I would say it is softer than my Volkl RT in the nose and overall but not near as soft as my Burton Custom, if that helps. It is stiff enough to carve with hardboots but you can take it off the groom, ride some powder, bumps etc and it is fine. THe waist is about 22 I think, look at the photo and it should be printed on the board. Not a soft boot board, too narrow I think.