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Soft Top Boards: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right One

Soft top boards, also known as foam surfboards or beginner boards, have surged in popularity in recent years. Whether you’re a novice surfer looking to catch your first wave or an experienced rider seeking a fun and forgiving option for small summer swells, a soft top board can be an excellent choice. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about soft top boards, from their construction and benefits to choosing the right size and style for your needs.

What is a Soft Top Board?

Unlike traditional hard surfboards made of fiberglass and resin, soft top boards feature a foam core, typically made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyethylene (PE), covered with a soft, grippy deck. This soft deck is usually made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, providing comfort and traction without the need for wax. The bottom of the board is often slick HDPE (high-density polyethylene), which helps with speed and glide.

Key Features of Soft Top Boards:

Soft Deck: The EVA foam deck is comfortable and provides excellent grip.
Foam Core: EPS or PE foam core provides buoyancy and stability.
Slick Bottom: HDPE bottom enhances speed and glide.
Rounded Rails: Softer rails make the board more forgiving and easier to turn.
Leash Plug: Essential for attaching a leash to prevent losing the board.

Benefits of Riding a Soft Top Board

Soft top boards offer numerous advantages, making them a popular choice for surfers of all skill levels:

Beginner-Friendly: The soft deck and forgiving nature of soft top boards make them ideal for learning to surf. They are more stable and easier to paddle, allowing beginners to focus on the fundamentals.
Safety: The soft construction reduces the risk of injury compared to hard surfboards. This is especially important for beginners who are more likely to fall.
Durability: Soft top boards are generally more durable than hard surfboards. They can withstand bumps and dings without significant damage.
Affordability: Soft top boards are typically less expensive than hard surfboards, making them an accessible option for budget-conscious surfers.
Fun in Small Waves: Soft top boards excel in small, mushy waves where hard surfboards struggle. Their buoyancy allows them to catch waves easily and maintain speed.
No Wax Needed: The EVA foam deck provides excellent grip, eliminating the need for surfboard wax.

Choosing the Right Soft Top Board: Factors to Consider

Selecting the right soft top board depends on several factors, including your skill level, weight, height, and the type of waves you plan to ride.

Skill Level

Beginners should opt for larger, wider soft top boards that offer maximum stability and buoyancy. As you progress, you can transition to smaller, more maneuverable boards.

Size and Volume

The size and volume of a soft top board are crucial for performance. A larger board with more volume will be easier to paddle and catch waves, while a smaller board will be more responsive and easier to turn.

Here’s a general guideline for choosing the right size:

Beginners: Choose a board that is at least 8 feet long and has a volume of 70 liters or more.
Intermediate Surfers: Opt for a board that is 7 to 8 feet long and has a volume of 60 to 70 liters.
Experienced Surfers: Consider a board that is 6 to 7 feet long and has a volume of 50 to 60 liters.

Your weight also plays a significant role in determining the appropriate size. Heavier surfers will need larger boards to maintain buoyancy.

Shape and Design

Soft top boards come in various shapes and designs, each suited for different wave conditions and riding styles.

Longboards: Ideal for beginners and small waves, longboard soft top boards offer excellent stability and glide.
Shortboards: Designed for more experienced surfers, shortboard soft top boards are more maneuverable and responsive.
Fish Boards: Fish soft top boards are wider and shorter than traditional shortboards, making them great for small to medium-sized waves.
Funboards: Funboard soft top boards are a versatile option that combines the stability of a longboard with the maneuverability of a shortboard.

Construction Quality

The quality of the materials and construction significantly impacts the performance and durability of a soft top board. Look for boards with a high-density foam core, a durable EVA deck, and a slick HDPE bottom.

Fin Setup

Most soft top boards come with a tri-fin (three-fin) setup, which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Some boards may also have a single-fin or quad-fin setup, depending on the intended use.

Top Soft Top Board Brands and Models

Several reputable brands offer high-quality soft top boards. Here are a few popular options:

Wavestorm: Wavestorm is one of the most well-known soft top board brands, offering affordable and durable boards perfect for beginners.
South Bay Board Co.: South Bay Board Co. offers a range of soft top boards designed for various skill levels and wave conditions.
California Board Company: California Board Company produces high-quality soft top boards with innovative designs and durable construction.
Liquid Shredder: Liquid Shredder offers a variety of soft top boards, including longboards, shortboards, and funboards.

Researching different brands and models can help you find the perfect soft top board for your needs and budget.

Caring for Your Soft Top Board

Proper care and maintenance can extend the life of your soft top board. Here are a few tips:

Rinse After Each Use: Rinse your board with fresh water after each surf session to remove salt and sand.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent damage to the foam and deck.
Avoid Extreme Heat: Do not leave your board in a hot car or exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Repair Dings and Tears: Repair any dings or tears in the deck or bottom to prevent water from seeping into the foam core.
Use a Board Bag: Consider using a board bag to protect your board from scratches and UV damage.

Advanced Techniques on a Soft Top Board

While often associated with beginners, soft top boards can also be used for advanced surfing techniques. Their forgiving nature allows surfers to experiment with new maneuvers and push their limits without the risk of damaging a more expensive hardboard. Experienced surfers often use soft top boards in small wave conditions or for practicing specific skills.

Using a Soft Top Board for Cross-Stepping

Cross-stepping, a classic longboarding technique, can be easily practiced on a soft top board. The added stability allows for smoother transitions and more controlled movements along the board. This is a great way to improve balance and coordination.

Nose Riding with a Soft Top

Although not as responsive as a traditional hardboard, a soft top board can still be used for nose riding, especially in mellow conditions. The key is to find a board with enough volume and a flat rocker to maintain stability while on the nose.

Performing 360s on a Soft Top

The forgiving nature of a soft top board makes it an excellent choice for practicing 360s. The soft deck provides a comfortable landing, and the board’s buoyancy helps maintain momentum throughout the maneuver.

The Future of Soft Top Boards

The soft top board market continues to evolve, with manufacturers constantly innovating to improve performance and durability. Expect to see more advanced materials and construction techniques in the future, as well as new shapes and designs tailored to specific riding styles and wave conditions.

The versatility and affordability of soft top boards ensure their continued popularity among surfers of all levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a fun and forgiving option for small waves, a soft top board is an excellent investment.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of soft top boards – from their construction to their ideal usage – is key to maximizing your surfing experience. By considering your skill level, wave conditions, and personal preferences, you can choose the perfect board and enjoy countless hours of fun in the water. [See also: Surfboard Types for Beginners] and [See also: How to Choose the Right Surfboard Size]