Hi all,

I used to surf when I was young but haven't stood up on a board for the last 20 odd years. I've now got 3 daughters who love the ocean (13/9/6) and we do a heap of swimming and snorkling and stuff. I've seen a few cheap ($200) softboards for sale and I've been thinking of picking up a 7' one to have a go with the kids.

Are these things ok for a bit of fun and best to get me back on the waves?

Obviously with 3 daughters cost is an issue and I will probably hunt around on gumtree to try and get something as cheap as I can.

Any help would be really appreciated.

Thanks

The meat in your avatar looks delicious.

Thanks, it's a hickory smoked beef rib rubbed with coffee. It really was freakin delicious.

I worry about soft tops... I've been given a rescued one and previous users appear to have had grip issues. The deck has been scored and waxed in unsuccessful efforts to be useful. I wonder if deck grip would help, but up goes the price.

But I digress. You, Mackerel, would be advised to look for cheap fatties on gumtwee. Boards that is.

The decks of the softies are very slick, definitely need waxing! The very nature of the soft deck makes it slow to build up a decent layer of wax though. My kids have a couple and they are actually quite fun to surf. Bought one second hand from a surf school. Good luck and get out there with your girls.

Just wanted to say a massive THANKS to Maz who gave me a mini mal to get back on the water!
Can't wait to have a go and get the girls on the board!
Cheers man!