Soft top surfboard shoppers usually want one thing: to catch waves sooner.
This guide keeps the decision simple. You’ll learn how a soft top surfboard compares to regular surfboards, which features actually change stability and control in the water, and how to choose a board that matches your skill level and local conditions without overbuying.
A soft top surfboard sits inside the broader category of foam surfboards—often called a soft surfboard, soft top, or “foamy.” These boards pair a buoyant core with a soft, grippy deck, which makes them more forgiving during falls, safer in crowded lineups, and easier to learn on. For beginners and families, that forgiving feel is often the difference between “that was brutal” and “let’s go again.”
A good soft top board should feel confidence-building from the first session, whether the rider is a child, a first-timer, or someone returning to surfing after a break. In the sections ahead, we’ll keep the guidance practical and product-ready so you can choose a soft surfboard that fits your needs, your beach, and the kind of progress you want.
Soft Top Surfboard Basics
Before you compare models, it helps to translate the language used on product pages because stores often describe similar foam surfboards in different ways.
Soft top surfboards and foam surfboards are closely related and are often used interchangeably. Many people call them “foamies.”
In practice, they’re designed to give beginners a buoyant, injury-reducing board that paddles easily, catches waves sooner, and stays forgiving when timing and balance are still developing.
Key Terms You Will See on Product Pages
These labels are used inconsistently across stores, so it helps to know what each term usually points to before you compare price, size, or stock.
Soft Top Surfboard
Usually means the top of the board has a soft deck layer (the surface you lie and stand on).
Soft Surfboard
Often used as another name for a soft top surfboard, even when construction details vary.
Foam Board
A broad shopping phrase that usually points to higher-float foam surfboards built for easier wave entry.
When you see a term in a product title, confirm it in the description by checking deck material, core notes, and whether fins are included. That one check prevents a lot of “wait, I thought this was…” confusion later.
Why a Soft Top Surfboard is Super Fun
Soft top surfboards are fun for a simple reason: they lower the penalty for being new. When you’re learning, you don’t need a board that rewards perfection. You need one that lets you repeat attempts without exhausting yourself or getting punished for small mistakes.
That’s also why foam surfboards tend to create more wave time. More float makes paddling and wave entry easier, and a forgiving deck makes wipeouts less disruptive. The result is more chances per session to practice the basics that actually move you forward in the ocean or lake.
More Wave Time
A stable, buoyant board helps surfers catch more waves in one session. More attempts mean faster learning, even before the technique feels “clean.”
Safer Learning
A soft deck reduces abrasion and impact risk during the falls that are normal for beginners—especially in whitewater and crowded beginner zones.
Small Surf Friendly
Soft surfboards are often used on smaller days because extra float helps with wave entry and keeps the board moving through weaker sections.
One important nuance: some boards marketed as soft tops have a soft deck over a more rigid core and slick bottom, while others are foamier throughout. The construction affects durability and flex, but the beginner advantage still comes from the same place—float, stability, and forgiveness.
What Impacts Your Surfing Experience Most?
Once you understand why soft boards feel easier, the next step is knowing what actually changes that experience from one board to another.
Two foam surfboards can look similar on a rack and feel completely different in the water because a few specs control most of the ride.
Volume
Volume is the amount of buoyancy the board holds. It influences how easily you paddle, how early you enter waves, and how tiring a session feels after the first 30 minutes.
Float and Wave Entry
More volume helps surfers paddle into waves earlier and with less perfect timing.
Balance at Rest
More volume often feels steadier while waiting and turning for waves.
Width
Width controls side-to-side stability and how forgiving the board feels when your stance and foot placement aren’t consistent yet.
Side-to-Side Stability
More width reduces tipping when the ocean is bumpy or your feet land imperfectly.
Turning Feel
Less width can feel quicker rail-to-rail, but demands better balance and control.
Length
Length affects glide and paddling efficiency. It also affects positioning because longer boards help you get moving earlier, which matters in softer surf.
Paddling and Glide
More length helps the board carry speed into a wave.
Space and Control
Shorter boards fit tighter pockets but require better timing.
Fin Setup
Fins influence tracking, turning response, and how the tail holds when a wave has push. It’s also one of the easiest variables to adjust later, as long as the board supports swapping fins.
Tracking and Stability
More stable fin setups help the board hold a straighter line.
Turning Response
More responsive fin setups suit surfers who already control basic turns.
When these basics match the rider and local surf, a soft surfboard stops feeling like “training wheels” and starts feeling like the right tool for the job, which is why foam surfboards stay popular across mixed skill levels.
Soft Top Surfboards vs. Regular Surfboards
At some point, most surfers wonder whether they should start on a soft top surfboard or jump straight to a regular surfboard. The simplest way to frame it is this: soft tops prioritize forgiveness; regular boards prioritize precision.
A soft top surfboard is built to feel forgiving in real-world conditions. It usually prioritizes stability and safety over sharp response. A regular surfboard can feel faster and more precise, but it also punishes small mistakes more quickly—especially during takeoff and early turning attempts.
Key Differences in Feel
These boards feel different because of how they float, how they grip the water, and how quickly they respond when you shift weight. The difference shows up most in smaller surf and during the stage where pop-ups, trimming, and basic direction changes are still inconsistent.
Stability
Soft surfboards often feel steadier because they’re commonly wider and higher volume.
Control
Regular surfboards can feel more precise because rails and contours are built for responsiveness.
Speed
Regular surfboards often carry speed better on clean faces once the rider generates speed correctly.
Safety
Soft surfboards reduce impact risk because the deck is softer and the outlines are usually more forgiving.
Soft top surfboards generally offer better buoyancy, stability, and safety for beginners than hard tops.
When a Regular Surfboard Makes Sense
A regular surfboard starts to make sense once the surfer’s consistency is strong enough to benefit from precision.
In other words, when you’re no longer just surviving the waves, you’re starting to steer it.
Skill and Consistency
A regular surfboard makes sense when the surfer stands up reliably, trims down the line, and controls speed without constant resets.
Wave Quality
Regular surfboards shine when waves have clean faces and enough push to reward better technique.
Goals
Regular surfboards make sense when the surfer wants sharper turns, more speed control, and more performance feedback.
For most people, the shift to a hard board is the right next step when they’re ready to trade forgiveness for response.
Where Epoxy Surfboards Fit
Epoxy surfboards are a type of regular surfboard construction. They’re often chosen for durability, and many feel lively underfoot. That makes them a common “bridge board” after a foam surfboard, especially for surfers who want something tougher than traditional fiberglass.
Durability
They often resist everyday dings better than many traditional builds.
Performance Feel
They tend to feel quick and responsive, which suits surfers who already control turns.
Who It Suits
They often fit surfers who want a step up from a foam surfboard without jumping straight to a more fragile build.
Epoxy surfboards often work best as a progression board once a surfer has outgrown a foam surfboard but still wants durability for regular use.
How to Choose the Right Size by Skill Levels
Sizing is where most buyers accidentally make surfing harder.
The right size makes paddling manageable, wave entry earlier, and sessions longer. The wrong size forces you to “earn” every wave with perfect timing and extra effort before you’ve built those skills.
Size isn’t only length and width. It’s also how much float the board has, and float changes everything from paddling to how early the board slides into the surf. When size is wrong, technique feels harder than it should.
Simple Sizing Rules for Beginners and Entry Level
Pick a size that makes paddling feel manageable and helps you get into surf without perfect timing.
Start With More Float
More float helps you paddle with less effort and get into surf earlier.
Choose Extra Length for First Sessions
Extra length adds glide and keeps momentum in softer surf.
Use Store Help For Kid Sizing
For kids, match the board to height and weight. Ask for support if you’re unsure.
A good soft top surfboard is usually longer (7ft+) for stability and easier wave catching.
How Width and Float Affect Steadiness and Confidence
Once you’ve narrowed down length, width, and float tend to decide how “calm” the board feels under your feet. They’re also the specs beginners feel immediately, even before they understand why.
Wider Shapes Feel Calmer
More width reduces side-to-side wobble during takeoff and trimming.
More Float Reduces Fatigue
More float makes paddling easier and helps keep sessions longer.
Match Size to Typical Surf at Your Beach
Soft, slow surf usually needs more float and more glide.
When width and float match the person and the beach, surfing starts to feel simpler—because the board stops fighting you.
When Narrower Shapes Make Sense
Narrower shapes usually suit surfers who already stand up consistently and want quicker rail-to-rail response.
A narrower foam surfboard can still be a smart pick, but it rewards timing. Choose it after takeoffs feel consistent in the conditions you surf most.
Choose Narrower After Consistent Takeoffs
A narrower shape rewards cleaner technique and often feels more responsive.
Avoid Narrow if Takeoffs Are Still Missed Often
A narrow shape reduces margin for error and can slow progress.
Knowing shape ranges can help you pick your first soft surfboard with more confidence than not knowing what each shape means.
Match Your Choice to Surf Types
Your local surf should decide size more than your long-term goals. The board you progress on fastest is the one that matches the waves you actually paddle into week after week—not the waves you hope to be surfing someday.
In softer surf, the challenge is building speed early enough to stand up and stay moving. In punchier surf, the challenge shifts toward control, because the wave face develops faster and demands a board that fits the pocket without fighting it.
Small, Soft Surf Favors More Float
When waves are small and slow, your board needs to create momentum for you. More float—often paired with a bit more length—helps you paddle in earlier, stay on plane through flat sections, and avoid the common beginner frustration of the wave slipping away just as you try to stand.
Punchier Surf Can Fit a Shorter Length
When the surf has more push, you don’t need as much help getting into the wave. What matters more is control once you’re up. A slightly shorter board can fit steeper faces better and feel less like it’s outrunning the wave.
That only works once your timing and footwork are reliable. Shorter boards reduce margin for error, so they reward consistency rather than guesswork.
Matching board size to the conditions you actually surf keeps learning moving forward, because you spend less energy fighting the wave and more time practicing the skills that matter.
Once size is right, fins are the quickest way to fine-tune how a soft surfboard feels. They influence whether the board tracks straight, pivots easily, or feels planted when the water gets uneven.
The key is to treat fins as fine adjustments, not drastic changes. Start with a predictable setup, then you can make a range of small tweaks.
Fins Basics
Some product listings include fins. Others don’t. Checking this before checkout avoids delays and prevents ordering the wrong fin type or system.
Included Fins
Check the product description for “includes fins,” then confirm the fin count and fin system so you know what replacements will fit later.
Fins Not Included
If fins are not included, confirm the fin system first, then buy fins designed specifically for that system.
Check Stock Before You Commit
If fins are sold out, choose a board that ships with fins or pick a compatible fin set that’s available now.
This quick check saves time and keeps your first session from turning into a missing-parts problem.
How Fin Setups Affect Feel in the Water
Fin setups change grip, turning response, and how the board holds a line on the wave face. Even when board size stays the same, different fin setups can make the ride feel noticeably different.
More Fin Area Adds Hold
More fin area usually reduces side slip and helps the board track cleaner. This often feels more confidence-building for newer surfers learning trims and basic direction changes.
Less Fin Area Feels Looser
Less fin area can make direction changes easier and faster, but it can also feel less planted—especially if takeoffs or stance are still inconsistent.
Fin Placement Matters
Fins set farther back tend to feel more locked-in and stable. Fins set farther forward can feel quicker to pivot and easier to redirect.
Choose a fin setup that matches your current skill level and the surf you see most weeks. Early on, a setup that feels steady is usually more useful than one that feels lively.
Set Up Tips for Beginners and Dedicated Learners
The fastest way to improve board feel is to keep changes simple and intentional. Start with a clear baseline, then adjust one element at a time so you can tell what actually made a difference.
Beginners Should Keep It Simple
Use the included fin setup first and keep it unchanged for a few sessions. Consistency matters more than optimization at this stage.
Dedicated Learners Can Fine-Tune
Change one item at a time—fin size or fin template—and test it in similar surf so the feedback is clear.
Match Setup to Your Local Surf
If your beach is usually small and soft, prioritize a setup that supports easy entry and smooth tracking instead of something overly loose.
A clean setup plan helps a soft surfboard feel better quickly without wasting money on upgrades you can’t feel yet.
Transport and Care (Roof Racks + Durability)
Soft surfboards are forgiving in the water. They’re less forgiving during transport and long sun exposure. A little care here goes a long way toward protecting the deck, rails, and bottom.
Using Roof Racks Safely
Roof racks work well when the board is centered, and the straps are tight. The most common mistakes are uneven strap tension and allowing the board to vibrate during driving.
Rack Fit Check
Confirm the roof racks are rated for the board length and that the crossbars are spaced wide enough to support it properly.
Strap Placement
Place straps over the strongest parts of the board and keep them away from fins and sharp edges.
Tension and Movement Test
Tighten until the board doesn’t slide. Shake it gently, then re-tighten if it shifts.
Follow these tips to reduce the risk of transport damage and keep the board secure on the road.
Heat, Storage, and Preventing Damage
Heat is one of the fastest ways to damage a soft surfboard. Direct sun can overheat the deck, and a closed car can warp materials quickly.
Avoid Hot Cars
Do not leave the board inside a parked car. Store it in shade whenever possible, even for short breaks.
Use a Cover
A basic cover reduces sun exposure and protects against surface scuffs during transport.
Store It Off the Ground
Store the board on a rack or padded supports to prevent pressure dents over time.
Simple storage habits prevent avoidable damage and keep the board ready for the next session.
Rinse, Dry, and Basic Maintenance
Salt and sand wear down fin systems and leash points over time. A quick rinse keeps the board cleaner and helps hardware last longer.
Freshwater Rinse
Rinse the board after each session, especially around the fin area and leash area.
Dry Before Storage
Let the board dry in the shade. Wipe it down if you need to pack it quickly, and avoid storing it wet for long periods.
Check Hardware and Wear Points
Inspect fins and fin boxes before your next session. Replace damaged parts early so they don’t fail in the water.
Basic maintenance reduces surprise issues at the beach and extends the life of the board.
Buying Tips: Price, Sale Timing, Brand, and Accessories
Once you understand size, shape, and setup, buying a soft top surfboard becomes much simpler. At this point, the decision is less about theory and more about value—what you’re getting for the price, and whether the board will support consistent water time.
Soft top surfboards are generally more affordable than hard boards, which makes them a natural entry point for beginners. That said, price alone doesn’t tell the full story. Two boards with similar price tags can differ significantly in durability, included hardware, and long-term usability.
How to Compare Price vs Features That Matter
Start by looking past the headline price and into what’s actually included. Many cost differences come from accessories, construction choices, and fin systems.
Included Parts
Check whether fins and a leg rope (leash) are included. A board that ships ready to surf often costs less overall than a cheaper board that needs add-ons.
Deck Feel and Grip
Look for clear notes on deck texture. A grippy soft deck can reduce how much wax you need and make early sessions feel more secure.
Fin System and Replacement Ease
Confirm the fin system type before buying. This matters later when you need replacements or want to experiment with different fin templates.
Prioritizing features that increase water time usually beats chasing the lowest sticker price.
Are Surfboard Sales Worth It?
Sales can be a great opportunity,but only if the fundamentals are already right.
Buying the wrong board because it’s discounted often slows progress and leads to a second purchase later.
Right Size Is in Stock
Only buy on sale if the size you actually need is available. Size mistakes cost more than any discount saves.
Returns Policy Is Clear
Check the return window before checkout. This matters if the board feels off after the first session.
Shipping Cost Is Understood
Confirm total shipping cost at checkout. Large items can carry hidden fees
Should I Buy The Latest Model?
New models often look similar to previous iterations on the surface, but small updates can affect how the board feels and how easy it is to own.
The most meaningful changes usually show up in construction layers, deck grip, and fin systems—not graphics.
Construction Updates
Manufacturers may adjust internal reinforcement, stringers, or foam density. These changes can affect stiffness, durability, and how the board holds its shape over time.
Grip Updates
Deck textures are often refined year to year. A small grip change can noticeably affect comfort and traction, especially for beginners and kids.
Fin System Updates
Some new models switch fin systems. That can make replacements easier—or limit options if the system is proprietary.
If you’re comparing model years, read the product description carefully to see what actually changed.
Surfboard Accessories Checklist
Accessories should solve one clear problem: warmth, traction, or safety.
Early on, less is more. Start with essentials that make sessions safer and more comfortable.
Wetsuit
Choose a wetsuit that matches your local water temperature. Staying warm keeps sessions longer and focus sharper.
Tailpad
A tailpad can help with foot placement and add traction if you prefer less wax, especially on boards with flatter decks.
Wax
Wax adds grip when the deck needs it. Always choose wax rated for your water temperature.
Leg Rope
A leg rope (leash) keeps the board close after a fall. Match the leash length to the length of your soft top surfboard.
Well-chosen essentials do more for confidence and safety than most add-ons.
Best Soft Top Surfboards Picks
Bom Bora Softboard - Blue Leaves
Bom Bora Softboard (Blue Leaves) is a beginner-friendly soft-top surfboard built for easy wave-catching, steady pop-ups, and safe progression, with durable double or triple stringers and fins included.
Pros
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Easy paddling and “forgiving” feel that helps beginners get into waves faster
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Stable shape for more confident stand-ups and longer rides
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Durable build- EPS core, XPE deck, HDPE slick bottom, EVA rails, plus double or triple stringers (size-dependent)
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Versatile sizing (6'0 to 9'0) with clear volume options
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3-fin thruster starter set included, so it is ready to surf
Cons
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“Soft” rails and a beginner rocker can feel less responsive for advanced surfing
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Best performance depends on choosing the right size, and the sizing table can be confusing at a glance
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You may need accessories like wax and a correctly sized leash
Recommendation
If you want a safe, confidence-building softboard that prioritizes stability and easy wave entry, the Bom Bora Softboard is a great option. Choose 6'0–7'0 for smaller or lighter riders, and 8'0–9'0 for maximum stability, faster learning, or heavier riders.
Vintage Log Longboard - Blue Surfboards
AQSS Vintage Log is a classic, forgiving longboard built for smooth trim, confident cross-stepping, and proper nose time in small to medium waves, without feeling hard to turn.
Pros
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Tuned for small to medium longboard waves, so it is easy to use most days
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Stable “easy to understand” feel with soft 50/50 rails and a clean outline
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Classic longboard design details: single fin + vee bottom, low nose rocker with added tail kick
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Solid construction with PU foam, triple stringer, and heavier glassing for durability
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Various size range with good volume: 9'2 (71.64L), 9'6 (77.08L), 10'0 (85.66L)
Cons
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Fin not included, so add a compatible single fin to complete the setup
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Its heavier, more traditional build can feel less lively than a lighter modern longboard
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Best for longboard-style surfing, not for tight, shortboard-style maneuvers
Recommendation
This is a great option if you want a reliable traditional log to learn longboarding properly or to cruise with controlled nose riding. Go 9'2 for easier handling, 9'6 for the best all-around log feel, and 10'0 for maximum glide and stability (especially for heavier riders).
Hendrx Retro Fish V2 - Pastel Green Surfboards
Hendrx Retro Fish V2 (Pastel Green) is a refined, modern-retro fish built for fast speed, easy paddling, and quick rail-to-rail surfing, from small cruisy days to more demanding surf.
Pros
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Wide wave range - works well in small surf but can handle pushier conditions
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Speed and lift from the single concave, with extra control from the hard tail edge
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Strong paddle power thanks to medium-low entry rocker and foam carried under the chest
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Quad fin setup (single tab) makes it feel fast and “flighty”, great for tight turns and rapid transitions while sliding on water
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Multiple sizes/volumes range (26.12L to 44L), so you can dial in feel from nimble to more forgiving
Cons
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Fins not included, and it needs single tab fins, so there is an extra purchase
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More performance-focused than a classic soft fish, so it may feel less forgiving for true beginners
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Quad setup can feel lively if you prefer a more locked-in, drawn-out feel
Recommendation
Best for intermediate to expert surfers who want a fish that keeps retro speed but adds modern control. Go smaller for a skatey, high-performance feel, or size up for easier paddling and more forgiveness.
No Drama Wide Softboard with handle - Blue 7'0
No Drama Wide Softboard with Handle (7'0) is an extra-wide, super-buoyant soft-top designed to make learning easier, with SUP-like float, high stability, and screw-in fins for a simple first setup.
Pros
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Extra wide and 94.6L volume gives standout float and balance for faster progression
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Easy paddling and early wave entry with a low-entry rocker
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Beginner-safe soft construction (EPS core, XPE deck, soft rails)
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The handle makes carrying and managing the board easier on land and in the water
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Screw-in thruster fins included, so you can surf it out of the box (after installing fins)
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Double or triple stringer build (size-dependent) for added strength
Cons
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Extra-wide shape is not as nimble as a standard softboard for turning
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You still need essentials like wax and a correctly sized leash
Recommendation
Pick this if you want maximum stability and paddle power, especially if standard boards feel a bit too tippy. It is a great “confidence builder” for learners or anyone who wants the easiest path to standing up and riding waves.
Flick Softboard - Teal 7.0
Flick Softboard (Teal) is a premium, progression-focused softboard with eye-catching hand-drawn artwork, strong paddle power, and a more performance-based outline that helps you start linking turns sooner.
Pros
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Great paddle power to build speed and catch more waves
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More performance outline than typical softboards, making turns easier as you improve
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It suits a wide range of surfers across skill levels
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Fins included (3-fin starter set), so it is close to a ready-to-surf package
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Practical size range 5'10 (43.4L), 7'0 (56.5L), 8'0 (66.5L)
Cons
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You still may need accessories like wax and a correctly sized leash
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Performance-oriented shape may feel less “cruise-stable” than wider, ultra-beginner softboards
Recommendation
The Flick Softboard is a great option if you want a softboard that does not just help you stand up, but helps you progress into real turns. Choose 7'0 for the best all-around balance of stability and performance, go 8'0 if you want easier wave catching, or 5'10 if you want a more nimble feel.
Bred to Shred Softboard - Learn to Surf
Bred to Shred “Learn to Surf” Softboard is a surf-school-ready beginner board built for durability and easy handling, with a carry handle (unique in this range) and included soft fins for a simple first setup.
Pros
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Surf school proven design to take a beating and last
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The carry handle makes it easier to carry for kids and adults
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Beginner-friendly shape across multiple lengths for easy learning and stability
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Strong build details like IXPE deck, EPS core, 4oz + 4oz glassing, epoxy layer, HDPE slick bottom, reinforced fin box
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3 FCS soft fins included, so you are ready to surf with less extra shopping
Cons
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Sizing guide pushes you to contact the team, so self-selection is less straightforward
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More “learn to surf” focused than performance focused, so advanced turning is not the priority
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You will still need essentials like a leash and wax
Recommendation
If you want the easiest, most confidence-building start (or a tough board for repeat use), this is a great pick. Go shorter for easier handling, or size up (8'0 to 10') if stability and wave catching are the priority.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Surfboard
Choosing the right foam soft surfboard is important. It can make all the difference in progressing faster and enjoying more time on the water.
Designed for stability, buoyancy, and safety, soft top surfboards make wave catching easier while reducing the discomfort and frustration that slow early learning.
Modern soft surfboards are no longer limited to beginners. Many experienced surfers keep foam boards in their quiver for small or weak conditions because the extra float turns marginal surf into fun sessions.
When length, width, volume, and fin setup match your skill level and local waves, learning feels smoother and more rewarding. The right soft surfboard builds confidence, extends sessions, and helps you focus on surfing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soft top surfboards good for beginners?
Yes. A soft top surfboard is a common first pick because the soft deck is more forgiving during falls, and the shapes are often easier to paddle into surf.
What size soft top surfboard should I get?
Most beginners do better with a longer and wider option at first, because it feels calmer underfoot. Larger boards offer increased stability, which is fundamental for beginners. Heavier surfers require more volume in their surfboards, often calculated at roughly their weight in liters for optimal floatation.
Do soft top surfboards need wax?
Sometimes. Many soft top surfboards have a grippy deck texture that can work with little or no wax, but traction needs change with wet feet, colder water, and longer sessions. If the deck feels slippery, add wax. If it already feels sticky and secure, you can often skip it.
Are foam surfboards safe for kids?
They are often a safer option than hard-deck crafts because the outer surfaces are softer and more forgiving during bumps and falls. That matters when kids are learning close to shore and in whitewater. Still, adult supervision and a properly sized craft are important.
Can advanced surfers use a soft top surfboard?
Yes. Many experienced surfers still use a soft top surfboard for small surf, casual sessions, and family days. The key is choosing a shape and fin setup that matches the skill level and local surf. It can be a practical part of a quiver even after skills improve.
Do soft top surfboards come with fins?
It depends on the product listing. Some soft top surfboards ship as a ready-to-ride package with fins included, while others require you to purchase fins separately.
