JS Industries 2021 Softboards Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: Softboards 2021 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: JS Industries
Interviewee: Herve Lacastaigneratte, CEO Surf Lounge
2021 saw a massive influx of newbies in surfing due to COVID’s “free time”. Did they favour soft boards over hardboards?
This is the first season we are doing JS soft boards due to the increase of the demand, it is definitely a trend.
No name brands can be found anywhere, whereas boardsports retailers are pushing the core soft boards brands. What piece of advice do you suggest so they can persuade customers to buy the “real thing”?
Soft boards are an incredibly fun addition to all surfer’s quivers, but even more essential for some. They allow kids and beginners to paddle (or be pushed) into waves without any fear of dinging themselves or the board. And for experienced surfers, they’re the perfect way to get in the water and have a good time no matter what, without any expectations. We want to make it easy for parents to help their children fall in love with surfing on a soft board, then go and sneak a few waves in themselves, even while using the same board. It’s the best of both worlds, and every reason you could ever need a foamie, all in one. To build the best soft boards possible, we’ve kept it simple.
Anything new to mention in the construction area?
Proven JS small wave shapes that you can actually manoeuvre, built to maximize durability and safety. It starts with the same top-quality materials and construction processes we use in our world-renowned JS range and is finished with a soft 3mm PE shell all over, plus a microdot thermoform bottom. An EPS core is covered in 2x layers of 4-ounce glass on the deck and 1x layer of 4-ounce glass on the bottom. This maintains long-lasting strength and the right weight to keep momentum when you’re surfing. A carbon T-Stringer provides extra stiffness and strength, with a more controlled flex that feels even better when flying down the line. The Flame Fish soft board also comes with a built-in tail kick for extra support.
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