I finally took the mick fanning supersoft 7 6 out for a spin during a small swell last weekend, and it's a total game-changer for those mediocre days when the waves aren't exactly firing. If you've been surfing for a while, you probably know the feeling of looking at a knee-high, mushy lineup and wondering if it's even worth putting on a wetsuit. This board is basically the answer to that problem.
It's funny because, for a long time, softboards were seen as just "beginner gear" or something you'd throw a kid on so they don't hurt themselves. But things have changed. Pro surfers like Mick Fanning have put their names on these designs because they realized that having fun is more important than struggling on a high-performance shortboard in low-quality conditions.
Why the 7'6" size hits the sweet spot
When I was looking at the different sizes, the mick fanning supersoft 7 6 really stood out as the "Goldilocks" length. At 7'6", it has enough volume to float just about anyone, but it isn't so massive that it feels like you're trying to steer a literal boat. It's got that mid-length feel that gives you tons of paddle power without being a total pain to carry from the car to the sand.
The volume on this thing is generous, sitting at around 58 liters. For context, that's about double the volume of a standard shortboard. What that means in the water is that you can catch waves earlier than everyone else. You're gliding while the guys on fiberglass boards are still frantically scratching to get down the face.
More than just a "foamie"
One thing I noticed immediately is the build quality. A lot of cheap softboards feel like pool toys—they're floppy and lose their shape after a few sessions. The mick fanning supersoft 7 6 feels solid. It's got a multi-stringer system inside that gives it enough stiffness to actually hold an edge when you're trimming across a wave.
The "Supersoft" name isn't just marketing, either. The deck is incredibly grippy and soft on your skin. I actually surfed it without wax for the first session just to see how it felt. While I'd probably still throw a little wax on there for extra security, the texture itself does a surprisingly good job of keeping your feet planted. Plus, if you've ever had a board hit you in the head after a wipeout, you'll appreciate the "soft" aspect of the construction.
Taking it into the water
Paddling this board is almost like cheating. Because it sits so high in the water, you don't have to work nearly as hard to get moving. On my first session, the waves were maybe waist-high and a bit crumbly. Usually, I'd be struggling to keep my momentum, but on the mick fanning supersoft 7 6, I was making sections I had no business making.
It's not just for straight-lining, though. Obviously, you aren't going to be doing vertical snaps or deep tube rides on a 7'6" foamie, but you can definitely lay it over and do some nice, sweeping carves. The fin boxes are genuine FCSII compatible, which is a huge plus. It comes with a set of soft fins (safety first!), but if you want to sharpen up the performance, you can pop in some stiffer fiberglass fins and it completely changes the drive of the board.
Who is this board actually for?
I'd argue that almost every surfer needs something like the mick fanning supersoft 7 6 in their garage.
If you're a total beginner, this is the perfect starter board. It's stable, forgiving, and safe. You won't feel like you're balancing on a tightrope, and the extra length gives you a much larger "sweet spot" for your foot placement when you pop up.
If you're an intermediate or advanced surfer, this is your "sanity saver." We all have those days where we want to surf but the conditions are depressing. Instead of getting frustrated on your regular board, you hop on this, catch twenty waves in an hour, and come out of the water with a massive grin. It's also great for teaching friends or taking the kids out for a tandem ride.
Handling the crowd
Let's be real: surf spots are getting more crowded every year. When the waves are small and the crowd is thick, the mick fanning supersoft 7 6 gives you a distinct advantage. You can sit a bit further out than the shortboarders and get into the waves before they even start to peak.
Because it's a softboard, people tend to be a bit more relaxed around you, too. There's less "aggro" vibe when you're riding something that looks like it's built for pure fun. Just don't be that person who hogs every single wave just because you can!
Stability and duck diving
One thing to keep in mind is that at 7'6" and 58 liters, you aren't duck diving this board unless you're a literal giant. You're going to be doing a lot of turtle rolling. Luckily, the board is light enough that flipping it over and holding on isn't a massive chore.
The stability is really where it shines. Even if you're a bit clumsy with your footwork, the width of the board (around 22 inches) keeps you centered. I found that I could move my feet around quite a bit—walking forward to get more speed or stepping back on the tail to pivot—without the board wobbling uncontrollably.
Durability and maintenance
One of the best things about boards like the mick fanning supersoft 7 6 is how low-maintenance they are. You don't have to worry about "shattering" the glass if you bump it against a door frame or drop it on the sidewalk. It can take a bit of a beating.
That said, it's still an EPS core board, so you don't want to leave it in a hot car for five hours or it might delaminate (which is true for any surfboard, really). Rinse it with fresh water after your session, keep it out of the direct sun when you're not using it, and it'll last you for years.
Comparing it to the MF Beastie
A lot of people ask what the difference is between this and the MF Beastie. While the Beastie is also a great mid-length, the Supersoft is, well softer. The Beastie has a more refined shape and is designed to feel a bit more like a traditional surfboard. The Supersoft is geared more towards pure ease of use and maximum safety. If you're looking for a dedicated learner board or a "relaxed" cruiser, the Supersoft is the way to go.
Final thoughts on the ride
Surfing is supposed to be fun, and it's easy to forget that when we're obsessing over board dims and "performance." The mick fanning supersoft 7 6 reminds you why you started surfing in the first place. It turns a "bad" day at the beach into a great one.
It's not the board you'll take out when it's double overhead and pumping, but for those everyday summer conditions, it's hard to beat. It catches everything, feels solid underfoot, and doesn't take itself too seriously. Whether you're just starting your surfing journey or you're a seasoned veteran looking to increase your wave count, this board is a solid investment in your own happiness.
I've had mine for a few months now, and honestly, it's probably the board I reach for more than any other during the week. There's just something about the mick fanning supersoft 7 6 that makes you want to stay in the water until your arms are noodles and the sun has completely gone down. And really, isn't that the whole point?