Are soft top surfboards any good?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 20, 2026
As far as pros and cons, soft surfboards are generally much safer for the beginner surfer. With rounded, soft rails and more forgiving fins, it's harder for somebody that's just learning to surf to hurt themselves if they're riding a soft board. The boards are also extremely durable.
Are soft top surfboards easier?
Soft top surfboards are easier to learn on than fiberglass boards. Since they are often thicker, they float a lot more than fiberglass boards which makes the board more stable. More flotation and stability means you'll have an easier time standing up and surfing on one of these!
How long do soft top surfboards last?
Foam Soft Top: 5-10 Years
Foam or soft top surfboards are probably the most fun surfboards on this list as the soft and playful design makes them great for small waves for surfers of all abilities.
What makes a good soft top surfboard?
Softboards are wider, thicker, and have more volume than a hard top surfboard, making it easier for anyone to catch even the smallest fat wave. Also, in case of a wipeout - and it happens all the time when you're learning to surf - the board's soft deck will not be as harmful as a standard polyurethane (PU) surfboard.
Are foam surfboards any good?
Foam surfboards are ideal for those learning to surf because they provide added buoyancy in the water making it easier to paddle into waves. Moreover, they are safer to use in the lineup as the risk of the board hitting someone (including yourself) and injuring them is far lower than a traditional PU or epoxy board.
20 related questions foundIs a soft top surfboard a foam board?
Soft Surfboards (Softboards) The most common surfboard used by beginner and novice surfers is the soft top surfboard. These are foam-construction surfboards and are sometimes referred to as “foamies”. A foam surfboard is easy to ride and provides a lot of buoyancy and Amazon has ton to choose from.
Are all soft top surfboards the same?
But no matter how big or small they are, all soft tops are characterized as being more buoyant, lightweight, and stable than most fiberglass or epoxy surfboard of the same size. We're not saying soft tops are better than hard tops, but they certainly give classic surfboards a run for their money.
What is the best soft board?
What Are the Best Soft-Top Surfboards?
- Wavestorm 5'6 Original New Modern Swallowtail Surfboard ($162)
- South Bay Board Co. ...
- Wave Bandit Performer 4'10 Twin ($149) ...
- Catch Surf Odysea 7'0 Log Thruster ($374) ...
- Wavestorm 8′ Classic Pinline Surfboard ($236.88) ...
- Almond R-Series Secret Menu ($359) ...
- Boardworks Froth!
Are soft tops good?
Soft top roofs can be surprisingly good at insulating passengers, too. When they are comprised of multiple layers, they can dampen a lot of road noise when the roof is closed.
Do you have to wax a soft top surfboard?
You shouldn't need to wax a soft board, especially if they are new. I'd recommend using it first without wax and seeing how you get on, as most foamies have some sort of grip to them, and wearing boots can be enough of a help.
Are soft tops easier to paddle?
Soft tops are one of the best options for kids or beginners who are just starting out with paddle boarding because of the board's soft outer layer.
Do surfboards lose buoyancy over time?
To answer your question in short order, Yes, surfboards do loose their “pop”, sort of like skate boards, and yes, the older a surfboard gets, if ridden, with or without a “buckle” or ding, will become “less stiff”, (less responsive) because of the natural breakdown of the materials it's constructed from i.e. natural ...
Should I get a Softboard?
Hardboard/fiberglass or Softboard:
Here is a quick rundown of Softboards. If you are looking for a board that can take a few punches, makes you paddle easy in waves and is safer to use (definitely between a lot of other surfers) we highly recommend you to buy a soft board as a beginner/intermediate surfer.
What are soft surfboards made of?
Soft surfboards are generally made of EPS or otherwise known as expanded polystyrene foam which is a form of foam that is thermoplastic light weight durable foam that is not only lightweight, but offers impressive shock absorbing abilities.To complement the EPS core in the soft surfboards they are commonly finished off ...
Is a 7 foot surfboard good for beginners?
A good rule of thumb for beginner surfboards is to start with a longboard that is about 3 feet longer than your height. So if you're 5'6” to 6'0” tall, an 8'6” to 9'0” longboard would be pretty ideal. Is a 7ft surfboard good for beginners? Generally speaking, an 8 to 9-foot surfboard is good for beginners.
What surfboards do surf schools use?
Oasis softboards are used by surf schools all over AUS. Boards have a 3-6 year life span and prices range from $200-$350. Sizes from 5'5 to 9ft. Oasis boards are everywhere on the beaches as they are amazing vale, safe, stable and strong.
What's better hardtop or soft top?
Hardtop convertibles are safer than soft tops due to their construction. They're rigid, harder to break, and offer more protection than fabric.
Can you replace a Jeep hardtop with a soft top?
A Jeep Wrangler Hard-Top can be converted to a soft top by completely removing all the hardtop mounting brackets and components and replacing them with soft-top specific components. The two are not interchangeable.
Can you drive a soft top convertible in the rain?
If the roof is up it will remain impermeable, but if the roof is down water may enter the cabin. If you drive over a certain speed with the roof down, you'll have some protection from getting wet. Convertibles are perfectly fine in the rain; the roof is unlikely to leak if it's in good condition.
Are soft top longboards good?
Soft top longboards work great in small conditions. Their floatability allows them to catch ankle beaters, and experienced surfers can especially enjoy these surfboards on head-high, mushy days that require a little extra foam under the feet.
What size Foamie do I need?
Most adults up to 75 kgs are fine on a 7'0 foamie, above that an 8'0 foamie will do the job. If you are looking to step off a foamie onto something with greater potential for progression, or you simply want to skip the foamie stage there is an array of 'hard' beginner surfboards to choose from.
Is it easier to surf on a foam board?
There are several reasons we recommend learning how to surf on foam boards. First and foremost, when the board hits a student or wipes out it doesn't hurt them. Not to mention, the high volume of these boards makes them easier to pop up on. The high volume also makes them easier to paddle through waves.
Are catch surf boards good for beginners?
Fun board for everyone including beginner and intermediate/advanced surfers. Good for kids (smaller models) and very easy to surf and paddle. High quality and durable, makes small days super fun and increases your wave count. Will muscle through chop and bumps and catch basically anything.
What is better epoxy or fiberglass surfboard?
Epoxy resin is extremely tough and hard wearing. These surfboards are almost indestructible. Whereas traditional fiberglass surfboards are prone to dings, and cracking and erosion. Beginner surfers will find an epoxy surfboard will be a lot more forgiving than a traditional surfboard should they get swept onto rocks.