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Soft Top Surfboard Longboard: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond

The allure of gliding across the water on a surfboard is undeniable. For many, the journey begins with a soft top surfboard longboard. These boards are not just for beginners; they offer a unique blend of safety, stability, and fun that appeals to surfers of all skill levels. This guide delves into the world of soft top surfboard longboards, exploring their benefits, features, and why they might be the perfect choice for your next surf session.

What is a Soft Top Surfboard Longboard?

A soft top surfboard longboard, as the name suggests, combines the forgiving nature of a soft top (foam) deck with the length and stability of a longboard. Traditional surfboards are typically constructed with a fiberglass or epoxy resin shell over a foam core. Soft tops, on the other hand, feature a softer, textured foam deck, often made of polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). This softer surface reduces the risk of injury, making them ideal for beginners and crowded surf spots. The longboard aspect refers to the board’s length, typically 8 feet or longer, which provides increased buoyancy and stability.

Benefits of a Soft Top Surfboard Longboard

Choosing a soft top surfboard longboard comes with a plethora of advantages:

Beginner-Friendly: The soft deck and long length provide exceptional stability, making it easier to catch waves and maintain balance.
Safety: The soft deck significantly reduces the risk of bumps, bruises, and cuts compared to hard-top boards. This is especially important for beginners who are still learning to control their board.
Durability: Soft top surfboard longboards are generally more durable than traditional hard-top boards. The soft deck can withstand more dings and bumps without requiring immediate repair.
Affordability: Soft tops are often more affordable than their hard-top counterparts, making surfing more accessible to a wider range of people.
Fun for All Skill Levels: While ideal for beginners, experienced surfers also enjoy soft top surfboard longboards for their relaxed ride and ability to catch even the smallest of waves. They are great for summer days with small swells.

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a soft top surfboard longboard, keep the following features in mind:

Length: Longer boards (9 feet and up) offer greater stability, while shorter boards (8 feet) are more maneuverable.
Width: A wider board provides more stability, making it easier to paddle and catch waves.
Thickness: A thicker board offers more buoyancy, which is beneficial for heavier surfers or those surfing in smaller waves.
Fin Setup: Most soft top surfboard longboards come with a three-fin (thruster) setup, which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Some may have a single fin for a more classic longboard feel.
Core Material: Look for a high-quality foam core, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or expanded polyethylene (EPE), for optimal buoyancy and durability.
Deck Material: PE and EVA are common deck materials. EVA is generally considered more comfortable and grippy.

Choosing the Right Soft Top Surfboard Longboard

The best soft top surfboard longboard for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your skill level, weight, the type of waves you’ll be surfing, and your budget. If you’re a complete beginner, opt for a longer, wider, and thicker board for maximum stability. As you progress, you can experiment with shorter and more maneuverable boards.

For Beginners

Focus on stability and ease of use. Look for a board that is at least 9 feet long, wide, and relatively thick. A thruster fin setup is a good choice for beginners.

For Intermediate Surfers

You can start to experiment with shorter and more maneuverable boards. Consider a board that is around 8 feet long with a slightly narrower width. [See also: Surfboard Leash Selection Guide] You might also want to try a different fin setup, such as a single fin or a 2+1 setup.

For Advanced Surfers

While soft top surfboard longboards may not be the first choice for advanced surfers, they can still be a fun option for small wave days. Look for a board that is shorter and more performance-oriented. You can also experiment with different fin setups to fine-tune the board’s performance.

Maintenance and Care

To prolong the life of your soft top surfboard longboard, follow these maintenance tips:

Rinse with Fresh Water: After each surf session, rinse your board with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and debris.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing your board in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, as this can damage the foam and cause it to delaminate.
Avoid Sharp Objects: Be careful not to puncture or scratch the soft deck with sharp objects.
Repair Dings Promptly: Even though soft top surfboard longboards are durable, they can still get dings. Repair any dings promptly to prevent water from seeping into the core. Specialized soft top repair kits are readily available.

Where to Buy a Soft Top Surfboard Longboard

Soft top surfboard longboards are widely available at surf shops, sporting goods stores, and online retailers. When shopping online, be sure to check the seller’s reputation and read reviews before making a purchase. It’s also a good idea to compare prices from different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. [See also: Best Surfboard Brands for Beginners]

The Future of Soft Top Surfboards

The popularity of soft top surfboard longboards continues to grow as more people discover the joy of surfing. Manufacturers are constantly innovating, developing new materials and designs to improve the performance and durability of these boards. We can expect to see even more advanced soft top surfboard longboards in the future, making surfing even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Are Soft Top Longboards Just for Beginners?

While often associated with beginners, soft top surfboard longboards have found a place in the quivers of experienced surfers as well. Their forgiving nature makes them ideal for smaller waves or crowded lineups where safety is a concern. Some advanced surfers even use them for practicing new maneuvers or simply enjoying a more relaxed and playful surfing experience.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Techniques on a Soft Top Longboard

Don’t let the “beginner” label fool you. Skilled surfers can perform a variety of advanced maneuvers on a soft top surfboard longboard. These include:

Walking the Board: Moving up and down the board to trim and generate speed.
Cross-Stepping: A more advanced form of walking the board, involving quick and precise footwork.
Hang Five/Hang Ten: Riding with your toes hanging over the nose of the board.
Drop Knee Turns: A powerful turning technique that involves dropping your back knee.

Mastering these techniques on a soft top surfboard longboard can be a fun and challenging way to improve your surfing skills. [See also: Guide to Surfboard Fins]

Conclusion

A soft top surfboard longboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into surfing or simply enjoy a more relaxed and forgiving ride. Their stability, safety, and affordability make them ideal for beginners, while their versatility and fun factor appeal to surfers of all skill levels. So, grab a soft top surfboard longboard, head to the beach, and experience the joy of gliding across the water!