SOFTECH GOBLIN SOFT TOP SURFBOARD, ORANGE/GREEN
INCLUDES FINS. EXCLUDES LEASH AND BOARD BAG.
We recommend surfboard wax with all surfboards, including soft tops. A soft deck is not a grippy deck once it is wet. Wax it lightly before each session.
Most kids give up on surfing because of the board, not the waves. An adult board is too heavy for a seven year old to carry down the beach, too big to paddle, and it hurts when it hits them. The Softech Goblin is built to fix all three.
5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED THIS BOARD
- Shaped around a 20kg to 50kg rider and sold in three sizes, so they get a board that fits now, light enough to carry down the beach and paddle without help.
- 33 to 47 litres of float catches broken waves early, and wave count is the one thing that genuinely makes a kid improve.
- Foam deck and soft rails mean a knock to the head is a bump rather than a trip home, so they paddle back out instead of giving up on it.
- A double stringer in every size keeps it stiff where cheap no-stringer foamies go soft inside a season, so it usually sees a second or third kid through.
- Stable enough that most kids get to their feet in the first session or two, which is the moment you are really buying, and the reason they ask to go back.
SIZES AND VOLUMES
We stock all three sizes. Every size has two stringers, a pre-installed leash plug and a set of three ST safety fins.
- 5'2" x 19 1/2" x 2 5/8", 33 litres
- 5'8" x 20 1/4" x 2 3/4", 41 litres
- 6'0" x 21 1/2" x 2 7/8", 47 litres
Would you like a free 15 minute consultation to help you choose the right board length and volume? Book a call with Tom "TK" Kibblewhite. Tom has represented New Zealand and won numerous national and local titles in both longboarding and shortboarding. This kind of feedback will be priceless in helping you select the right product.
You can see more of Tom's surfing and coaching on Instagram: @t.kibblewhite and @cleanlinessurfcoaching
HOW TO WORK OUT THE VOLUME THEY NEED
Go on volume against body weight, not height. Volume is what catches waves.
At a small, sheltered beach like Orewa, in waves under about 80cm, the starting point for a beginner is around 1 litre of volume per kilo of body weight.
Push that up to around 1.5 litres per kilo if the rider is under 10, or is not yet a strong swimmer for their age and not a confident skateboarder. Those two are a fair proxy for paddling power and quick feet, and a kid without them needs the extra float to get going.
So a reasonably sporty 30kg kid wants about 30 litres, which is the 5'2". A 30kg complete beginner who is not especially sporty wants closer to 45 litres, which is the 6'0".
This matters at the top of the range. Softech rate the Goblin for 20kg to 50kg, and that holds for a capable rider at 1 litre per kilo. A 50kg complete beginner needs closer to 75 litres, which is more than any Goblin carries. If that sounds like your rider, talk to us about the Middie or the Coaster instead. We would rather point you at the right board than sell you this one.
Wave size and power change the answer too. On very small, gutless waves a bigger board is no problem at all and the extra float will catch them plenty of waves. It becomes a problem on a more open, exposed coast, where a board the rider cannot control gets away from them in steeper, more powerful surf.
Send us their age, weight, how sporty they are and their home beach, and we will tell you which one we would put them on.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
- Kids roughly 6 to 12 years old, between 20kg and 50kg
- First time surfers learning to catch and ride small broken waves
- Lighter riders who already surf and want a fun board for small, soft days
- Anyone buying a first board as a gift who wants a safe, forgiving option
It is not the right board for an adult beginner. If you are buying for yourself, look at the Softech Roller or The Middie instead.
SAVE ON A COMBO DEAL
Buying a new board? Why not make it a combo, just use the relevant promo code at the checkout. Please note we review all combos and if there is a better option, or a wrong fitting item like a bag or leash, then we will make contact and check if you want to change that item. If you are unsure what to add, use the chat on this page and we can sort it out with you while you browse.
- Spend $750 get 10% off all accessories and wetsuits: combo10
- Spend $1500 get 15% off all accessories and wetsuits: combo15
- Spend $2500 get 20% off all accessories and wetsuits: combo20
*Combo will apply to accessories on the surf website like bags, grip, leash, fins and wetsuits. The discount will not work with other discounted items or with the board purchased.
FLEXIBLE FINANCE AVAILABLE
- 12 Months Interest-Free with Q Card (contact us in store for manual processing)
- Afterpay available, can be used online
Simple, easy checkout options.
WHY KIDS LEARN ON A SOFT TOP SURFBOARD
A soft top, or foamie as most people round here call it, is not a cheap version of a real surfboard. It is a different tool for a different job.
The foam deck and soft rails mean that when the board hits the rider, and it will, nothing much happens. That matters more than anything else in the first year. A kid who has been smacked in the face by a hard fibreglass nose often will not paddle back out.
A soft top also floats better for its size, and more float means more waves caught. The old advice of starting small to learn quicker gets it backwards. Riders learn quicker on a board that actually catches waves.
The common mistake is buying a full size 7ft or 8ft soft top because that is what the adult learner boards look like. A 25kg child cannot carry one down the beach or swing it round in the water, and a board they cannot handle on land is a board they will not use.
ABOUT THE GOBLIN
Softech describe it as manageable, safe and very stable, and that is a fair read of what it does. Volume is the number doing the work. The board sits up on the water, paddles easily, and does not sink under the nose when a kid pops up slightly forward, which they all do at the start.
The ST safety fins are deliberately soft, which is the right call for a board that will spend its first season in the whitewash with other kids around. The two stringers stop it flexing like a pool toy, so it still feels like a surfboard underfoot.
In the waves most New Zealand kids learn in, think Orewa on a small day, Omaha, Mount Maunganui's inside bank, it picks up broken waves early and tracks straight enough for a beginner to hold a line. Softech note that more accomplished riders enjoy it in playful waves too, particularly the bigger sizes.
HOW IT COMPARES
The Goblin sits at the entry point of the Softech range and it is the only model shaped specifically for children. The step up is The Middie, then the Roller and the Coaster, which are the boards Softech recommend for beginners. Those are adult learner boards: longer, wider and far more volume, which is exactly what makes them unmanageable for a 30kg child.
Against other kids soft tops, the Goblin's point of difference is the double stringer and the volume. Plenty of cheap kids foamies are single stringer or no stringer and go soft inside a season.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- They will outgrow it. Built for 20kg to 50kg. Sizing up buys you time, but plan on two to four years depending on how fast they grow.
- The fins are soft on purpose. They trade drive and hold for safety. A more advanced rider will notice the board slides out sooner than a stiffer fin would allow.
- You will need a leash. Every size has a leash plug fitted but no leash included, and no board bag. Ask us and we will match the right one.
- Look after the skin. If the outer skin gets punctured, dry the board out and seal it with clear silicone before it goes back in the water.
- We cannot deliver surfboards to rural addresses. If you are rural, choose a town address or your nearest Aramex depot.
- We do not offer size exchanges on surfboards. This is why we would rather talk sizing through before you order than sort it out afterwards.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE
- Warranty: Your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 apply to every product we sell. If you have a question about cover, talk to us before you buy.
- Returns: 30 days to return, unused and in resalable condition with original packaging, through our online returns portal. Return freight on a board is at your cost unless the fault is ours.
- Shipping: Please refer to our shipping page for current rates. Every size is well under 7'2", so it ships with Aramex and we recommend sending it to your nearest Aramex depot. Boards are packed under CCTV and marked fragile, so please inspect yours before you sign. Click and collect is available from our Orewa store.
WHY BUY FROM UNDERGROUND
We have been selling surfboards and soft tops from Orewa Beach, Auckland since 1997. That is nearly 30 years of putting Kiwi kids on their first boards, and most of us learnt on this same stretch of coast.
The Goblin is a new arrival, so it has no product reviews of its own yet. What we can show you is what customers say about getting the right gear out of us. We hold 4.9 stars from 247 Google reviews.
"The team at underground know their stuff. Have been in there countless times for many years... Always good advice whether you're just starting or have seen many seasons in the water/skatepark." Matt Cockayne, Google review
"Best surf shop experience I've ever had! They really do go above and beyond to help you and highly recommend!!" Beth Packer, Google review
We stock the Softech range because it holds up in a New Zealand summer, and we will tell you honestly if a different board suits your kid better. Come and see them at 306 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa.
TALK TO US
Email info@undergroundsurf.co.nz, call us on 09 427 9552, or use the chat on this page. We can sort you out with a leash, wax and a board cover to go with it, and work out the best way to get it to you if you are outside Auckland.
Handmade from highly durable materials, and constructed using proven manufacturing techniques, Softech surfboards are built to withstand the toughest of treatment and are available in a range of styles to suit the beginner through to the most experienced rider.
SAVE ON A COMBO DEAL: Buying a new board? Why not make it a combo, just use the relevant promo code at the checkout. Please note we review all combos and if there is a better option, or wrong fitting item ie bag or leash, then we will make contact and check if you want to change that item. Otherwise, the best way to get advice on boards is by phone 094279552 ext 2 10-5pm 7 Days and we can chat while you scroll online.
Spend $750 get 10% off all accessories and wetsuits: combo10
Spend $1500 get 15% off all accessories and wetsuits: combo15
Spend $2500 get 20% off all accessories and wetsuits: combo20
*Combo will apply to accessories on the surf website like bags, grip, leash, fins and wetsuits. The discount will not work with other discounted items or with the board purchased.
12 Months Interest-Free Finance with Q Card. Simple and Easy to apply. Find out more about this, plus Afterpay HERE.
All orders will be shipped from Underground Skate Limited - 306 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa, 0931
If you have any questions about shipping, then please email us on info@undergroundsurf.co.nz 9am - 3.30pm Weekdays or use our website chat feature and we'll be happy to help you out.
All items are packaged with extreme care, under CCTV surveillance. As freight is handled by third parties, we advise you to thoroughly inspect your Good(s) for damage in transit.
Parcels are not collected on weekends, so orders received after 1pm Friday will be shipped the following Monday otherwise 'click and collect' is available from our store. (Please confirm your order is ready before driving to the store.)
NEW ZEALAND:
CLICK & COLLECT is of course free from our store, just select this option at the checkout and you can collect during our stores opening hours.
For smaller items:
- $10 – NZ WIDE VIA ARAMEX (Non Rural)
- $15 - NZ WIDE VIA ARAMEX (Rural)
- $25 – NORTH ISLAND VIA NZ POST EXPRESS – excludes bulky* items.
- $50 - SOUTH ISLAND VIA NZ POST EXPRESS – excludes bulky* items.
Address Checker - Please check your address to avoid delays if you select non rural and you are rural https://www.addresscheck.co.nz
We use a standard Aramex Courier service to ship your goods nationwide, this is a non-signature service. We suggest under “Shipping Instructions” you leave a note as to where the courier should leave your parcel if you are not there on the day of delivery.
NZ POST EXPRESS – non-signature service, tracking will be sent directly from NZ Post when your order is booked with this service. Cut Off – 3.30pm Weekdays. We are unable to send bulky items via NZ Post.
You will receive an invoice and tracking number in an e-mail once your order is dispatched from Underground in Orewa Auckland. Once the order has been collected by our courier, your tracking number will be live.
*BULKY ITEMS – excludes all Complete Skateboards, Wide Brim Straw Hats, Surfboards, all Paddle Boards, all Board Bags, SUP Paddles, SUP Carts, Body Boards.
For Surfboards, Sups and larger items:
- $49.99 NZ WIDE – Surfboards & Foil Boards
- $99.99 NZ WIDE – Sups
Please note:
- Boards 7'2 and under will be delivered using Aramex Couriers, we advise getting it shipped to your closest Aramex depot where possible. You can check out the depots here - https://www.aramex.co.nz/contact-us/aramex-depot/
- Boards 7'4 and larger will be delivered to the nearest Titus Transport Depot or Depot Partner for you to collect. They have depots in most main centres throughout New Zealand. Or we can have them delivered direct to your door at your cost and can provide a shipping quote upon request.
For Shipping Costs on Surfboards, Foils & Sups direct to your own address please contact us via our Chat Feature or emails us on info@undergroundsurf.co.nz and we'll be happy to help you out.
Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver any large items such as Surfboards or SUPs to rural areas.
SURFBOARDS, SUPS and FOILS – please do not sign for your package if the packaging is damaged in anyway as Underground Surf will not be liable or any damages that are signed for and accepted on delivery.
All boards are packaged under CTV surveillance and are marked as Fragile with a “Do not sign for if Damaged” A4 note.
If you have any questions, please contact us via our Chat Feature or email us on info@undergroundsurf.co.nz and we'll be happy to help you out.
AUSTRALIA:
- FREE SHIPPING on Orders over $200.00 – excludes bulky* items.
- $29.99 on Orders under $200.00 – excludes bulky* items.
*BULKY ITEMS – excludes all Complete Skateboards, Wide Brim Straw Hats, Surfboards, all Paddle Boards, all Board Bags, SUP Paddles, SUP Carts, Body Boards.
We use a standard Aramex Courier service to ship your goods Australian wide, this is a non-signature service. We suggest under “Shipping Instructions” you leave a note as to where the courier should leave your parcel if you are not there on the day of delivery.
You will receive shipping notifications directly from Aramex once your parcel as been booked for collection.
All prices below and on our website are in New Zealand Dollars. To view the exchange rate - https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=NZD&To=AUD
If you have any questions, please contact us via our Chat Feature or email us on info@undergroundskate.co.nz and we'll be happy to help you out.
REST OF THE WORLD:
At this stage we only ship internationally to Australia, but we can look into sending our products all over the world for you just email us on info@undergroundsurf.co.nz and we'll happily give you a quote.
CUSTOMS AND DUTY CHARGES:
If you are purchasing Internationally then we recommend that you review the following resource to assist you in calculating the charges you may be subject to upon arrival of your parcel to your country/local area: dutycalculator.com
International orders may be subject to local charges. Any customs or import duties and associated fees are charged once the parcel reaches its destination country. These charges must be paid by the recipient of the parcel. We have no control over these charges and cannot predict what they may be.
Underground Surf cannot be held responsible for any additional charges on your order, nor can we accept a return of the order in this case.
Customs policies vary widely from country to country, so please contact your local customs office for further information. If you refuse to pay these charges your parcel may be abandoned, and Underground Surf will not be held responsible for any loss of funds as a result of this occurrence. We cannot mark International orders as a gift in order to bypass or reduce any customs fees. This is an illegal practice and as an established business we will not do this.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- If you are returning a Free Freight item for a Cash Refund, we will not refund our freight cost, which is a minimum of $10 or what you were charged. Even if you qualified for free freight.
- We will not accept any claim for damage on any Surfboards or Sups after they have been signed for by the customer. Inspect before signing.
- We will not refund on any finance sale this includes AfterPay and Q Card. We will only allow exchange or credit unless there is a mistake at our end in shipping or stock holding.
- Should you select an item that is marked as 'Pre-Order’ and pay using Afterpay a 5% cancellation fee will apply that covers our costs if you cancel this because you did not read it correctly.
- By selecting any item that is marked as 'Pre-Order’ you allow a grace period of 14 days from the original date before we will offer a refund.
- We will not accept returns of any sort from any international order.
- We will cover the cost of return freight from our store to you on one exchange for size. Any further exchange in size will be charged at freight cost + $10 handling fee. We will not offer a refund after an exchange of size has taken place. This Excludes Surf / Sup boards, surf bags and international orders.
- Should there be a miss-pick, the wrong item sent, the item is faulty, or the description/image is significantly wrong we will cover freight costs both ways or provide a refund.
- Any item returned to us without swing tags, with pricing removed, or not 100% as it was shipped out to you will have a restocking fee of 10-30% depending on how that item is returned. This will be at our discretion.
- We will not accept returns for any 'In Warehouse' customer orders. This stock would have been brought in at a significant cost to meet your order.
- We will not be responsible for any change of address that takes place after the order is processed. We will provide you the tracking details to contact the courier and arrange this.
- We will not be responsible for the loss of any parcel where there is a shipping request to leave in a place, doorstep etc. Once the courier says it is delivered any claim for anything missing item will be between yourself and the courier company. We will offer assistance where possible.
- We will not issue any refund in the event of a delayed courier unless we are informed that it must be to you by a certain date and time. We cannot be responsible for lack or planning on your behalf.
- We will provide courier details and tracking information upon sending the order. This is your responsibility to track this and ensure it comes. We are happy to assist but you must email us the order number.
- Any special courier charges such as Saturday delivery or Rural delivery excess will not be refunded under any circumstances.
- Returns will ONLY be accepted via our online portal. Any damage or loss of any returned item is at your risk. We strongly advise having it tracked and signed for.
- Sale or Combo surfboards and sups will incur extra freight charges that match our cost prices for this. We will make contact with you. Items over 7'4 in length can only be sent to local main centre depots. We cannot send these to Rural Delivery addresses. Home addresses will incur a surcharge.
