The difference between a softboard and a fiberglass board is one of the most common questions among surfers who are just starting out or want to upgrade their equipment. Choosing the right board affects your safety, progression, and enjoyment, which is why it's key to understand how each type works and which one best suits your skill level.
One of the most common questions is this:
Should I stick with a softboard or should I move to a fiberglass board?
Today, we'll tell you, clearly and without myths, the real differences between both types of boards and how to know which one is right for you. We'll also provide a guide to choosing the right board for you.
Difference between a softboard and a fiberglass board
Softboards, or foam boards, are exactly what their name suggests: boards with a soft, padded surface. They have a foam core and an EVA foam coating, which makes them safe, stable, and very resistant to impacts.
Main advantages of softboards
1. Safety above all else
The soft deck reduces impact in falls or accidental collisions. This protects not only the surfer but also others in the lineup.
2. High volume = more waves
Softboards usually have a lot of volume, which translates to buoyancy, easy paddling, and the ability to stand up more often in less time. For learning, this is golden.
3. Durability and resistance
They can withstand impacts, scrapes, and clumsy "landings" without breaking easily. They are perfect for schools, beginners, and surfers who don't want to worry about every small ding.
4. Simple maintenance
They usually don't need as much wax, and while some have hard fins, they often come with softer, safer options.
What is a fiberglass board and what makes it so different?
Fiberglass boards, the traditional "hard" boards, are made with a foam core (PU or EPS), covered with fiberglass or carbon fiber and resin. Most modern, lighter epoxy boards are also included here.
These boards are the main tool for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Advantages of fiberglass boards
1. Maximum performance
They are rigid, fast, and very responsive. They allow for more precise maneuvers: tight turns, powerful pumps, rail-to-rail transitions... The board responds directly to what you do.
2. Greater variety of designs
Shortboards, funboards, fish, mid-lengths, longboards... Each shape has a different behavior and allows you to surf different types of waves.
3. Interchangeable fins
Fin systems are usually standard, so you can play with configurations depending on your style or the day's conditions.
So... Which one should you choose?
Choose a softboard if:
- You are just starting out or have had few sessions.
- You need safety and confidence.
- You want to catch many waves to learn faster.
- You don't want to worry much about bumps or damage.
- You surf small, summer waves.
Choose a fiberglass board if:
- You can already stand up easily and catch unbroken waves.
- You feel your softboard is "no longer enough."
- You want to learn to turn, pump, or generate speed.
- You surf more serious or consistent conditions.
- You are looking to improve your technique.
When is it time to switch from a softboard to a fiberglass board?
There's no magic number of sessions, but these are good indicators:
- You paddle with ease and reach the peak without problems.
- You can ride down the face of the wave without falling.
- You're starting to try turns or changes of direction.
- You feel your softboard is holding you back or unresponsive.
- You're interested in surfing more days of the year and in more conditions.
Many surfers transition with a fiberglass funboard or a mid-length: more technical than a softboard, but less demanding than a shortboard.
At Fly, we believe that every surfer has their ideal board depending on where they are in their journey.
- Softboards are perfect tools for learning quickly, gaining confidence, and enjoying from day one.
- Fiberglass boards are the natural step for those who want to advance their surfing, refine their technique, and get more performance from each wave.
It's not about choosing which is "better," but which is best for you right now. Both options have their place and serve different functions in your progression.
If you're starting, a softboard will be your best friend. If you're looking for performance, a fiberglass board will open up a new world.
The important thing is to enjoy the process, stay safe, and keep progressing.
And for that, we are here to help.
