Foam surfboards offer a great way for beginners to learn the basics of surfing without taking on too much risk. They are an economical and lightweight option, enabling you to have fun on the waves without having to invest in more costly boards. Whether you're looking for a quality soft top or hard top foam surfboard, there are plenty of options out there. From performance-focused designs to durable builds that can withstand intense conditions out on the water, there's something for every skill level.

To help you make an informed decision about which board is best suited to your needs, we've put together a list of our 3 best foam surfboards available right now. With our guidance, choosing the right board won't be a difficult task - so get ready to hit those waves!

What you need to know

Surfing is an exciting and rewarding activity, but it requires knowledge and careful preparation if you're to make the most out of your time on the water. If you’re looking to get into surfing, the first thing to know is that choosing the right board can greatly affect your experience in the waves.

Foam surfboards are a great option for beginners, as they offer a lightweight and affordable entry point into the sport.

Size and shape are two of the most important considerations, so be sure to find a board that best fits your skill level as well as your budget. Additionally, factor in other features such as fin arrangements and traction pads - these items will make all the difference when it comes to performance. With this knowledge in hand, prepare yourself for an enjoyable time surfing with confidence!


Why Surfing with Soft Top Surfboards is the Best for Beginner Surfers

Yo dudes and dudettes! As a seasoned surfer, I'm here to tell you that surfing is one of the raddest and most exhilarating water sports out there. If you're a beginner surfer, picking the right kind of board can be mind blowing overwhelming. But today, I'm going to share with you why soft top surfboards, or foam boards, are the way to go.

They're Super Safe

Soft top surfboards are a go-to for beginners because they are safer than traditional hard boards. They're designed with a foam core which makes the board much more buoyant and forgiving. This allows for a more stable ride and reduces the chances of injury, especially when wiping out. Safety is always the top priority, so if you're just starting out, a soft top is a great way to go.

It's Easier to Catch Waves

Learning how to catch waves is an essential part of surfing, and soft tops make it easier. The added buoyancy from the foam core allows you to paddle faster and catch waves easily. This makes it easier for beginners to learn how to pop up and ride waves, giving them the confidence needed to tackle bigger and better waves.

They're More Durable

When you're first learning how to surf, you're going to take some spills. Soft top surfboards are made of high-density foam which makes them more durable than traditional hard boards. This means they can withstand the wear and tear of learning and the occasional collision without getting dinged or damaged. This also makes them easier to maintain which is important for any beginner surfer.

They're Affordable

Surfing can be an expensive sport, but soft top surfboards are much more affordable than their traditional counterparts. Since they're made from foam, they're much cheaper to produce, and the savings are passed on to the customer. This makes them a great option for anyone who's just starting out and not ready to invest in an expensive board.

It's Fun!

Most importantly, soft top surfboards are a ton of fun! They allow for a more relaxed and enjoyable surfing experience, especially for beginners who are still getting the hang of things. With a soft top, you can focus on the thrill of the ride and let the board do the rest.


How We Choose the Best Foam Surfboard

When choosing the soft top surfboards for our reviews, we took into consideration a range of factors including performance, durability and cost. Each board was assessed according to its size and shape, as well as accessories like fins and traction pads. We also paid close attention to the type of foam used to construct each board - both hard top and soft top surfboards - in order to ensure that it would be strong enough to withstand the challenge posed by waves and other natural elements. Additionally, we looked at user feedbacks from sites in order to get an indication of how satisfied customers were with their purchases. Ultimately, this expert insight allowed us to select three of the best soft top surfboards that offer exceptional quality and value for money.


🏅 Wavestorm Soft Top Foam Surfboard

Wavestorm Soft Top

🏅 Gold medal

check price on Amazon

❤️ Why we love this soft top surfboard

The Wavestorm Soft Top Surfboard stands out from the competition as the best soft top surfboard. Its combination of foam and long board structure makes it the perfect choice for beginners, allowing for easy standing and catching waves. The quality of this foam surfboard is fantastic and its price makes it an unbeatable deal. If you are considering getting your first foamboard, then this is definitely a great place to start!

🏄‍♀️ features

The Wavestorm are the best soft top surfboards. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking for a soft top boards that combines both convenience and performance. This foam surfboard stands out thanks to its triple stringer system, which provides rigidity and strength while maintaining integrity. Additionally, the patented U.V.-inhibiting soft graphic deck provides better back foot traction with the included tail pad, while its high density slick bottom ensures better rigidity. As an added bonus, this foam surfboard also comes with multiple fin sets - a triple 4.5 fin set up for more maneuverability and a single 7.5" fin setup with closure plugs that promotes drawn out turns and greater speed while riding the waves!


🥈 South Bay Board Co. Foam Surf Boards

South Bay Board Foam Boards

🥈 Silver medal

check price on Amazon

❤️ Why we love this soft top surfboard

South Bay Board Co. foam surf boards have set a high bar for budget foam surf boards. Not only it does provide a stunning design, it also offers plenty of features that make it highly appealing to both novice and more experienced surfers alike. The foam construction is heavy on fabrication, resulting in a comfier ride than other foam boards on the market. All of this backed by its performance-focused design that uses strong and durable materials, you know that you're getting an amazing board without breaking the bank.

🏄‍♀️ features

South Bay soft top surfboards are the best budget choice for beginner surfers. With an easy and super fun shape to surf, the foam board features a rounded-out nose to ensure better paddle power and classic squash tail design for efficient turns. Along with this, a widened chest area allows for easier pop-ups and a fast flat bottom deck promotes speed on smaller waves. The unique off-set paint stripe design on the foam textured deck makes it stand out, while an EPS closed cell foam core is implemented with 1 Fiberglass Rod and 2 Wooden Stringers as well as HDPE Plastic Bottom foam Deck for extra durability. With dimensions measuring at 72" x 21” x 3” and 50L of Volume, this foam surfboard can easily support riders up to 125lbs – all making it the best value board available in the market.


🥉 Paragon Surfboards Mini Log

Paragon Surfboards Mini Log

🥉 Podium Pick

check price on Amazon

❤️ Why we love this soft top surfboard

The Paragon Surfboards Mini Log foam surfboard is a powerful and innovative design that offers rideability, performance, and maneuverability in a single board. With its inspiring blend of longboard and shortboard characteristics, this foam surfboard accommodates the needs of beginner, intermediate, and experienced surfers alike. Best of all, it has the perfect balance between paddle power and agility: making it easy to catch small waves then do all your signature tricks on them. Whether you're learning your first steps or reaching for new heights of performance in your surfing, Paragon Surfboards deliver all this with their top-of-the-line foam surfboard—the Mini Log.

🏄‍♀️ features

The podium-worthy Paragon Surfboards Mini Log soft top is a great board among surfers for good reason. It has been carefully crafted with a double bottom concave, 6oz top and bottom glass, and a gloss finish. With these features and the reliable brand of Paragon behind it, you can be sure to get a great foam surfboard that won’t break the bank. Crafting these boards in Huntington Beach, also known as Surf City USA, has given Paragon Surfboards the ideal environment to design and test their soft top surfboards with waves of all sizes and conditions. What started out as a small gathering making soft top surfboards for themselves has transformed into an affordable company that creates high-quality foam boards thanks to the use of cutting edge materials and state-of-the-art technologies.


Foam Surfboard FAQs

If you're looking for information on soft top surfboards, here are a few of the most Frequently Asked Questions.

What is a foam surfboard?

A foam surfboard is an affordable, lightweight and beginner-friendly type of surfboard made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a soft layer on top. It is designed to provide excellent buoyancy and stability, making it perfect for learning how to ride waves.

How much does a foam board cost?

Foam boards are generally very affordable in comparison to other types of boards, ranging from around $200 up to $500 depending on features and quality.

What size board should I buy?

The size of board you buy depends on your weight, height, surfing experience and ability level. Generally speaking, a wider board will be easier to paddle but not as fast or responsive as smaller boards. If you're uncertain about which size to choose, it's best to speak with an experienced surfer or local shop who can advise accordingly.

Is a foam board good for larger waves?

Foam boards are not ideal for riding large waves due to their lack of maneuverability. They are better suited for smaller surf where their extra volume gives them great stability and control while riding the wave face.

What type of fin setup should I use?

For the best performance, we recommend using 3 fins setup with either FCS or Future Fins systems that allow easy removal and installation of fins as needed when conditions change or if you want to try something different out in the water.

How do I care for my foam board?

It's important to take good care of your board by rinsing off salt water and sand after each use with fresh water and storing it in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. This will help ensure its longevity and prevent any premature damage from occurring over time from UV exposure or moisture build-up inside the core material if left out too long in humid environments.

Do I need insurance coverage when buying a foam surfboard?

It is always recommended that any major purchases such as surfboards should have insurance coverage just in case something goes wrong outside normal wear & tear due to unforeseen circumstances like theft or damage while being stored/transported etc., so look into this before making any big investments in gear!

What accessories do I need with my board?

At minimum, you'll need some basic equipment such as leashes, wax and/or grip pads to ensure safe and comfortable surfing sessions every time out on the waves for both yourself and others around you sharing the lineup that day! Additionally, a travel bag is recommended if planning on taking your board away on trips or transporting regularly via car or public transport systems due to its bulk size compared to other options available like longboards or SUPs which can be broken down into more compact packages easily.

Best foam surfboard

When selecting a foam surfboard, it is important to consider factors such as performance, durability, type of foam used and customer ratings. Doing so will ensure that you select the board that best suits your needs and provides excellent value for money. With this in mind, the top three boards mentioned above are guaranteed to provide you with an enjoyable experience out on the waves.

Some of the links on this website may generate an affiliate commission, at zero cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Your subscription and associate links helps make this site possible; and allows Gold Medal Ratings to exist. Thank you!