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Soft Top Boards: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right One

Soft top boards, also known as foam surfboards or softboards, have surged in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a fantastic entry point for beginners, provide a fun and forgiving experience for intermediate surfers, and even offer seasoned pros a different way to enjoy the waves. This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of soft top boards, covering everything from their construction and benefits to choosing the right one for your skill level and wave conditions.

What are Soft Top Boards?

Soft top boards are surfboards constructed with a foam core, typically EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) or PE (Polyethylene), and covered with a soft, grippy outer layer, usually made of EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate). This combination makes them significantly more buoyant and forgiving than traditional hard surfboards. The soft deck also minimizes the risk of injury, making them an ideal choice for beginners and crowded surf breaks.

Construction of a Soft Top Board

Understanding the construction of a soft top board helps in appreciating its durability and performance:

Core: The core provides the board’s buoyancy and shape. EPS cores are lightweight and waterproof, while PE cores offer a more traditional surfboard feel.
Deck: The EVA deck provides grip and comfort. Different textures and thicknesses affect the board’s responsiveness and feel.
Bottom: The bottom is typically made of HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) for durability and glide. Some soft top boards feature slick bottoms with channels to improve water flow and speed.
Stringer: A stringer, usually made of wood or composite material, runs down the center of the board to provide stiffness and prevent excessive flexing. More stringers generally mean a stiffer, more responsive board.
Fins: Most soft top boards use removable fins, allowing for customization and improved performance.

Benefits of Riding Soft Top Boards

Soft top boards offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for a wide range of surfers:

Beginner-Friendly: Their buoyancy and stability make them easy to paddle and catch waves, allowing beginners to quickly progress.
Safety: The soft deck minimizes the risk of injury from accidental collisions, making them safer for crowded surf breaks and beginners still learning to control their board.
Durability: Soft top boards are generally more durable than hard surfboards, able to withstand bumps and dings without significant damage.
Affordability: They are often more affordable than traditional surfboards, making them a budget-friendly option for those new to surfing or looking for a fun alternative.
Versatility: Soft top boards can be ridden in a variety of wave conditions, from small, mellow waves to larger, more powerful breaks.
Fun Factor: Let’s face it, riding a soft top board is just plain fun. Their forgiving nature allows surfers to experiment and try new maneuvers without the pressure of damaging an expensive board.

Choosing the Right Soft Top Board

Selecting the right soft top board depends on your skill level, body type, and the type of waves you plan to ride. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:

Consider Your Skill Level

Beginner: Beginners should opt for a longer, wider board (8’0” or longer) with plenty of volume. This will provide maximum stability and ease of paddling.
Intermediate: Intermediate surfers can choose a shorter board (7’0” to 8’0”) with a more refined shape for improved maneuverability.
Advanced: Advanced surfers might consider a shorter, more performance-oriented soft top board (6’0” to 7’0”) for executing more advanced maneuvers.

Consider Your Body Type

Your weight and height will influence the volume and length of the board you need:

Heavier Surfers: Heavier surfers will need a board with more volume to ensure adequate buoyancy.
Taller Surfers: Taller surfers may prefer a longer board for better stability and paddle power.

Consider the Wave Conditions

Small Waves: For small, mellow waves, a longer, wider board will provide plenty of float and paddle power.
Larger Waves: For larger, more powerful waves, a shorter, more maneuverable board will allow for better control and responsiveness.

Key Features to Look For

Volume: Volume is a crucial factor in determining a board’s buoyancy. More volume means more float and easier paddling.
Length: Length affects stability and maneuverability. Longer boards are more stable, while shorter boards are more maneuverable.
Width: Width also contributes to stability. Wider boards are easier to balance on, especially for beginners.
Fin Setup: The fin setup affects the board’s turning ability and control. A thruster (three-fin) setup is a versatile option for most conditions.
Stringer Configuration: The number and type of stringers influence the board’s stiffness and responsiveness. More stringers generally mean a stiffer board.

Popular Soft Top Board Brands

Several reputable brands offer high-quality soft top boards. Some popular options include:

Wavestorm: Known for their affordable and durable beginner boards.
South Bay Board Co.: Offers a range of soft top boards for all skill levels.
Catch Surf: Specializes in fun, performance-oriented soft top boards.
Liquid Shredder: Provides a variety of soft top boards for different wave conditions.

Caring for Your Soft Top Board

Proper care will extend the life of your soft top board:

Rinse After Each Use: Rinse the board with fresh water after each surf session to remove salt and sand.
Store Out of Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can damage the foam and cause delamination.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Avoid storing the board in hot cars or direct sunlight.
Repair Dings Promptly: Small dings can be repaired with foam-specific repair kits to prevent water from seeping into the core.

Soft Top Boards: Not Just for Beginners

While soft top boards are often associated with beginners, they are also a great option for experienced surfers looking for a fun and forgiving ride. Many advanced surfers use soft top boards in smaller waves or crowded conditions to avoid damaging their expensive hard boards. The forgiving nature of soft top boards also allows for experimentation and trying new maneuvers without the fear of injury or board damage.

The Future of Soft Top Boards

The technology and design of soft top boards are constantly evolving. Manufacturers are experimenting with new materials, shapes, and fin systems to improve performance and durability. As a result, soft top boards are becoming increasingly popular among surfers of all skill levels. We can expect to see even more innovative designs and performance-driven soft top boards in the future.

Conclusion

Soft top boards are a versatile and fun option for surfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy way to learn to surf or an experienced surfer looking for a forgiving ride in smaller waves, a soft top board can provide hours of enjoyment. By considering your skill level, body type, and the type of waves you plan to ride, you can choose the perfect soft top board for your needs. So grab a soft top board and get out there and enjoy the waves! [See also: Surfboard Types for Beginners] and [See also: How to Choose the Right Surfboard Fins]