Is it easier to surf on a foam board?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 17, 2026
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.
Should I start surfing on a foam board?
The short answer is yes, you should be surfing on a foam board. Whether you're getting ready to buy your first surfboard or you've lost count of how many boards you've owned, a soft top surfboard offers insane fun for surfers of every skill level.
Is a foam surfboard easier?
Foam surfboards can be cheap in both price (starting at about $200) and quality. They are a little more forgiving than hard tops, as it won't hurt as much when you fall and collide with the surfboard, or won't damage the surfboard easily when you swing it around and knock it into a wall.
What is the easiest board to surf on?
Foam surfboards are a great choice for beginners! For beginner surfers, an 8 to 9-foot foam longboard surfboard is one of the best options as an entry-level surfboard for a number of reasons. Foam surfboards are stable, user-friendly, and easy to paddle which makes catching waves and standing up a lot easier.
Is a foam surf board 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.
35 related questions foundDo catch surf boards need wax?
Wax your board as you would any other surfboard. No basecoat needed. When riding your board, we recommend using a surf leash and staying away from sharp reef and rocky shorelines as the skins may be compromised if impact occurs.
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.
How do you surf for beginners?
How to be a Good Beginner Surfer
- 1 • Choose appropriate waves to learn and surf. ...
- 2 • Don't sit in the pack. ...
- 3 • Don't drop in. ...
- 4 • Don't back-paddle. ...
- 5 • Stay out of the way while paddling out. ...
- 1 • Picking the wrong surfboard. ...
- 2 • Surfboard abuse. ...
- 3 • Not enough sun protection.
Do you wax a foam surfboard?
Many foam boards have textured decks to help you stand up. But, if you're like me, you'll probably notice that once water gets on the deck of your board, it feels like your feet will slide out at any moment. So even though you don't strictly have to wax a soft top surfboard, we definitely recommend that you should.
How tall should a beginner surfboard be?
A good place to start is going to be 12"-24" taller than yourself but will vary by the shape and style of surfboard. Fish- Proper fish size is typically 2-4" shorter than your shortboard. Shortboard- I usually recommend going 2-6" taller than yourself.
Are foam surfboards slow?
A foamie is so much fun, but generally slower in turns and cutbacks. If this applies to you, I really recommend getting a custom shaped ride. Talk to your local shaper. He or she can shape a board that is perfect for your progression.
Why are foam boards good for beginners?
Yes, foam surfboards are fantastic for beginners because they are safer than standard boards and float very well making them easier to catch waves on. However, there are a few more points to consider, as we'll look at below.
How long does a foam surfboard 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.
How much do foam surf boards cost?
Typically, a good beginner surfboard will be $400 or more, whereas a beginner foam board costs somewhere in the region of $200-250.
Are foam boards easier to paddle?
Foam boards are easier paddlers and often more stable/wider. They are designed to be big, thick and wide (ie easy paddlers, stable, lots of margin for error) to be easy to learn on. That is why they are good for beginners. Hard boards are usually narrower, a bit less thick etc - enough to make a difference.
Can you put a traction pad on a foam board?
Traction pads do not stick to soft-top or soft-foam surfboards so they cannot be used with these kinds of learner surfboard. If you have one of these, simply make sure you keep waxing your board every time before you surf instead, although the rest of this article may be helpful for future reference.
How much money do surfboard shapers make?
No matter what type of board you shape – longboards, shortboards, hybrid shapes, or funboards – shapers can plan to make between $25,000 and $40,000 per year. As your work gains a quality reputation, you can plan to make more.
Who owns catch surf?
Jamie embodies the spirit of Catch Surf and we are proud to partner with him to present our style to surfers and fashion conscience fans worldwide!” says George Arzente, Catch Surf's founder and president.
What is a beginner surfer called?
Grom – a young and inexperienced surfer; also known as a grommet. Grubbing – falling off the surfboard while surfing. Gun – a big wave surfboard.
Is surfing a good way to lose weight?
While “losing weight” may be a misnomer since muscle is heavier than fat, surfing will definitely help you burn fat and excess calories. The average surfer burns 400 calories an hour while surfing. Since surfing is so fun, you're likely to spend more time doing it opposed to other grueling or boring forms of exercise.
How long will it take to learn surfing?
Learning to surf requires between two hours and one month of practice. If you're struggling for more than two months to ride a wave, then there's something wrong with you. The first thing you'll need to master is lying and balancing on a surfboard - that could take you between half-an-hour and two or three hours.
Is an 8ft surfboard good for beginners?
In order to paddle with any sort of vigor and mobility, you will need a long, wide board. A surfboard in the 8-to-9-foot range is typically 22-24 inches in width, which is the perfect general size for beginners, and the kind of board you'll find on this list (for the most part).
Can I learn to surf on a 7 foot board?
The best boards for learning to surf are sized between a shortboard and a big longboard – again, in the 7-8 foot range. A good and inexpensive option to start on is something like a 7 or 8-foot Wavestorm foamie (Amazon page) – the size you'll need depends on your weight and height.
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.