Table of Contents

Longboard Soft Top: The Ultimate Guide to Comfortable Cruising

The world of longboarding is constantly evolving, with new innovations emerging to enhance the riding experience. Among these innovations, the longboard soft top has gained significant popularity, offering a unique blend of comfort, performance, and accessibility. Whether you’re a seasoned longboarder or a beginner looking for a forgiving platform, a longboard soft top might be the perfect choice for your next ride. This guide will delve into the specifics of longboard soft tops, exploring their benefits, construction, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

What is a Longboard Soft Top?

A longboard soft top, as the name suggests, features a deck covered with a soft, textured material, typically made from EVA foam or similar closed-cell foam. This contrasts with traditional longboards that have a hard, often wooden, deck. The soft top provides a more comfortable and grippy surface, making it ideal for riders who prioritize comfort and ease of use. The core of the board is usually still constructed from traditional materials like wood or composite, providing the necessary rigidity and stability.

Benefits of Riding a Longboard Soft Top

There are several compelling reasons to consider a longboard soft top:

Enhanced Comfort: The soft deck material cushions your feet, reducing fatigue and allowing for longer riding sessions. This is especially beneficial for beginners who are still developing their balance and technique.
Improved Grip: The textured surface of the soft top provides excellent grip, even when wet. This reduces the risk of slipping and allows for more confident carving and turning.
Increased Forgiveness: The soft deck absorbs vibrations and minor bumps, resulting in a smoother and more forgiving ride. This makes longboard soft tops particularly well-suited for cruising on less-than-perfect surfaces.
Beginner-Friendly: The combination of comfort, grip, and forgiveness makes longboard soft tops an excellent choice for beginners. They provide a stable and confidence-inspiring platform for learning the basics of longboarding.
Durability: While the soft top itself is more susceptible to wear and tear than a hard deck, the underlying construction of many longboard soft tops is quite robust. Look for models with reinforced cores and durable edge protection.

Construction and Materials

Understanding the construction of a longboard soft top is crucial for making an informed purchase. Here’s a breakdown of the typical components:

Soft Top Layer: This is the defining feature of a longboard soft top. It’s usually made from EVA foam, which is a closed-cell foam that is waterproof, durable, and provides excellent cushioning. The texture of the foam can vary, with some models featuring diamond grooves or other patterns for enhanced grip.
Core: The core of the board provides its structural integrity. It’s typically made from wood (e.g., maple, bamboo), composite materials (e.g., fiberglass, epoxy), or a combination of both. The core determines the board’s stiffness, flex, and overall performance.
Base: The base of the board is the bottom layer, which comes into contact with the ground. It’s often made from a durable material like polyethylene (PE) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) to resist abrasion and impact.
Rails: The rails are the edges of the board. They play a crucial role in the board’s handling and responsiveness. Some longboard soft tops feature reinforced rails to enhance durability and prevent delamination.

Choosing the Right Longboard Soft Top

Selecting the right longboard soft top depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider the following factors:

Riding Style: What type of riding do you plan to do? If you’re primarily interested in cruising and mellow carving, a longer, more flexible longboard soft top might be ideal. If you want to perform more aggressive maneuvers, a shorter, stiffer board might be a better choice.
Rider Weight and Height: Your weight and height will influence the size and shape of the board you need. Heavier riders typically require larger boards with more volume.
Deck Shape: Longboard soft tops come in various shapes, including pintails, drop-throughs, and cruisers. Each shape offers a different riding experience. Pintails are known for their smooth carving, drop-throughs provide a lower center of gravity for added stability, and cruisers are versatile all-around boards.
Trucks and Wheels: The trucks and wheels are essential components that affect the board’s handling and performance. Look for trucks that are appropriate for your riding style and wheels that provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Softer wheels are generally better for cruising, while harder wheels are more suitable for sliding and tricks.
Budget: Longboard soft tops range in price from affordable entry-level models to more expensive high-performance boards. Set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it.

Popular Longboard Soft Top Models

Several brands offer high-quality longboard soft tops. Here are a few popular models to consider:

Wavestorm Longboard: While primarily known for their surfboards, Wavestorm also produces a longboard soft top that is popular among beginners due to its affordability and ease of use.
California Board Company Longboard: CBC offers a range of longboard soft tops in various shapes and sizes, catering to different riding styles.
South Bay Board Co. Longboard: This company specializes in soft top boards and offers several longboard soft top options known for their quality and durability.

Maintenance and Care

To prolong the life of your longboard soft top, it’s essential to properly maintain and care for it. Here are a few tips:

Rinse with Fresh Water: After each use, rinse the board with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and dirt.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing the board in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can damage the foam and other materials.
Protect from Sharp Objects: Be careful not to scratch or puncture the soft top with sharp objects.
Check for Damage: Regularly inspect the board for any signs of damage, such as cracks, delamination, or tears. Repair any damage promptly to prevent it from worsening.

Longboard Soft Top vs. Traditional Longboard

The main difference between a longboard soft top and a traditional longboard lies in the deck material. Traditional longboards have a hard deck made from wood or composite materials, while longboard soft tops feature a soft, foam-covered deck. This difference in material affects the board’s comfort, grip, and overall riding experience. Traditional longboards generally offer more responsiveness and control, while longboard soft tops prioritize comfort and forgiveness. [See also: Longboard Deck Materials: A Comprehensive Guide]

Are Longboard Soft Tops Right for You?

Longboard soft tops are a great option for riders who prioritize comfort, ease of use, and a forgiving ride. They are particularly well-suited for beginners, casual cruisers, and riders who prefer a more relaxed longboarding experience. If you’re looking for a comfortable and accessible way to enjoy the thrill of longboarding, a longboard soft top might be the perfect choice for you.

Conclusion

The longboard soft top represents a significant innovation in longboarding, offering a unique blend of comfort, performance, and accessibility. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, a longboard soft top can provide a fun and enjoyable riding experience. By understanding the benefits, construction, and maintenance of longboard soft tops, you can make an informed decision and choose the right board for your needs. So, get out there and experience the comfortable cruising of a longboard soft top!