Ever dreamed of riding the waves? The ocean calls, and you want to join the fun! But standing on the beach, staring at a wall of surfboards, can feel a little overwhelming. Especially when you’re looking for a soft top. It’s supposed to be easier, right? Yet, picking the perfect one feels like a puzzle.
Many beginners get confused. They wonder, “Is this board too big?” or “Will this one be too wobbly?” They worry about wasting money on a board that doesn’t work for them. It’s a common struggle! You want a board that helps you catch waves and stand up, not one that makes you feel frustrated.
This blog post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a great soft top surfboard. You’ll learn what to look for, from size and shape to materials. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a board that will make your surfing adventures amazing.
So, let’s dive in and find your ideal soft top surfboard!
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: 8.8/10
The WAVESTORM Classic Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard is a fantastic option for anyone looking to hit the waves. It’s designed for beginners but also works well for experienced surfers. This board comes as a complete set, so you’re ready to go as soon as it arrives. The “Burst” color graphic adds a cool look to this 8-foot surfboard.
What We Like:
- The soft foam construction makes it safe and comfortable to use, reducing the chance of bumps and bruises.
- It has a strong EPS core with three stringers for extra strength and better performance.
- The WBS-IXL crosslink top deck and rails are soft and durable.
- A slick HDPE polyethylene bottom skin helps you glide smoothly on the water.
- The board includes a leash, fins, and a traction pad, so you get everything you need.
- It’s lightweight at only 11.5 lbs, making it easy to carry to and from the beach.
- The 86 liters of volume provide good buoyancy, which is great for catching waves.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, advanced surfers might want a board with more performance features for serious tricks.
- The soft top can get dinged more easily than a hardboard if not handled carefully.
This WAVESTORM surfboard offers a great balance of safety, ease of use, and fun for surfers of all levels. It’s a wonderful way to get started or continue enjoying your time in 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: 9.0/10
The Wavestorm Classic Soft Top Foam 7ft Surfboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to catch some waves. Whether you’re just starting out or have been surfing for a while, this board is designed to make your time in the water enjoyable. It comes as a complete set, so you get everything you need to hit the beach right away. The bright blue pinline design adds a cool look, too.
What We Like:
- It’s a generous 7 feet long, 22 inches wide, and 3 inches thick, offering plenty of stability.
- At only 10.2 pounds, it’s easy to carry to and from the beach.
- Its 70-liter volume helps it float well, making paddling easier.
- The triple stringer system gives the foam core extra strength and keeps it from bending too much.
- The soft graphic deck is protected from the sun, and the slick bottom helps the board glide through the water.
- A tail pad gives your back foot a good grip for better control.
- It includes a leash to keep your board close.
- Three performance fins are included for easy turns and maneuverability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, more experienced surfers might eventually want a board with more advanced features for bigger waves.
- The soft top, while comfortable, can sometimes show pressure marks over time.
This Wavestorm surfboard is an excellent value, making surfing accessible and fun for everyone. It’s a complete package that gets you out on the water with confidence.
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: 9.1/10
Ready to hit the waves? The THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard is your ticket to seaside fun, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out. This board is designed to make learning to surf a breeze for both adults and kids. It’s lightweight, stable, and super easy to handle, promising hours of enjoyment at the beach.
What We Like:
- Super beginner-friendly design makes catching waves easy.
- The soft top and included leash add extra safety for peace of mind.
- Built tough with wood stringers, it can handle a lot of action and lasts a long time.
- It’s stable, so you can balance well and feel confident in the water.
- Great for all kinds of waves, from small to medium sizes.
- Provides good grip, helping you stay on the board.
What Could Be Improved:
- While great for beginners, experienced surfers might want a more advanced board for bigger waves.
- Availability can sometimes be limited, so grab it when you see it!
This surfboard truly makes surfing accessible and enjoyable for everyone. It’s a fantastic investment for anyone looking to experience the thrill of riding waves.
4. Boardworks Froth!
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for endless ocean adventures with the Boardworks Froth! Soft Top Surfboard. This 5’6″ board, in a cool Sky color, is designed for maximum fun and can handle all sorts of water activities. It’s built to be super user-friendly, meaning everyone from total beginners to experienced surfers can hop on and enjoy the ride. Even wake surfers will find this board a blast!
What We Like:
- It has lots of volume, making it easy to catch waves.
- Beginners, experienced surfers, and wake surfers can all have a great time on it.
- The board is light but strong, so it’s easy to carry and super fun for everyone.
- The Froth brand was even called “game-changing gear” by the Wall Street Journal!
- It has a soft EVA skin on the outside and a solid EPS foam core inside.
- It’s perfect for outdoor lifestyle activities.
What Could Be Improved:
- For wake surfing, some riders might prefer a slightly different shape for more advanced maneuvers.
- While great for beginners, very advanced surfers might want a board with a bit more responsiveness for extreme tricks.
This board is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get on the water and have a blast. Its versatility and ease of use make it a winner for the whole family.
5. 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
Get ready for some fun in the sun with the 6’ FLOWBOARD Surfboard Softboard Foam. This board is designed for everyone, from little groms to grown-ups, whether you’re just starting out or already know your way around a wave. It’s a fantastic way to catch your first waves and build confidence in the water. The bright pink color makes it easy to spot, and it comes with everything you need to hit the beach right away.
What We Like:
- It’s a complete package! You get the board, three fins for stability, a 6-foot leash to keep you connected, and even two wood stringers for extra strength.
- The foam construction makes it soft and safe, which is great for beginners and kids.
- It’s designed for both kids and adults, making it a board the whole family can enjoy.
- The high-performance traction pad gives you a good grip so you can stand up and ride with more control.
- The 6-foot size is manageable for learning but still offers enough float for intermediate riders.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for beginners, more experienced surfers might want a board with more advanced features for bigger waves.
- The “7 Foot” in the title seems to contradict the “6’” board length, which could be confusing for some buyers.
This FLOWBOARD is a super fun and safe option for anyone looking to get into surfing. It offers a lot of value with all the included accessories, making it a solid choice for new surfers.
Your Guide to the Perfect Soft Top Surfboard
Are you dreaming of catching waves? A soft top surfboard is a fantastic choice, especially for beginners. They are safer and more forgiving than traditional boards. This guide will help you find the best soft top for your surfing adventures.
What to Look For: Key Features of a Great Soft Top
When you’re shopping for a soft top, keep these important features in mind.
- Size and Volume: Bigger boards float better. This makes paddling easier and helps you catch more waves. Beginners usually do best with longer and wider boards.
- Shape: A wider nose and tail offer more stability. This helps you stand up and balance. Look for a rounded nose for extra safety.
- Fins: Most soft tops come with flexible fins. These are safer if you bump into them. Some boards have removable fins, which is nice for travel.
- Leash Plug: This is where you attach your leash. Make sure it’s strong and well-placed.
- Deck Grip: Some boards have a textured deck pad. This gives you better grip and stops you from slipping.
Materials: What Your Soft Top is Made Of
Soft top surfboards use a few main materials that make them soft and safe.
- Core: This is the inside of the board. It’s usually made of foam, like polyethylene or polystyrene. This foam gives the board its buoyancy.
- Deck: The top surface you stand on is covered with a soft, grippy material. This is often a type of foam, like EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate).
- Bottom: The underside of the board is usually slicker. It can be made of plastic or a smoother foam.
- Stringer: This is a wooden or carbon fiber rod that runs through the middle of the board. It adds strength and helps the board keep its shape.
Quality Matters: What Makes a Soft Top Good or Not So Good
Not all soft tops are created equal. Here’s how to tell a good one from a not-so-good one.
- Construction: A well-made board feels solid. The foam should be dense, not mushy. The deck material should be securely attached.
- Durability: A good soft top can handle bumps and scrapes. Look for boards with reinforced rails (the edges of the board).
- Performance: Even soft tops can perform well. A board with a good shape will be easier to paddle and turn.
- Weight: While soft tops are generally lighter than hard boards, a board that is too light might feel flimsy.
Riding the Waves: User Experience and Use Cases
Soft top surfboards are perfect for many situations.
- Beginners: This is their main job! They are forgiving and help new surfers learn to paddle, pop up, and ride waves.
- Kids: The soft surface makes them safer for children learning to surf.
- Family Fun: They are great for a day at the beach with the whole family.
- Small Waves: Soft tops excel in smaller, gentler waves. They float well, making it easy to catch these types of waves.
- Surfing Lessons: Most surf schools use soft top boards because they are safe and easy to learn on.
Frequently Asked Questions about Soft Top Surfboards
Q: Are soft top surfboards good for beginners?
A: Yes, soft top surfboards are excellent for beginners. Their soft surface makes them safer, and their size and volume help with stability and catching waves.
Q: How big should my first soft top surfboard be?
A: For most beginners, a longer and wider board is best. Aim for something between 7 and 9 feet long. The extra size helps you float and paddle easily.
Q: Are soft top surfboards durable?
A: Generally, yes. They are built to be tougher than they look. However, quality can vary. Look for reinforced rails for extra durability.
Q: Can I surf big waves on a soft top?
A: Soft tops are best for small to medium waves. They are not designed for very large or powerful waves.
Q: How do I clean my soft top surfboard?
A: Rinse your board with fresh water after each use. You can use mild soap and water to clean the deck if needed.
Q: Do soft top surfboards come with fins?
A: Most soft top surfboards come with a set of fins. These are usually flexible and safe.
Q: Can I stand on a soft top surfboard without wax?
A: Many soft tops have a textured deck that provides good grip. However, some people still add wax for extra traction, especially in warmer water.
Q: How do I store my soft top surfboard?
A: Store your soft top in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in a hot car, as this can damage the foam.
Q: What is the difference between a soft top and a hard surfboard?
A: Hard surfboards are made of a foam core with a fiberglass and resin shell. They are lighter and perform better but are less forgiving and can be dangerous if you fall on them. Soft tops have a soft deck material for safety and ease of use.
Q: How long will a soft top surfboard last?
A: With proper care, a good quality soft top surfboard can last for many years, providing fun for a long time.
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.
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