SOFTECH MIDDIE SOFT TOP SURFBOARD, BUTTER PALMS
EXCLUDES FINS, 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.
There is an awkward gap in most people's surfing. You can stand up, you can go straight, and you are bored of the whitewash. But every proper board you try feels like it wants to sink under you.
The Softech Middie is built for exactly that gap.
5 REASONS WHY YOU NEED THIS BOARD
- A drawn-in tail with real rocker lets you actually turn the board, which a flat learner foamie will not do.
- 42 to 58 litres across three sizes, enough float to keep catching waves while you learn to ride the face rather than the foam.
- Wider nose and waist keep the paddling easy, so you are not trading away wave count to get performance.
- Epoxy core, vacuum glassed with 6oz cloth and a thin HDPE slick bottom, so it holds its shape and runs faster than a basic foamie.
- Plenty of nose rocker to stop you pearling on the steeper drops you will start taking on this board.
SIZES AND VOLUMES
- 6'4" x 20" x 2 1/2", 42 litres
- 6'10" x 21 1/4" x 2 2/3", 50 litres
- 7'4" x 22" x 3 1/16", 58 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 SIZE YOU NEED
Go on volume against body weight, not height. Volume is what catches waves.
At a small, sheltered beach 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 you are a complete beginner, not especially sporty, or still working on paddle fitness.
Pick on your own weight. At 1 litre per kilo the 6'4" suits a rider around 42kg, the 6'10" around 50kg and the 7'4" around 58kg. If you are a true beginner rather than someone stepping up, work at 1.5 litres per kilo, which puts even the 7'4" at around 39kg. Most adult beginners will be better off on a Coaster.
Treat that as a starting point. Fitness, coordination and how often you actually get in the water all change the answer, and so does where you surf. Wave size, shape and power make a real difference to the board someone needs, and a board that is perfect at a gutless summer beach break can be the wrong board somewhere with more push.
We are always happy to talk it through and confirm the size before you buy. Tell us your height, weight, how much surfing you have done and where you surf, and we will tell you which one we would put you on.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
- Surfers who can stand up and want to start turning
- Anyone finding a learner foamie too slow and too stiff
- Lighter or younger riders ready for a proper performance shape
- Experienced surfers who want a soft top for small days
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 A MID LENGTH SOFT TOP
Most people go straight from a big learner foamie to a shortboard and hate it. The jump is too far: you lose half your volume, the board stops catching waves, and the progress you had made disappears.
A mid length fixes that. You keep enough float to catch waves on your own, but the outline and rocker let you turn, trim and ride the face properly.
ABOUT THE MIDDIE SOFT TOP SURFBOARD
Softech describe the Middie as a well-rounded board suited to all-round conditions. The drawn-in tail with ample rocker is what makes it turn, and the wider nose and waist are what keep it paddling.
Construction is a step up from a basic foamie: epoxy core with a single stringer, vacuum glassed with 6oz cloth, a high-density PE foam deck and an ultra-thin soft HDPE slick bottom. That slick bottom is where the speed comes from.
HOW IT COMPARES
Below the Middie sits the Coaster, which carries far more volume at a similar length and is the better call if you are still learning to stand up. Above it sits The Slayer, which is lower volume again and more committed.
The honest line: the Middie is a second board, not a first one.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Fins are not included with the Middie. It takes a tri setup on the FCS II system. Budget for fins or ask us to put a set together with it.
- It is not a learner board. If you have never surfed, you will catch far more waves on a Coaster and progress faster.
- You will need a leash. There is a leash plug fitted but no leash included, and no board bag.
- 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.
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. We do not offer size exchanges on surfboards. Return freight on a board is at your cost unless the fault is ours.
- Shipping: Please refer to our shipping page for current rates. Boards are packed under CCTV and marked fragile, so please inspect yours before you sign. We cannot deliver surfboards to rural addresses. If you are rural, choose a town address or your nearest Aramex depot. 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. Nearly 30 years on the same stretch of coast, and most of us learnt to surf on it.
This 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.
"prompt delivery - great packaging - cheap shipping - the board is fantastic" Martin Williams, Google review
"gone above and beyond with awesome service, advice and professionalism" Kurt Roll, 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 you 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.
