Of all the soft top surfboards out there, a 9ft foam surfboard is the easiest one to learn on.
In small to medium waves, its length and float give beginners the stability to stand up sooner and start catching waves from the first session.
Most boards this size carry 87 to 118 litres of volume, so they paddle with less effort and sit high on the water.
A wide deck, a soft foam top, and a slick bottom help the board glide early and cushion every fall, which matters when kids are learning too.
If you’re new to surfing or buying one board the whole family can share, this guide will help you decide whether a 9ft foam surfboard is the right fit.
How Is a 9ft Foam Surfboard Different From a Traditional Longboard?
A 9ft foam surfboard and a traditional longboard can be close in length, but they’re built from very different materials. The foam board has a soft top, while the longboard has a hard fibreglass shell.
What Is a 9ft Foam Surfboard Made Of?
A 9ft foam surfboard usually carries 87 to 118 litres of volume, which is the measure of how much a board floats you. Its float and toughness come from three layers.
EPS foam core
The core provides buoyancy and resists compression over time. The board keeps its float after many sessions.
Soft foam deck
The deck cushions you during falls and lowers the risk of injury in a wipeout.
Slick bottom
The underside is often high-density polyethylene, a smooth and tough plastic that reduces drag. You get a longer glide from each paddle stroke.
EPS stands for expanded polystyrene and is a light foam material that is packed with tiny air pockets. Those air pockets supply most of the board’s float.
How a Traditional Longboard Is Built
A traditional longboard starts as a foam core, called a blank, that’s shaped and then sealed in fibreglass. Fibreglass is woven glass cloth set in hardened resin. Most longboards are 9 feet or longer, and the hard shell gives them a stiff, responsive feel.
The downside is that the shell can crack when it hits rocks, car doors, or other boards. Once it cracks, water can soak into the foam core and make the board heavier, so most dings need sealing before you paddle out again. The hard edges can also cause bruises and cuts, which matters most in a crowded lineup.
A foam surfboard, or soft top, avoids most of these problems. It’s more durable than a fibreglass board and rarely needs the kind of ding repair a hard board does. It’s also easier to get to the beach, since a bump on the way won’t put it out of action.
Why Longer Boards Paddle Faster
Longer boards with more volume spread your weight over a bigger area, so they sit higher and move with less drag. A shorter regular surfboard sits lower and needs harder paddling to catch the same wave.
Earlier wave speed
More length and volume let you reach wave speed while the wave is still gentle. That gives you more time to get to your feet.
More surface area
The large surface area helps the wave pick up the board with less effort. This helps most in small waves that don’t have much push.
A wide, stable platform
The wide shape gives you more stability when you stand up. Your first few pop-ups feel much less shaky.
Early wave entry is the main reason a 9ft foam surfboard is often recommended for beginners. You catch more waves in each session and waste less energy on waves that pass you by.
Why Soft Boards Mean More Waves and More Fun
Soft boards make learning easier because they float you high, stay steady, and soften every fall. On a soft-top foam surfboard, that means more waves and more fun in each session.
Float and Stability Help You Catch More Waves
A foam surfboard has enough float to catch small waves that slip under a shorter board. Its wide platform then gives you the stability to stand up and stay up.
Catching waves in the whitewater
A high volume board picks up the gentle push of broken waves close to shore. You get plenty of attempts without paddling far out.
An easier drop into unbroken waves
The board’s length helps you drop in early and smoothly once you move past the whitewater. That’s why 9ft foam surfboards are ideal for small to medium waves.
Room to land your feet
The extra length and width give you space to land your feet when you pop up. Small mistakes in foot placement are less likely to tip you off.
More waves caught means more pop-ups practised. That’s how beginners get better in fewer sessions.
A Soft Deck Makes Every Fall Safer
Every beginner falls a lot, and soft tops help prevent the bruises and cuts common with hard boards. The foam deck cushions you if you land on the board, and the soft edges are kinder if it knocks your legs, arms, or head.
That’s a big plus for kids still learning to control the board. It also makes crowded lineups safer, since a loose soft board does far less damage than a hard one if it hits someone nearby.
The fins can still hurt, so for safety, fall away from the board and wear a leash. Cover your head with your arms when you come up.
How Foam Surfboards Are Built to Last
Modern foam surfboards use layered construction that makes them extremely durable compared to a hard board. A foam surfboard can handle bumps against rocks and shallow areas, and it needs virtually no complex ding repair.
The Layers That Keep a Foam Board Strong
Each layer in a foam board’s construction does a different job. Together, these materials let the board take knocks that would crack a hard shell.
EPS foam core
The EPS foam core resists compression over time. The board doesn’t dent and lose float where your knees and feet press down.
Heat laminated skin
Modern foam boards use heat lamination, which bonds the outer skin to the rest of the board using heat. This prevents delamination, where the skin bubbles or peels away from the core in high temperatures.
Wooden stringers
Stringers are thin strips of wood that run down the length of the board. Multiple stringers keep the board stiff and help it hold its shape.
Heat-laminated skins matter most on hot Australian beach days, when cheaper boards are more likely to bubble. Soft decks also give your feet some natural grip, but check each board’s details to see if the brand recommends wax.
A Tri Fin Setup for Better Control
A tri fin setup uses three fins near the tail of the board. It improves control during turns and helps the board run straight while you’re learning to stand.
Steadier rides to shore
The fins keep the board tracking in a straight line. That makes your first rides more predictable.
Room to progress
Once you start angling along waves, the tri-fin setup gives you more control in turns. You won’t need a new board as soon as your skills improve.
A good fin setup turns a learner board into one you can keep using as you get better.
When you compare foam surfboards, look for an EPS core, a heat-laminated skin, and multiple stringers. A foam surfboard with these features should hold up well to regular family use.
Who a 9ft Soft Top Suits Across Skill Levels
A 9ft soft top is built with beginners in mind, but it suits more skill levels than most people expect. Here’s who gets the most out of one.
Beginners, Bigger Riders, and Families
For these riders, the extra float and stability of a 9ft foam surfboard make the biggest difference. It’s the size most likely to get them standing and riding sooner.
Complete beginners and surf lessons
A 9ft foam surfboard is often recommended for beginners, and foam boards are ideal for beginner surf lessons. It’s a great option if you want to keep practising on your own after a few lessons.
Heavier and taller riders
Your weight decides how much volume you need, and a 9ft board’s 87 to 118 litres gives bigger riders plenty of float. Taller riders also get extra length to spread out on.
Families sharing one board
One board can suit adults and older kids taking turns over the summer holidays. Younger or lighter kids may do better on a shorter board, which we cover next.
If you fit any of these groups, a 9ft board is the most forgiving place to start.
Intermediate and Experienced Surfers
Intermediate surfers and experienced surfers often keep a 9ft foamie in their quiver for mushy waves. In small waves, a shorter board tends to bog down, while the extra float of a 9ft foam surfboard keeps you moving. It’s suitable for a relaxed style of surfing, with long, easy rides instead of sharp turns. It also makes a handy board for teaching a partner or child to surf.
Whatever your skill level, the right fit comes down to your weight, your waves, and how you want to ride.
How to Know When Longer Boards Aren’t the Right Call
A soft-top longboard suits most beginners, but not every rider. For some people, a shorter board makes more sense.
9ft vs 8ft: Where the Difference Shows
The main difference between the two sizes is volume. A 9ft foam board carries 87 to 118 litres, while 8ft foam boards usually sit around 65 to 86 litres. That extra length and float make the 9ft steadier, but it’s also harder to carry and slower to turn.
An 8ft board is often the next step once you can stand and ride straight with confidence. It turns more easily and gives you a bit more control as your skills grow.
Lighter Riders and Kids
A small rider doesn’t need 100 litres of float to catch waves. On a 9ft board, a light adult or a child can struggle to control the board and carry it down the beach. A shorter board gives them enough float with less weight to manage.
For families, that might mean one 9ft board for the adults and a shorter board for the kids. Everyone gets a board that fits them.
Not Built for High Performance Surfing
A 9ft foam surfboard is designed for stability, and it gives up some control in turns to get it. Its long length and wide nose and tail keep it steady in small to medium waves, but slow to change direction. Advanced riders who want sharp turns in steep, powerful waves will be better off on a shorter, lower volume board.
A 9ft foamie still has a place for these surfers as a relaxed extra board on small days.
Longer boards aren’t always the better choice. The board that matters most is the one that suits your size, your skill, and your local waves.
How to Pick From the Best Soft Top Surfboards
The best soft top surfboards for your family are the ones that fit your riders, your beach, and your budget. Answer these questions before you compare boards.
Size It for the People Riding It
A shared board has to work for more than one person. Start with who’ll use it most and where.
Who will ride it most?
Size the board for the heaviest regular rider, since lighter riders will still float easily on extra volume. A 9ft foam surfboard carries 87 to 118 litres, and a thicker board adds even more float.
Can the kids manage it?
Younger or lighter kids may find a 9ft board hard to carry and control. A shorter board for them can sit alongside the family board.
Where will you surf?
A 9ft board suits small to medium waves and the whitewater where most families learn. If your local beach mostly has bigger, steeper waves, ask for advice before you buy.
For materials and fin setup, look for the features covered earlier. That means an EPS core, a heat-laminated skin, wooden stringers, and a tri-fin setup.
Check the Practical Details
A board that’s hard to get to the beach won’t get used much. These checks help you avoid surprises after it arrives.
Can you carry and store it?
A 9ft board is about 2.7 metres long. Measure your car, roof racks, and storage space before you order.
What comes with it?
Check whether a leash and fins are included so you can surf on day one. If they’re not, add the cost of those surfboard accessories, plus wax if the deck needs it, to your budget.
What fits your budget?
Compare boards on fit first, then weigh the regular price against any sale price. A discount only helps if the board is the right size. If your local water runs cool, leave room in your budget for a wetsuit, too.
If two boards in your price range pass every check, pick the one that’s easier to carry and store. A board that’s simple to get to the beach is the one your family will use most.
Our Picks for the Best 9ft Foam Surfboards
Flash Series Softboard Plus - Lime White 9.0
The Flash+ Series 9'0 Softboard is the kind of board that makes your first sessions feel achievable. It floats you high and stays calm under your feet, so you can focus on standing up instead of fighting for balance. Three wooden stringers and soft plastic fins make it tough enough for family use and gentle enough for kids still learning.
Pros
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Triple Stringer Strength: Three plywood stringers keep the board stiff and help it hold its shape after plenty of use.
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Safer Soft Fins: The thruster setup uses soft plastic fins, which are kinder in a fall than hard fins.
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Comfortable, Grippy Deck: The soft IXPE deck is comfy to lie on and gives your feet good grip.
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Ready to Surf: Fins and a leash plug are included, so you only need to add a leash.
Cons
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Moderate Volume for Its Size: At 92.6 litres, it sits toward the lower end of the usual range for a 9ft soft top, so very heavy riders may want more float.
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Limited Turning: Soft fins and a long outline make it a cruiser, so it won’t suit surfers who want sharp turns.
Recommendation
The Flash+ 9'0 suits complete beginners, surf schools, and families who want one board everyone can share. It’s also a good small wave cruiser for surfers who want easy, relaxed rides. Lighter riders and younger kids may find an 8ft board easier to carry and control.
Bred to Shred Softboard - Learn to Surf
The Bred to Shred Learn to Surf Softboard is built like a surf school board, which makes sense, because that’s where you’ll often find it. This board is steady and forgiving for first sessions, and it’s tougher than most soft boards thanks to fibreglass layers under the foam. Its standout feature is a built-in carry handle, which makes getting it to the water much easier for kids and adults alike.
Pros
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Built-in Carry Handle: The handle lets smaller riders carry a long board without wrestling it under one arm.
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Extra Tough Construction: Two layers of fibreglass and an epoxy layer sit under the soft skin to strengthen and protect the board.
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Protected Nose: An EVA bumper under the nose softens knocks against the car, the ground, or other surfers.
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Reinforced Fin Box: The fin box is set in solid PVC blocks, so it’s less likely to work loose after hard use.
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Ready to Surf: It comes with three FCS soft fins, which are kinder in a fall than hard fins.
Cons
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Moderate Volume for Its Size: At 92.6 litres, the 9'0 sits toward the lower end of the usual range for a 9ft soft top, so heavier beginners may be better suited to the 10' at 105 litres.
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Built for Cruising: The long, stable outline is made for relaxed rides, so it won’t suit surfers who want sharp turns.
Recommendation
The Bred to Shred 9'0 suits beginners and families who want a board that can take years of knocks and still is easy to carry to the beach. The carry handle makes it a strong pick if kids will be helping haul the board. Heavier riders should look at the 10', while lighter riders and younger kids may find the 7'0 or 8'0 easier to handle.
Bom Bora Softboard - Blue Leaves
The Bom Bora Softboard is an easygoing board for anyone who wants to start surfing without overthinking it. This board has a flat, low nose that sits on the water rather than above it, so it paddles easily and gets you into waves early. Soft rails and a soft deck keep it safe for learners, and its leafy blue design makes it easy to spot in a busy lineup.
Pros
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Easy Paddling: A low entry rocker means the nose stays flatter, so the board glides forward with each stroke instead of pushing water.
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Soft Rails: EVA rails soften the edges of the board, so knocks to your legs or head hurt less.
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Room to Progress: A single concave under the board gives a little extra lift and drive once you start riding along waves.
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Budget Friendly: It’s one of the more affordable soft boards in the range, which suits families buying their first board.
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Starter Fins Included: A three-fin thruster set comes in the box.
Cons
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Extra Gear Needed: You’ll need to add wax and a leash before your first surf.
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Moderate Volume for Its Size: At 92.6 litres, the 9'0 sits toward the lower end of the usual range for a 9ft soft top, so heavier beginners may want more float.
Recommendation
The Bom Bora 9'0 suits beginners and families who want a safe, stable board at a friendly price. It’s also a good fit for surfers who want a board they can keep riding as their skills improve. Lighter riders and younger kids may find the 7'0 or 8'0 easier to carry and control.
Finding Your Right Board Size
For most beginners and families, a 9ft foam surfboard is the easiest board to learn on. Its extra length and volume float you higher, so you start catching waves while they’re still small and gentle. More waves in each session means more practice standing up, and that’s what turns a first try into a lasting habit.
The right size still depends on who’s riding. Heavier riders, complete beginners, and families sharing one board get the most from a 9ft board. Lighter adults, younger kids, and surfers who can already ride with confidence often do better on something shorter.
If you’re still torn between soft top surfboards, try a few sizes before you buy. Many surf schools and hire shops rent foam boards by the hour or day, so you can feel the difference between a 9ft and an 8ft in your own local waves. A session or two on each will tell you which board gives your family the better surfing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 9ft foam surfboard good for beginners?
Yes. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly boards you can buy. Its high volume and wide shape make paddling and standing up easier, and the soft deck cushions you when you fall.
How much volume does a 9ft foam surfboard have?
Most boards this size carry 87 to 118 litres of volume. The exact figure depends on the board’s width and thickness, so check the listing before you buy.
Should I get an 8ft or 9ft soft top?
Go with the longer board if you’re a complete beginner, a heavier rider, or buying one board for the family to share. An 8ft suits lighter adults, teens, and surfers who can already stand and ride straight with confidence.
Can intermediate or experienced surfers ride a 9ft foam surfboard?
Yes. Many intermediate and experienced surfers keep one in their quiver for small, mushy days when a shorter board bogs down. It won’t handle sharp turns in powerful waves, but it’s great for relaxed rides.
How should I store a soft top in the Australian heat?
Keep it in the shade and out of a hot car, because long hours in direct sun can break down the foam over time. A board bag adds extra protection, and a heat-laminated skin helps stop the outer layer from bubbling or peeling.
