Softboards, or foam boards, have become the ideal board for safely learning to surf. Stable, forgiving, and reassuring, they allow you to catch your first waves without fear or injuring other surfers. However, even with a foam board, many beginners make the same mistakes that hinder their progress and sometimes spoil their fun. Understanding these mistakes is the first step to correcting them quickly and fully enjoying each session. In this article, we review the most common mistakes and explain how to avoid them to progress faster on a softboard.
Mistake No. 1: Wrong size/volume choice
Choosing a softboard that is too small or has insufficient volume is probably the number one mistake made by beginners, as they often take inspiration from experienced surfers who use shorter, thinner boards without understanding the impact on buoyancy. A softboard that is too small makes paddling more difficult, complicates the take-off, and reduces the number of successful waves, which can be discouraging from the very first sessions and give the impression that surfing is not for them. Conversely, a board with enough volume helps you to stand up more easily, stay stable, and surf longer sections of waves, even when conditions are weak or choppy. To choose wisely, it's important to consider your weight, physical condition, skill level, and the type of waves you'll primarily be surfing, rather than focusing solely on aesthetics or board length. When in doubt, it's always better to opt for a little more volume, especially for a first softboard intended for learning and small summer waves.
A good rule of thumb for a beginner is to choose a board that is taller than them, with a comfortable volume that allows them to float easily even when stationary. Product descriptions, size guides, and advice from specialized shops are invaluable allies to avoid making a mistake. Once you have reached a stable level, you can always switch to a slightly shorter or more performance-oriented model.
Mistake No. 2: Incorrect positioning on the board
Being positioned too far forward or too far back on the softboard is another classic mistake that prevents you from fully enjoying the board's qualities, as balance and glide depend directly on body positioning. If the surfer is too far back, the nose of the board lifts, speed decreases, and it becomes very difficult to catch the wave at the right time, which forces you to paddle harder for often frustrating results. Conversely, if the surfer is too far forward, the nose will dig into the water during the take-off and a fall is almost inevitable, especially in the small, fast waves typical of beginner spots. The goal is to find that balance point where the softboard glides flat, without rearing up or nosing in, which requires a little observation and adjustment during each session. By monitoring the position of the nose in the water and slightly adjusting their position on the board, beginner surfers improve their stability, speed, and the fluidity of their take-offs.
A good exercise is to get in the water, lie down on the board, and observe if the nose is sticking out too much or sinking. A few centimeters of difference can make a big impact, especially on a long and voluminous softboard. With practice, this positioning becomes second nature.
Mistake No. 3: Poor paddling position
An incorrect paddling position quickly tires out beginner surfers and greatly reduces their chances of catching waves, as each paddle stroke becomes less efficient and more disorganized. Many beginners tend to spread their arms, break their wrists, or paddle with overly short movements, which creates splashes without generating real forward propulsion. Others arch their backs excessively or, conversely, slump on the board, which compresses the lower back and neck, making the position uncomfortable and difficult to maintain over time. Good paddling is fluid, deep, and regular, with arms close to the body and the chest slightly raised to keep your gaze forward. Improving your paddling technique is one of the most effective ways to progress in surfing, as it allows you to position yourself better in the lineup, catch more waves, and tire much less quickly during each session.
To improve your paddling, it can be useful to practice lying flat on your softboard, focusing on broad, silent movements. Consistency and relaxed shoulders are essential for maintaining good endurance, especially in cold water where the body tires more quickly.
Mistake No. 4: Delayed take-off
Waiting too long before standing up on the board is a very common mistake among beginners, who are often afraid of falling or standing up too early, and end up missing the right window for the take-off. When the surfer tries to stand up while the wave is already breaking, the board becomes unstable, the slope is steeper, and falling forward or sideways is almost inevitable, even with a very forgiving softboard. A successful take-off begins with a few powerful paddle strokes as the wave starts to push the board, followed by a quick and decisive standing motion, without hesitation or stopping midway. The softboard, thanks to its volume, forgives small imbalances, but it cannot compensate for completely mistimed actions. By learning to observe the wave and initiate paddling and take-off a little earlier, the beginner gains fluidity, confidence, and enjoyment of the ride.
A good tip is to film yourself or have a friend or instructor observe you to determine if the take-off is being initiated too late. Correcting this mistake can transform a session of repeated falls into a series of waves finally surfed to the shore.
Mistake No. 5: Not reading the waves
Many softboard beginners focus solely on their board and their position, forgetting that the key to surfing lies in the ability to read the waves and anticipate their movement. They position themselves randomly, paddle for waves that close out immediately, or wait in an area where waves don't break, which severely limits the number of waves surfed during the session. Good wave reading involves spotting the peaks, understanding where the wave begins to form, which way it will break, and when it will break, in order to position yourself in the right place with a little advance. The softboard offers a valuable advantage because its volume allows you to catch the wave earlier, but this is useless if the surfer is poorly positioned or doesn't choose the right waves. By observing the spot for a few minutes before getting in the water and watching how more experienced surfers position themselves, beginners can quickly improve their understanding of how waves work.
Learning to read waves takes time and patience, but every effort is greatly rewarded. The more a surfer understands the spot, the more they conserve their paddling energy, choose the right waves, and progress with confidence on their softboard.
Mistake No. 6: Neglecting softboard maintenance
Because softboards are foam boards designed to withstand impacts, many beginners tend to completely neglect their maintenance and storage conditions. They leave them in direct sunlight on the beach, store them wet in the trunk of their car, or place them unprotected on abrasive surfaces, which eventually damages the coating and reduces the board's lifespan. Even though softboards are more robust than rigid boards, they are not indestructible, and careless use can lead to dents, delamination, or premature wear of the fins. Minimal but regular maintenance helps maintain good glide, limit water absorption, and preserve the aesthetic appearance of the board in the long term. By getting into the habit of rinsing the board with fresh water, storing it away from heat, and transporting it in a suitable cover, surfers protect their investment and ensure many safe surfing seasons.
Regularly checking the condition of the leash, plugs, and fins is also part of good maintenance. A simple check before each session can prevent unpleasant surprises in the lineup, such as a leash breaking at the wrong moment or a loose fin getting lost in the waves.
Tips for getting started right
Beginner mistakes on a softboard are normal and part of the learning process, but identifying them quickly saves valuable time and keeps motivation intact. By choosing an appropriate board size, perfecting your positioning and paddling, initiating the take-off at the right moment, and learning to read waves, each session becomes more productive and enjoyable. Taking care of your softboard, even if it's robust, also contributes to a better surfing experience and more sustainable practice in the long run. The key is to remain patient, avoid comparing yourself to experienced surfers, and view every small improvement as a personal victory. With these tips in mind, the softboard becomes a true ally for smooth progress, catching more waves, and fully enjoying the ocean, no matter the conditions.
To go further, it can be beneficial to take a few lessons with an instructor, ask for advice from a specialized shop, and choose a spot suitable for your skill level. By combining the right equipment, a positive attitude, and these technical adjustments, beginner surfers put all the chances on their side to progress quickly on a softboard.
