If you're looking for a soft surfboard this summer, there are more choices than ever.
At Manly Surf Guide, we've been selling, surfing, and helping customers choose softboards for years. For our Summer 2026/27 list, we've looked at the things that actually matter to most surfers and families: value for money, quality, durability, ease of use, performance, resale value, and range.
This isn't a paid ranking. These are simply the five softboard brands we currently rate highest from the boards we see, sell, and use.
1. Oasis Softboards
For us, Oasis takes the number one spot this summer.
The biggest reason is value. Oasis boards are extremely good value for money. They're stable, very user-friendly, and built to last, which makes them ideal for beginners and families.
Another big plus is strong resale value. Because they hold up well and stay in demand, you can still sell a well-cared-for board for good money when you're ready to move up.
We've seen that over and over in the shop. For us, that combination of value, durability, stability, ease of use, and resale value makes Oasis very hard to beat.
2. 88 Surfboards
88 takes our number two spot, and one of the things we really like is just how fun they are to surf.
They work really well for beginners, but the shaping means an intermediate or advanced surfer can still have a genuinely good surf on them.
They're extremely durable, and considering how long they last and how well they surf, we think they're fairly priced.
They're a great option for someone who wants a board they can learn on but isn't necessarily going to grow out of quickly as their surfing improves.
3. Mick Fanning Softboards
Who doesn't love Mick Fanning? The guy's a legend, and his boards are awesome.
Mick Fanning Softboards have become extremely popular. The main thing to know is the price. They sit at the higher end of the softboard market, but you're getting a good-quality board from a premium brand.
There are stable, beginner-friendly options, as well as more performance-focused shapes for intermediate and advanced surfers.
If you're happy to spend a bit more and want a premium softboard with a strong name behind it, Mick Fanning is a very good option.
4. Ocean & Earth
Ocean & Earth has been around the longest of the brands on this list and has been a trusted name in Australian surfing for decades.
One of their biggest strengths is quality. Everything the brand does is generally very well made, and their softboard range follows that same standard.
They also offer a huge range, with boards suitable for complete beginners, kids, families, surf schools, intermediate surfers, and more advanced surfers.
The price point is quite high, but you're paying for proven quality, a large range, and a long track record in the surf industry.
5. Laura Enever Softboards
Laura Enever Softboards are some of the best-looking softboards around.
The color range is a real standout, with plenty of fun and beautiful designs. If you're buying for your daughter, or for someone who wants something a little more distinctive and stylish, there are some awesome options in the range.
But they're not just about looks.
They're very good quality, and the shapes perform well too. They're stable and user-friendly for beginners, while still having enough performance to remain fun as your surfing progresses.
The price is at the premium end, but you're getting a high-quality board with great shapes and an awesome color range.
So, which softboard should you buy?
There isn't one board that suits everybody.
Your ideal board depends on your height, weight, surfing experience, where you surf, and how often you plan to use it.
For most beginners and families looking for maximum value, Oasis remains our first recommendation. If you want to move further into the premium end of the market, 88, Mick Fanning, Ocean & Earth, and Laura Enever all offer great options.
One thing we always recommend is buying from a specialist surf shop rather than choosing a board purely because it's cheap at a department store.
A properly sized board can make the difference between somebody catching waves and loving surfing, or struggling on a board that simply isn't right for them.
Need help choosing a softboard?
Come and see us at Manly Surf Guide in Brookvale, Sydney.
Tell us your height, weight, experience level, and where you normally surf, and we'll help point you towards the right board.
Manly Surf Guide's Top 5 Soft Surfboard Brands for Summer 2026/27
1. Oasis Softboards
2. 88 Surfboards
3. Mick Fanning Softboards
4. Ocean & Earth
5. Laura Enever Softboards
