Imagine this: you’re standing on the beach, the ocean calling your name, and you’re ready to catch your first wave. But then you look at the surf shop, and a sea of surfboards overwhelms you. Which one is right for you? Choosing your first surfboard, especially a soft top, can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces.
Soft top surfboards, also called foamies, are awesome for beginners. They’re safe and easy to ride. But with so many sizes, shapes, and brands, it’s tough to know where to start. Do you need a long one or a short one? What about the thickness? These questions can make your head spin, and you might end up with a board that’s not quite right for your surfing journey.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help. We’ll break down everything you need to know about soft top surfboards. You’ll learn what makes them great for learning, how to pick the perfect size for your height and weight, and what features to look for. By the end, you’ll feel confident and ready to pick a soft top that will have you riding waves in no time.
Our Top 5 Soft Top Surfboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soft Top Surfboard Detailed Reviews
1. WAVESTORM Classic Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard Surfboard for Beginners and All Surfing Levels Complete Board Set Including Accessories Leash and Fins
Rating: 9.1/10
Ready to catch some waves? The WAVESTORM Classic Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard is your ticket to fun in the sun. This board is designed for everyone, from total beginners to experienced surfers. It comes as a complete set, so you can hit the water right away!
What We Like:
- The soft foam construction makes it safe and comfortable to use.
- It has a strong core with three stringers for extra durability.
- The slick bottom helps you glide smoothly across the water.
- It includes everything you need: fins, a leash, and a traction pad.
- The cool graphic art on the deck looks awesome.
- At only 11.5 lbs, it’s easy to carry.
- The 86 liters of volume give you great stability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for learning, more advanced surfers might want a board with more performance features.
- The soft top can be prone to dings if not handled with care.
This WAVESTORM surfboard offers an excellent entry point into surfing or a fun option for casual rides. It’s a fantastic value for anyone looking to enjoy the ocean.
2. Wavestorm – Classic Soft Top Foam 7ft Surfboard Surfboard for Beginners and All Surfing Levels Complete Set Includes Leash and Multiple Fins Heat Laminated
Rating: 8.7/10
Ready to catch some waves? The Wavestorm Classic Soft Top Foam 7ft Surfboard is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to get into surfing, or for experienced surfers looking for a fun board. This board is designed to make learning easy and enjoyable. It comes as a complete set, so you have everything you need to hit the water. The bright blue pinline design looks cool too!
What We Like:
- It’s super user-friendly for beginners.
- The board is lightweight at only 10.2lbs, making it easy to carry.
- A triple stringer system gives it extra strength and stability.
- The soft graphic deck is gentle on your feet and the slick bottom helps it glide.
- It comes with a leash for safety and three fins for good control.
- The price is very reasonable for a complete setup.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for learning, it might be a bit basic for very advanced surfers.
- The soft graphic deck can show wear over time with heavy use.
This Wavestorm surfboard is an excellent way to start your surfing journey or add a fun, versatile board to your quiver. You’ll be riding waves in no time!
3. THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard for Beginner Adults and Kids Lightweight Shortboard for Surfing Beach Fun and Water Sports – Durable
Rating: 8.8/10
Ready to hit the waves? The THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard is your ticket to surfing fun! This board is made for beginners, whether you’re an adult or a kid. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for a day at the beach. You can enjoy water sports and learn to surf with confidence on this stable board.
What We Like:
- Super beginner-friendly design makes learning easy and fun.
- Excellent stability and safety features keep you balanced and secure.
- Built tough with strong materials for long-lasting use.
- Performs well in different wave conditions, helping you improve.
- Great grip helps you stay on the board.
- Lightweight construction makes it easy to carry.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for learning, more experienced surfers might want a board with more advanced features for bigger waves.
- Availability might be limited at times, so grab it when you see it!
This THURSO SURF board offers a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to catch some waves. It’s a reliable choice for building your surfing skills and enjoying beach days.
4. 6’ FLOWBOARD Surfboard Softboard Foam – Include (3) Fins 6’ Foot Leash and (2) Wood Stringers – Kids and Adults Beginner Intermediate 7 Foot and Comes with High Performance Traction Pad Pink
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to catch some waves with the 6’ FLOWBOARD Surfboard Softboard Foam! This awesome board is designed for fun on the water. It’s a softboard, which means it’s made of foam. This makes it safer for beginners and kids. It’s also perfect for adults who are just starting out or want to improve their skills. The bright pink color is super cool! This surfboard comes with everything you need to hit the beach.
What We Like:
- It’s a softboard, making it safer and more forgiving for beginners.
- It includes three fins for stability and control in the water.
- A 6-foot leash keeps you connected to your board.
- Two wood stringers add strength and durability to the board.
- A high-performance traction pad gives you a good grip.
- It’s suitable for both kids and adults.
What Could Be Improved:
- The description mentions “7 Foot” in the title, but the board is 6 feet. This could be confusing.
- More details about the specific type of foam or wood stringers would be helpful.
This FLOWBOARD Surfboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to have a blast at the beach. It offers a complete package for a great surfing experience.
5. Bloo Tide 8ft Surfboard Soft top Red with Blue Wavizm Design Bottom Graphic
Rating: 8.9/10
The Bloo Tide 8ft Surfboard in a vibrant red with a cool blue Wavizm design on the bottom is your ticket to catching waves. This soft-top board is built for fun and ease, making it a fantastic choice for beginner and intermediate surfers. Its generous size and thoughtful construction mean you’ll spend less time struggling and more time riding. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started right away!
What We Like:
- The molded foam core with three stringers makes the board strong.
- The EBS-IXL foam top deck gives you a great grip so you don’t slip.
- The high-density graphic slick bottom helps you glide faster.
- It’s built without glues or epoxies, making it environmentally friendly.
- Lots of volume means it floats really well, helping you paddle easily.
- The board is lightweight, making it super easy to carry to the beach.
- It comes with a leash and fins, so you’re ready to surf immediately.
What Could Be Improved:
- The U.V. inhibitors protect the colors, but they might fade over many years of use.
- While great for beginners, more advanced surfers might want a board with a different shape.
This Bloo Tide surfboard offers a fantastic balance of performance and user-friendliness. It’s a smart and exciting way to enjoy your time in the ocean.
Your Guide to the Perfect Soft Top Surfboard
Soft top surfboards, also called foamies, are fantastic for beginners. They’re forgiving and safe. This guide helps you pick the best one.
What to Look For in a Soft Top Surfboard
When you shop, check these things.
Size and Volume
- Length: Longer boards are more stable. Beginners usually need boards that are 7 feet or longer. A longer board helps you catch waves easier.
- Width: Wider boards offer more stability. This makes it easier to stand up.
- Thickness: Thicker boards have more volume. Volume is how much space the board takes up. More volume means more floatation. This helps you paddle and balance.
Shape and Design
- Nose Shape: A rounded nose is common on soft tops. This shape is forgiving. It’s less likely to hurt you if it hits you.
- Tail Shape: Different tail shapes affect how the board turns. For beginners, a rounded or squash tail works well. These are stable.
Fins
- Fin Type: Most soft tops use a fin box system. This lets you change fins. For beginners, larger fins offer more stability.
- Number of Fins: Many soft tops have three fins (a thruster setup). This is a good balance of speed and control.
Materials That Matter
The materials make a big difference.
- Core: The inside of the board is usually made of polyethylene foam. This foam is soft and buoyant. It makes the board float well.
- Deck: The top surface of the board has a soft foam pad. This is usually made of IXPE or EVA foam. This pad gives you grip and cushioning. It makes surfing more comfortable.
- Bottom: The bottom of the board is often made of a slicker material like HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). This helps the board glide through the water.
- Stringer: This is a wooden or composite rod that runs down the center of the board. It adds strength and stiffness. More stringers often mean a stronger board.
What Makes a Soft Top Great (or Not So Great)?
Quality varies. Here’s what to consider.
- Durability: A good soft top holds up to bumps and knocks. Look for boards with reinforced rails (the edges of the board). A strong stringer system also helps.
- Weight: Softer boards are usually lighter than hard boards. This makes them easier to carry. It also makes them easier to maneuver in the water.
- Performance: While soft tops are for learning, some are designed to perform better. Boards with more rocker (the curve of the board from nose to tail) can turn more easily.
- Price: Cheaper boards might not last as long. They might also be heavier or less stable. Investing a little more can get you a better board.
User Experience and When to Use Them
Soft tops are super versatile.
- For Beginners: They are the best choice. The soft surface prevents injuries. The buoyancy makes paddling and standing up easier.
- For Families: Kids and adults can enjoy them. They are safe for everyone at the beach.
- For Experienced Surfers: Some surfers use soft tops for fun in small waves. They can be a blast to ride!
- Where to Use Them: Soft tops are great for gentle waves at the beach. They work well in lakes and calm rivers too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Top Surfboards
Q: Are soft top surfboards good for beginners?
A: Yes, they are excellent for beginners. Their soft surface is safer, and they provide good stability and buoyancy.
Q: How do I choose the right size soft top surfboard?
A: For beginners, choose a longer board (7 feet or more) with plenty of volume (thickness and width) for stability.
Q: What makes a soft top surfboard durable?
A: Durability comes from strong materials, reinforced rails, and a good stringer system. A well-built soft top will last a long time.
Q: Can experienced surfers use soft top surfboards?
A: Absolutely! Experienced surfers often use them for fun in small waves or for a different surfing experience.
Q: How do I care for my soft top surfboard?
A: Rinse it with fresh water after surfing, especially in saltwater. Store it out of direct sunlight to prevent damage to the foam.
Q: What is the main difference between a soft top and a hard surfboard?
A: The main difference is the material. Soft tops have a foam deck for comfort and safety, while hard boards are typically made of fiberglass and epoxy.
Q: Do soft top surfboards float better than hard surfboards?
A: Generally, soft tops have more volume for their size, which means they float very well. This helps with paddling and catching waves.
Q: How much do soft top surfboards usually cost?
A: Prices vary, but you can find good beginner soft tops starting from around $200 to $500.
Q: Can I take my soft top surfboard into big waves?
A: While possible, soft tops are best suited for smaller to medium waves. Larger waves require more advanced boards and skills.
Q: How do I attach a leash to my soft top surfboard?
A: Most soft tops have a leash plug near the tail. You thread the leash cord through this plug and attach it to your ankle.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.