Ever dreamed of catching a wave, but felt intimidated by the ocean or the gear? You’re not alone! So many people want to try surfing, but the thought of choosing a surfboard can feel like navigating a stormy sea itself. It’s tough because there are so many different kinds, and you just want one that’s easy to learn on and fun to ride.
That’s exactly why we’re diving into the world of soft top surfboards! These foam beauties are often the perfect first step for new surfers. But even with soft tops, there’s still a lot to consider. What makes one soft top better than another for a beginner? How do you know which size is right for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about choosing and enjoying your very own soft top surfboard. Get ready to discover the best options, understand what makes them great, and feel confident in picking the perfect board to get you riding waves in no time!
Our Top 5 Soft Top Surfboards Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Soft Top Surfboards 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: 8.6/10
Ready to catch some waves? The WAVESTORM Classic Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard is your ticket to surfing fun, whether you’re a total beginner or have been riding for years. This board comes with everything you need to get started: fins, a leash, and even a traction pad. Its bright “Burst” graphic design will make you stand out on the water. The soft foam construction makes it safe and comfortable to handle, while the strong core and stringer system give it plenty of support. At 8 feet long, it’s a stable ride, perfect for learning to paddle and stand up. The slick bottom helps you glide smoothly through the water.
What We Like:
- Super stable and easy to balance on, making it great for learning.
- The soft foam construction is forgiving and won’t hurt if you bump into it.
- Comes as a complete set with all the essential accessories.
- The bright “Burst” color makes it easy to spot in the water.
- It’s a good value for the price, especially for a beginner board.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable for its price, it might not hold up as well to very rough use compared to more expensive boards.
- The included fins are basic; more experienced surfers might want to upgrade later.
This WAVESTORM surfboard is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to try surfing. It offers a forgiving and fun experience for riders of all levels.
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: 8.9/10
Ready to catch some waves? The Wavestorm Classic Soft Top Foam 7ft Surfboard is your ticket to the ocean. This board is designed for everyone, from total beginners to experienced surfers. It comes as a complete set, so you have everything you need to hit the water. The cool blue pinline adds a stylish touch to this fun board.
What We Like:
- Lightweight and Easy to Handle: Weighing in at just 10.2lbs, this 7ft board is easy for anyone to carry and maneuver.
- Stable and Strong: The triple stringer system gives the foam core great strength and keeps the board rigid, making it easier to balance on.
- Great Traction: A tail pad is built-in for better grip with your back foot, and the patented UV-inhibiting soft graphic deck protects the board and your feet.
- Good Maneuverability: The included triple performance 4.5 fin setup helps you turn and control the board more easily.
- Complete Package: It includes a leash and fins, so you can start surfing right away.
- Durable Construction: The high-density slick bottom adds to the board’s rigidity and helps it glide through the water.
What Could Be Improved:
- Volume for Advanced Surfers: With 70 liters of volume, while great for learning, more advanced surfers might want a board with less volume for bigger waves.
- Soft Top Durability in Harsh Conditions: While the soft top is great for safety, it might show wear and tear faster with very heavy use in rough conditions compared to a hard board.
This Wavestorm surfboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into surfing or just have fun at the beach. It offers a stable and user-friendly experience for all skill levels.
3. 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: 9.3/10
The 6’ FLOWBOARD Surfboard Softboard Foam in vibrant pink is a fantastic option for anyone looking to catch some waves! This board is designed for both kids and adults, making it a versatile choice for families. It’s great for beginners and those who are just starting to get comfortable in the water. The soft foam construction makes it safe and forgiving, which is super important when you’re learning. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started right away.
What We Like:
- It’s lightweight and easy to carry to the beach.
- The soft foam material is safe and comfortable for new surfers.
- It includes three fins for good stability and control.
- A 6-foot leash is provided to keep you connected to your board.
- Two wood stringers add extra strength and help the board keep its shape.
- The high-performance traction pad gives you a secure grip.
- It’s suitable for both kids and adults, and for beginner to intermediate skill levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, more experienced surfers might find it less ideal for advanced maneuvers.
- The “7 Foot” mentioned in the title seems to be a typo, as the main description is for a 6′ board. Clarification on exact sizing would be helpful.
This FLOWBOARD is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to experience the joy of surfing. It offers a fun and safe way to learn and enjoy the ocean.
4. Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and Kids of All Levels of Surfing
Rating: 8.9/10
The Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to catch some waves. Its longboard design makes it super stable, which is great for beginners. Plus, it’s a wax-free soft top, so you don’t have to worry about sticky wax. This board is built for fun, whether you’re an adult or a kid, and no matter your surfing skill level.
What We Like:
- The soft foam construction makes it safe and forgiving, especially for learning.
- It’s a wax-free design, which means less mess and easier setup for your surf sessions.
- The EPS core with a 3 stringer system provides good strength and durability for a soft-top board.
- It’s a longboard, offering excellent stability and making it easier to paddle and stand up on.
- This board is very budget-friendly, making surfing accessible to more people.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable for its type, it might not hold up as well as a hard-top board for very aggressive surfing.
- The soft foam can sometimes get dinged more easily than a traditional surfboard.
- Performance for advanced surfers might be limited compared to specialized boards.
Overall, the Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard is an excellent option for learning and having a blast in the water. It’s a simple, fun board that gets you out there surfing.
5. THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Soft Top Foam Surfboard Fish Surf board for Kids & Adults Includes Twin Fins Double Swivel Leash EPS Core IXPE Deck HDPE Slick Bottom Non-Slip Deck Grip – Perfect for Surfing
Rating: 9.5/10
Ready to catch some waves? The THURSO SURF Lancer 5’10” Soft Top Foam Surfboard is a fantastic choice for anyone, from kids just starting out to adults wanting to have fun in the water. This board is designed to make learning easy and surfing enjoyable. It’s built with safety and stability in mind, so you can focus on riding the waves.
What We Like:
- Super beginner-friendly, making it easy to learn and progress.
- Very stable and safe, perfect for building balance.
- The twin fin setup lets you make quick, fun turns.
- Works great in small to medium waves, so you can surf more often.
- It’s a more affordable option compared to hard surfboards.
- Comes with a double swivel leash for extra safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- While versatile, it might not be the best choice for very large or powerful waves.
This THURSO SURF Lancer is a great way to get into surfing or improve your skills. It offers a fun and safe experience for the whole family.
Your Guide to Choosing a Soft Top Surfboard
So, you want to catch some waves? A soft top surfboard is a fantastic choice, especially if you’re new to surfing or just want a fun, forgiving board. These boards are designed to be safe and easy to use. Let’s dive into what makes a good soft top and how to pick the right one for you.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a soft top, keep these important features in mind:
- Size and Volume: This is super important! Bigger boards with more volume (think wider and thicker) float better. They make paddling easier and help you catch waves sooner. For beginners, a longer and wider board is usually best.
- Shape: Most soft tops are longboards or funboards. Longboards are great for stability and catching small waves. Funboards are a little shorter and more maneuverable, good for when you’re getting the hang of turning.
- Fins: Soft tops usually come with flexible, rubber fins. These are safer than hard fins, which is a big plus for beginners. You’ll often see a “thruster” fin setup (three fins) or a “single fin” setup. Thrusters offer more control, while single fins are simpler.
- Leash Plug: This is where you attach your leash, which keeps you connected to your board. Make sure it’s strong and well-attached.
- Handle (Optional): Some soft tops have a built-in handle, which makes carrying the board much easier.
Important Materials
Soft top surfboards are made with a few key materials that make them safe and durable:
- Core: The inside of the board is usually made of a foam material, like polyethylene or polystyrene. This foam gives the board its buoyancy and keeps it light.
- Deck: The top of the board, where you stand, is covered in a soft, grippy foam. This foam is usually made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). It’s comfortable and prevents slips.
- Bottom: The underside of the board is often made of a slick plastic, like HDPE (high-density polyethylene). This helps the board glide through the water.
- Stringer: Many soft tops have a wooden or fiberglass rod running through the middle of the foam core. This stringer adds strength and helps the board keep its shape.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a soft top surfboard better or not as good:
- Good: A strong stringer makes the board more durable and responsive. High-quality foam for the core means it will float well for a long time. A well-attached leash plug is essential for safety. A good deck pad with plenty of grip is also a big plus.
- Not So Good: A weak or missing stringer can make the board bend easily, which is not ideal. Cheap foam might absorb water over time, making the board heavy. If the leash plug isn’t strong, it could break. A slippery deck pad can lead to falls.
User Experience and Use Cases
Soft top surfboards are fantastic for a wide range of people and situations:
- Beginners: This is where soft tops really shine! Their soft surfaces and forgiving nature make learning to surf much easier and safer. Falling off is less painful, and the boards are stable enough to help you paddle and stand up.
- Kids: The safety aspect is a huge win for parents. Kids can have a blast learning to surf without the risk of hard boards.
- Casual Surfers: If you’re not looking to do fancy tricks but just want to cruise on small waves or have fun at the beach, a soft top is perfect. They’re easy to handle and provide a relaxed surfing experience.
- Families: Soft tops are great for family beach days. Everyone can give surfing a try!
- Learning New Skills: Even experienced surfers might use a soft top to practice new techniques or just enjoy a mellow day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)**
Q: Are soft top surfboards good for beginners?
A: Yes! Soft top surfboards are excellent for beginners. They are safer, more stable, and easier to paddle than hard surfboards.
Q: What size soft top surfboard should I get?
A: For beginners, longer and wider boards (like 7 to 9 feet) with more volume are best. They offer more stability and make catching waves easier.
Q: How do I care for my soft top surfboard?
A: Rinse your board with fresh water after each use, especially in saltwater. Store it out of direct sunlight to prevent the foam from degrading. Avoid dropping it or hitting it against hard surfaces.
Q: Can I do tricks on a soft top surfboard?
A: While not designed for advanced tricks, you can still do some basic maneuvers like cutbacks and turns on a soft top. They are more about fun and learning.
Q: What is the 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 surfboards have a fiberglass or epoxy shell. Soft tops are generally more forgiving and safer.
Q: Do soft top surfboards come with fins?
A: Most soft top surfboards come with fins, usually flexible rubber fins, which are safer for beginners.
Q: How long will a soft top surfboard last?
A: With proper care, a soft top surfboard can last for many years, especially for casual use.
Q: Can I rent a soft top surfboard before buying?
A: Yes, many surf shops and surf schools offer rentals. This is a great way to try out different sizes and styles before you buy.
Q: Are soft top surfboards heavy?
A: Soft top surfboards are generally lighter than traditional hard surfboards, making them easier to carry and manage.
Q: Where is the best place to buy a soft top surfboard?
A: You can buy them from surf shops, sporting goods stores, and online retailers. Local surf shops can offer expert advice.
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.
Hi, I’m Sean Kernan, the voice behind esteeringwheel.com.. With a passion for all things automotive, I created this platform to share my journey, insights, and expertise about cars. From the latest tech to timeless driving tips, my goal is to help fellow enthusiasts and everyday drivers navigate the fascinating world of automobiles. Welcome to my corner of the road—let’s steer toward knowledge and discovery together!