Soft top surfboards are an excellent choice for those new to surfing and looking for a more affordable and durable option. They offer a great combination of flexibility, buoyancy, and speed, making them a great all-around board that can be used in both small and large waves. They are incredibly easy to transport and store as they take up relatively little space, making them ideal for beach days with the family. With so many different models on the market today, picking the best soft top surfboard can be difficult. In this guide, we'll explore what you need to look for when buying a soft top surfboard, along with the advantages they have over other board types.
What you need to know
Surfing is a thrilling water sport that requires knowledge and skill. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been surfing for years, there are certain things you need to know to stay safe and get the most enjoyment out of your time on the waves. Knowing how to choose the right equipment is essential — from the board itself to accessories like wetsuits, leashes and wax.
When it comes to choosing a board, one of the best options for beginner surfers is a soft top surfboard. These boards offer great buoyancy and stability as well as flexibility when hitting the waves. They are also more affordable than traditional boards made of fiberglass and are much less likely to cause injury in case of an accident. When picking out a soft top surfboard, look for features such as dimensions, weight capacity, fins and rocker profile. All these elements will help determine how well the board performs in different ocean conditions.
Advantages of a Soft Top Surfboard
If you're looking for a new ride that can fit within your budget and level up your wave-catching game, consider a soft top surfboard. These boards have come a long way from their humble beginnings as starter boards for newbies. Now, they're preferred by pros and experienced riders alike because of their many advantages in and out of the water. In this blog, I'll share with you why you should give soft top surfboards a try, whether you're a seasoned surfer or just starting out.
Stability and Ease of Use
Soft top surfboards are not called "learner boards" for nothing. Their soft foam construction and bulky shape make it easier for beginners to balance and paddle through the waves. But they're not just for groms or casual riders. Soft tops can provide stability to more experienced surfers, especially in choppy or crowded conditions. You'll find that you can catch more waves and make more maneuvers without worrying about nosediving or falling off the board. Plus, soft tops are more forgiving on your body in case of wipeouts or collisions.
Durability and Repairability
One of the downsides of traditional surfboards is that they can be fragile and prone to dings and cracks. This can be a bummer if you're on a surf trip or don't have access to a repair shop. With a soft top surfboard, you'll have peace of mind knowing that it can handle some knocks and bumps. You won't have to stress about damaging your board on rocky shores, reefs, or loading it on your roof rack. And if you do get a dent or puncture, you can easily patch it up.
Versatility and Fun Factor
Don't underestimate the fun factor of a soft top surfboard. These boards come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from longboards to shortboards, from fish to egg to funshape. You can choose one that suits your style and preferences, whether you're into cruising or shredding. Soft tops can also be used for different surf conditions, from small crumbly waves to big and hollow ones. Some surfers even use them for skimboarding, river surfing, or wake surfing. With a soft top surfboard, you can expand your horizons and experiment with new techniques and tricks.
Affordability and Convenience
Last but definitely not least, soft top surfboards are more affordable than their traditional counterparts. You can get a high-quality soft top for a fraction of the cost of a custom-made or pro model. This means you can spend your money on other surf gear or travels. Soft tops are also easier to transport, store, and maintain. They're lightweight and can fit in most car trunks or closets. You don't need to wax them or rinse them after each session. Just grab your board and hit the beach anytime you want.
How we choose the Best Soft Top Surfboard
When it comes to choosing the best soft top surfboard, there are many factors to consider. We looked at the quality of construction, design features, price point and overall performance in order to determine which boards offered the best value. Our testing process included analyzing manufacturers' specs such as weight capacity, dimensions, fin setup and rocker profile to make sure each board met our standards for stability and maneuverability. We also checked the durability of each board by seeing how well they held up against heavy chop and crashing waves. Finally, we took customers feedback into consideration when making our final decision on the best soft top surfboard. After evaluating all these criteria, we selected models that offer superior performance while still being affordable.
🏅 Kona Surf Co. Malibu Surfboard
Why we ❤️ this soft top surfboard
The Kona Surf co. Malibu Soft Top Surfboard is a great choice for everyone who loves being out in the water, no matter their level of expertise. Soft top surfboards are virtually indestructible and allow any surfer to catch all the waves they desire with full confidence that their board will remain intact. This particular board is great for both beginner surfers who are just learning to surf as well as more experienced athletes looking to take their surfing to the next level. With its soft top design, this board provides the perfect combination of stability and maneuverability, making it an obvious choice for those looking for an enjoyable ride on a reliable board every time they go out.
🏄🏼♂️ features:
The Kona Surf Co. Malibu Soft Top Surfboard is a superior choice for anyone seeking an enhanced size, shape and sleek design in their craft. The square tail is optimized for speed and maneuverability while the slick bottom increases protection and boosts acceleration. These surfboards are perfect for kids and adults of all skill levels. Soft flex fins, high-quality leashes, and carry handles on every board model 7' or larger make them accessible and convenient for any surfer to have an enjoyable time at the beach. These features combined with their overall durability create the perfect board for beginner surfers to experience success with waves as quickly as possible.
🥈 Wavestorm Soft Top Surfboard
Why we ❤️ this soft top surfboard
The Wavestorm Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard is the perfect choice for those just starting to enjoy this exciting sport. Its soft top design ensures that it's comfortable and stable to use, allowing you to progress from novice to experienced surfer quickly and safely in complete confidence. With great performance, long-lasting quality, and an incredibly affordable price tag, the Soft Top Surfboard is a top pick amongst budget surfers around the world. Whether you’re looking for practicality, fun or an all-around excellent value, you won't be disappointed with the Soft Top Surfboard.
🏄🏼♂️ features
The Wavestorm Soft Top 8ft Classic Surfboard is the perfect introductory board for anyone looking to break into the sport. It's a great combination of quality and affordability. Its Soft Foam Construction with EPS core and triple stringer system will give you the rigidity you need when riding, plus it'll last a long time thanks to its high-density Polyethylene slick bottom skin and Water Barrier Skin (WBS-IXL) crosslink top deck and rails. Additionally, UV-inhibiting Soft Graphic Deck Art will provide some visual appeal as you carve your way through the waves. And why not stay secure while doing so? This Soft Top Classic Surfboard also comes with removable bolt thru fins, an ankle leash, and a traction pad for extra balance and confidence in your experience. With an 8' x 22 1/2" x 3 1/4" dimension size, 11.5 lbs weight, and 86 liters volume - this Soft Top Classic Surfboard is one of the best budget foams available!
🥉 South Bay Board Soft-Top Surfboard
Why we ❤️ this soft top surfboard
The South Bay Board Co. Soft Top Surfboard is an incredibly fun, high quality board that checks all the boxes of excellence. Its premium foam core and wax-free construction make it easy to ride on any surface and its soft top adds an extra layer of safety for beginner riders. Its wide range of sizes makes sure there's something for everyone, and the added balance it offers allows for a more enjoyable ride in any condition. Whether you're new to surfing, or a veteran looking for a way to shake things up, this Soft Top Surfboard from South Bay Board Co. is the perfect board for anyone wanting to make every wave count!
🏄🏼♂️ features
The South Bay Board Co. Premium Foam Wax-Free Soft-Top Surfboard is designed to provide a surfable platform for any skill level, making it a fun and enjoyable experience. The 7' size is engineered with careful consideration to the board dimensions, resulting in a quick and responsive board that can support up to 180 lbs of weight. Its nose rocker prevents nose-diving, the widening chest area enables easier pop-ups and its squash tail provides cleaner turns. Innovative features like a patented heat release valve, wax-free ‘fingerprint’ foam grip and laminate bamboo body armor give this Soft Top Surfboard durability, strength and style that represent the reliable quality of South Bay Board Co.
Soft Top Surfboards FAQs
Soft top surfboards are an ideal option for beginner surfers. Offering plenty of buoyancy, stability, and flexibility, these boards are less likely to cause injury in case of accidents and are more affordable than traditional fiberglass boards. To help you make the best decision when choosing a soft top surfboard, here are some frequently asked questions regarding softtop surfboards.
What are the benefits of buying a soft top surfboard?
The benefits of buying a soft top surfboard include greater buoyancy and stability, flexibility when hitting the waves, and affordability compared to traditional fiberglass boards.
How do I choose the right size and shape?
The size and shape of your board depends on your surfing style and experience level. Generally, longer boards provide more stability while shorter ones are more maneuverable.
What type of fins should I look for?
Look for fins with a good balance of speed and control — three-fin setups are usually best for beginners.
How do I know what my weight capacity should be?
Your weight capacity will depend on the size, volume and shape of the board you choose — make sure to check the specs before purchase.
What is rocker profile and how does it impact performance?
Rocker profile refers to the curve in the board from nose to tail — a flatter rocker is better for high-speed maneuvers while curved profiles offer maximum wave control.
What other accessories do I need?
In addition to a wetsuit, leash and wax, you may also want to consider purchasing booties or fins for improved performance in certain conditions.
Should I buy a board bag too?
Yes, it’s worth investing in a board bag as this will protect your board from damage during transport or storage.
Is it worth investing in better quality wax for my board?
High-quality wax provides better grip than low-quality wax so it’s definitely worth investing in better quality products if you want an improved experience on the water!
Best Soft Top Surfboard for You
In summary, soft top surfboards offer more stability and buoyancy than traditional fiberglass boards, and are a great choice for those looking for an affordable way to get into surfing. With the right size, shape and accessories, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience on the waves. Make sure to take your time in choosing the right board as this could be make or break your first few sessions!
So there you have it, dudes and dudettes. The advantages of using a soft top surfboard go beyond being an entry-level option. They provide stability, durability, versatility, and affordability that can benefit any surfer. Consider adding a soft top to your quiver. You might be surprised at how much fun and convenience you can get from this seemingly simple board. Keep shredding and enjoying the stoke, and catch you in the lineup!
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