"A Perfect Beginner's Board with Room to Grow."
The MF Mick Fanning Super Soft Beastie Softboard is an excellent choice for beginner surfers, providing a blend of high performance and accessibility that makes learning to surf enjoyable and less intimidating. Created by three-time world champion Mick Fanning, the Beastie is part of a premium lineup of softboards that offer more than just stability—they bring design features that enhance the surfing experience for riders at every skill level, particularly beginners.
1. Design Features of the MF Super Soft Beastie Softboard
The Super Soft Beastie is designed with beginners in mind, yet its high-quality construction and thoughtful design make it suitable for surfers of all levels. Here’s a breakdown of the design features that make it ideal for beginners:
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Generous Volume and Buoyancy
The Beastie boasts high volume, which translates to enhanced buoyancy and stability. For beginners, a buoyant board means an easier time balancing, catching waves, and getting up on the board. The added volume also helps newer surfers paddle faster and catch waves more easily, building confidence right from the start. -
Soft Construction for Safety
Made with a soft EVA outer shell, this board minimises the chance of injury if a rider falls or if the board hits them. The soft top material is forgiving, making it safer than traditional fibreglass surfboards. This feature is particularly appealing for beginners who may not yet have full control over their board. -
Round Nose and Rounded Tail
The round nose provides extra stability during takeoff, while the rounded tail improves manoeuvrability without sacrificing control. These design elements contribute to a smooth, stable ride while allowing beginners to experiment with turns as they progress. -
High-Performance Fin System
Unlike most beginner softboards, the Beastie comes with a more advanced fin system. It uses FCS fins, allowing for upgraded performance and added customisation. Riders can adjust their fin setup to improve control and play with the board’s handling as their skills improve.
2. Durability and Construction
The MF Beastie is a well-built board with durability in mind. Beginners often put boards through rigorous testing conditions, from accidental drops to mishaps on waves. With its double stringer core and reinforced construction, this softboard is made to last. The high-density EPS core offers rigidity and keeps the board lightweight, and the EVA deck and rails can withstand wear and tear better than traditional hardboards.
3. Why Beginners Love the MF Beastie Softboard
Beginners are drawn to the MF Beastie for a few key reasons:
- Easy Paddling: The board’s volume makes paddling out easier, which is critical for beginners still building strength.
- Stability: The generous width and rounded nose offer a stable platform that makes standing up less daunting for first-time surfers.
- Forgiving Ride: The soft construction means that even if a beginner falls, the risk of injury is minimised, allowing them to focus more on learning and less on potential mishaps.
- Longevity: Many surfers find that the Beastie remains relevant as they progress, providing a board they can learn on but not “outgrow” too quickly.
4. Performance for Beginners and Beyond
While it’s ideal for beginners, the Beastie is also designed to support intermediate surfers. Mick Fanning has crafted this softboard with enough performance features to help surfers grow into more advanced skills. Its soft design may look friendly, but it’s also engineered for carving smooth lines on waves, enabling beginners to experience quality performance without the complexities of a hardboard. The advanced fin setup lets users customise their rides, which adds a touch of versatility not found in typical beginner boards.
5. Best Conditions for the Beastie
The MF Beastie excels in small to medium-sized waves, making it ideal for the gentle surf conditions beginners typically start on. In smaller surf, it’s forgiving and user-friendly, while its buoyancy helps it perform well in choppy conditions.
6. Summary: A Perfect Beginner's Board with Room to Grow
The MF Mick Fanning Super Soft Beastie Softboard is an exceptional entry point into surfing. It’s designed to help new surfers learn quickly, with stability and ease of use at the forefront. Its durable, safe, and buoyant design removes some of the initial barriers beginners face, while its versatility means it can be enjoyed even as a surfer progresses.
For those looking for a reliable board that supports them from their first wave to more advanced manoeuvres, the MF Beastie is hard to beat. The fact that it’s backed by Mick Fanning’s reputation for quality only adds to its appeal. Whether a surfer is just starting or looking to add a high-quality softboard to their quiver, the MF Beastie delivers on all fronts.