It will allow you to have fun without risk, the foam absorbs shocks and therefore limits accidents. The fins are often soft , plastic and non-sharp . You can find our range of foam surfboards at Victory in particular. The most classic construction for these models is often the following: Core in EPS + Deck (underneath) in PE (Polyethylene) type foam with 1 or 2 or even 3 reinforcements in wood or carbon inside the board for more solidity. It often costs 250 to 450 euros for this type of board depending on the size and materials . The smallest boards around 5 feet will be ideal for toddlers, then boards in the 6 feet, 7 feet, 8 feet, and 9 feet range will be suitable for teenagers and adults.
Intermediaries:
For surfers who are already used to surfing, a slightly more rigid and high-end hybrid foam board model has developed in recent years and is ideal for continuing to progress: Using a mixture of composite materials (Core in EPS + Epoxy Resin + Foam coating on the board) , it is the happy medium between the fairly flexible foam board and the "real" rigid resin board. It allows you to surf deeper and faster waves while maintaining ease of paddling and a certain flexibility under the feet (foam deck) and safety in the event of an impact. Find our range of boards at Mick Fanning - MF Softboards, ideal for an intermediate level (or even advanced level!) and having fun without compromise. We recommend the Beastie model for example from MF Softboards. Count 450 to 650 euros for this type of board. Removable fins are generally fitted to these boards (FCS or Futures™ type).
Confirmed:
For the most seasoned surfers but who want to have fun without risk (crowds in summer, hollow shorebreak, don't want to break their board...), different brands now offer shapes similar to real shortboards or fishes but made of foam . This is the case of MF Softboards which we talked about above, and which offers fishes, collaborations with the DHD™ brand also and high-performance shortboards in EPS/Epoxy/Foam construction. This is also the case for the Album™ and Almond™ brands which now offer an alternative with injected high-density foam boards, with wooden stringer , a solid and compact construction and which are quite efficient despite their more flexible materials. Ideal for having fun in soft waves while keeping the sensations of a shortboard or a traditional fish. These are responsive and pleasant boards to surf that can also be used in deeper and faster waves if you choose a suitable model. Take a look at our Album or Almond range if this is the type of board you are looking for. Expect 490 euros to 790 euros depending on the models and size chosen . We generally mount removable fins on these boards (FCS or Futures™ type)
Our opinion: The foam board is ideal for starting out gently in surfing and remains quite affordable . It will allow you to evolve without difficulty and quickly make you happy. Foam boards for intermediate to advanced levels will allow you to have an additional board to complete your "Quiver" and with which you can have fun without getting hurt if there are people in the water, if the waves are soft or if you want to tackle a hollow and closing shorebreak without risking breaking your usual board. Also practical for going on a trip because it is solid and less fragile on the plane.