Soft Top Surfboard Longboard: The Perfect Beginner Board?
Choosing your first surfboard can be daunting. With so many shapes, sizes, and constructions available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, one type of board consistently recommended for beginners is the soft top surfboard longboard. But what makes these boards so popular for those just starting out? Let’s dive into the advantages and disadvantages of using a soft top surfboard longboard as your entry point into the world of surfing.
What is a Soft Top Surfboard Longboard?
A soft top surfboard longboard combines the forgiving nature of a foam surfboard with the stability and paddle power of a longboard. These boards typically feature a foam deck, often made of a durable polyethylene (PE) or expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Underneath the foam deck, you’ll usually find a fiberglass or epoxy core that provides structure and rigidity. The bottom of the board is often made of a slick HDPE (high-density polyethylene) material, which helps the board glide smoothly across the water.
Longboards, in general, are characterized by their length, typically ranging from 8 to 12 feet. This length provides exceptional stability and makes paddling easier, key factors for beginners.
Advantages of a Soft Top Longboard for Beginners
Stability and Buoyancy
The primary advantage of a soft top surfboard longboard is its stability. The combination of length and volume makes it incredibly easy to stand up on. The increased buoyancy also allows beginners to catch waves more easily, providing a more rewarding and less frustrating learning experience. You’ll spend less time paddling and more time riding waves, which is crucial for building confidence and developing your surfing skills.
Safety
Soft top surfboards longboards are significantly safer than traditional hard-top surfboards. The soft foam deck minimizes the risk of injury in case of a wipeout. This is particularly important for beginners who are still learning to control their board and may fall frequently. The soft deck also reduces the risk of dinging the board itself, making it more durable and forgiving to accidental bumps and scrapes. [See also: Surfboard Repair Guide]
Ease of Paddling
Longboards, by their very nature, paddle exceptionally well. The length and volume of a soft top surfboard longboard allow you to distribute your weight evenly, making it easier to paddle into waves. This is especially beneficial for beginners who may not yet have the strength and technique to paddle effectively on a smaller board. Efficient paddling is essential for catching waves consistently and improving your surfing skills.
Affordability
Soft top surfboards longboards are generally more affordable than hard-top surfboards. This makes them an attractive option for beginners who are unsure about their long-term commitment to surfing. You can purchase a quality soft top surfboard longboard without breaking the bank, allowing you to try the sport without a significant financial investment. This also makes them a great option for families with children who are interested in learning to surf.
Durability
While not indestructible, soft top surfboards longboards are generally more durable than traditional epoxy or fiberglass boards, especially when considering the types of abuse a beginner board endures. The soft foam deck is more resistant to dings and scratches, and the overall construction is designed to withstand the rigors of learning to surf. This means you’ll spend less time repairing your board and more time enjoying the waves.
Disadvantages of a Soft Top Longboard
Performance Limitations
While excellent for beginners, soft top surfboards longboards do have performance limitations. The soft deck and less responsive construction make them less suitable for advanced maneuvers. As you progress and develop your surfing skills, you may find that a hard-top surfboard offers greater control and responsiveness. However, many surfers still enjoy riding soft top surfboard longboards even after years of experience, particularly in small, mellow waves.
Weight
Soft top surfboards longboards can be heavier than traditional hard-top boards, especially when wet. This can make them more difficult to carry and maneuver on land. However, the added weight also contributes to their stability in the water. [See also: Surfboard Weight Comparison]
Wave Size Limitations
While a soft top surfboard longboard is great for smaller waves, they’re not ideal for larger, more powerful surf. The soft deck can become unstable in bigger conditions, and the board may be more difficult to control. If you plan on surfing in larger waves, you’ll eventually need to transition to a more performance-oriented board.
Not Ideal for Advanced Surfing
As mentioned earlier, while a soft top surfboard longboard is great for learning, they are not ideal for advanced surfing. If your goal is to perform advanced maneuvers such as cutbacks, floaters, and aerials, you’ll eventually need to transition to a hard-top surfboard that offers greater control and responsiveness. The flexibility of the soft top can hinder your ability to generate speed and power, limiting your performance potential.
Choosing the Right Soft Top Longboard
When selecting a soft top surfboard longboard, consider the following factors:
- Length: For beginners, a longer board (9 feet or more) is generally recommended for maximum stability.
- Volume: Look for a board with ample volume, which will make paddling and catching waves easier.
- Construction: Choose a board with a durable foam deck and a sturdy core for long-lasting performance.
- Fin Setup: Most soft top surfboard longboards come with a thruster (three-fin) setup, which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability.
Alternatives to Soft Top Longboards
While soft top surfboards longboards are a popular choice for beginners, there are other options to consider:
- Hard-Top Longboards: These boards offer better performance potential but are less forgiving and more expensive.
- Foam Surfboards (Shortboards): These boards are smaller and more maneuverable than longboards but require more skill to ride.
- Hybrid Surfboards: These boards combine features of both longboards and shortboards, offering a balance of stability and performance.
Conclusion
A soft top surfboard longboard is an excellent choice for beginners looking to learn to surf. Their stability, buoyancy, safety, and affordability make them an ideal entry point into the sport. While they may have performance limitations, they provide a fun and forgiving learning experience that will help you develop your surfing skills and build confidence in the water. As you progress, you can always transition to a more advanced board, but the soft top surfboard longboard will always hold a special place as the board that started it all. So, grab a soft top surfboard longboard, head to the beach, and start catching some waves!
