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

The allure of gliding across the water, propelled by the ocean’s energy, is a siren song that has captivated surfers for generations. For those just starting their surfing journey, or even seasoned surfers looking for a more relaxed ride, the soft top surfboard longboard presents an ideal option. This guide will explore the advantages, considerations, and nuances of choosing the right soft top longboard, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make the most of your time in the waves. A soft top surfboard longboard is a fantastic option for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

What is a Soft Top Surfboard Longboard?

A soft top surfboard longboard, as the name suggests, combines the forgiving nature of a soft top surfboard with the length and stability of a longboard. Traditional surfboards often feature a hard fiberglass or epoxy construction, which can be less forgiving for beginners and prone to dings and damage. Soft top surfboards, on the other hand, typically have a foam deck (usually made of EVA foam) that provides a more comfortable and less abrasive surface. This makes them safer for beginners who are still learning to pop up and avoid wipeouts. The longboard shape (typically 8 feet or longer) adds stability and paddle power, making it easier to catch waves. A soft top surfboard longboard is a great choice for many reasons.

Why Choose a Soft Top Longboard?

There are several compelling reasons to opt for a soft top surfboard longboard:

Beginner-Friendly: The soft deck and added stability make learning to surf much easier and less intimidating.
Durability: Soft tops are generally more resistant to dings and damage compared to hardboards. This is especially beneficial for beginners who are more likely to bump and scrape their boards.
Safety: The soft deck reduces the risk of injury from accidental collisions or wipeouts.
Affordability: Soft top longboards are often more budget-friendly than traditional hardboards.
Fun for All Skill Levels: While ideal for beginners, experienced surfers also enjoy soft top longboards for cruising, small wave sessions, and experimenting with different styles.

Key Features to Consider

When choosing a soft top surfboard longboard, consider the following features:

Length

Longboards typically range from 8 to 12 feet in length. A longer board provides more stability and paddle power, making it easier to catch waves. However, longer boards can be more difficult to maneuver. For beginners, an 8-9 foot board is a good starting point. More experienced surfers may prefer a longer board for cruising or a shorter board for more maneuverability.

Width and Thickness

A wider board provides more stability, while a thicker board offers more buoyancy. Look for a board that is wide and thick enough to support your weight and skill level. A soft top surfboard longboard that is too small will be difficult to paddle and catch waves.

Core Material

The core of a soft top surfboard is typically made of EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foam. Some boards may also use a wood stringer for added strength and stiffness. Look for a board with a high-density EPS core for better performance and durability. A soft top surfboard longboard with a weak core will not last as long.

Deck Material

The deck of a soft top surfboard is usually made of EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam. This material is soft, comfortable, and provides good grip. Look for a board with a textured deck for added traction. The deck of a soft top surfboard longboard should be durable and comfortable.

Bottom Material

The bottom of a soft top surfboard can be made of various materials, including HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) or slick plastic. A slick bottom helps the board glide smoothly through the water. Some boards may also have channels or contours to improve performance. The bottom of a soft top surfboard longboard is important for speed and maneuverability.

Fin Setup

Most soft top longboards come with a thruster (three-fin) setup, which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Some boards may also have a single fin or a 2+1 fin setup (two side fins and a larger center fin). Experiment with different fin setups to find what works best for your style. The fins on a soft top surfboard longboard can be changed to adjust performance.

Choosing the Right Size

Selecting the appropriate size soft top surfboard longboard is crucial for optimal performance and enjoyment. Consider your weight, skill level, and the type of waves you’ll be surfing. Beginners should generally opt for a longer and wider board for maximum stability. As you progress, you can experiment with shorter and narrower boards for increased maneuverability. Here’s a general guideline:

Beginners: 8’0″ – 9’0″ or longer
Intermediate Surfers: 7’6″ – 8’6″
Experienced Surfers: 7’0″ – 8’0″ (or shorter, depending on preference)

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 and sand.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Avoid storing your board in direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can damage the foam.
Protect from Dings: While soft tops are more durable than hardboards, they can still be damaged. Be careful when handling and transporting your board.
Check for Delamination: Regularly inspect your board for signs of delamination (separation of the deck from the core). If you notice any delamination, repair it promptly.
Use a Board Bag: A board bag will protect your board from scratches, dings, and UV damage.

Where to Buy a Soft Top Longboard

Soft top surfboard longboards are widely available at surf shops, sporting goods stores, and online retailers. When purchasing a board, consider the following:

Reputation of the Brand: Choose a reputable brand known for producing high-quality soft top surfboards.
Warranty: Look for a board with a warranty to protect against manufacturing defects.
Return Policy: Check the return policy in case you are not satisfied with your purchase.
Read Reviews: Read online reviews to get feedback from other surfers who have used the board.

The Future of Soft Top Longboards

The popularity of soft top surfboard longboards continues to grow, driven by their accessibility, durability, and versatility. Manufacturers are constantly innovating, incorporating new materials and designs to improve performance and sustainability. We can expect to see even more advanced soft top longboards in the future, offering a wider range of options for surfers of all skill levels. These boards are becoming increasingly popular.

Advanced Techniques on a Soft Top Longboard

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced techniques on your soft top surfboard longboard. These might include:

Cross-Stepping: Walking along the length of the board to trim and generate speed.
Nose Riding: Positioning yourself on the nose of the board for a classic longboarding maneuver.
Cutbacks: Turning back towards the breaking wave to maintain speed and stay in the pocket.
Cheater Fives/Hang Fives: Placing your toes on the nose of the board.

Benefits Beyond Surfing

Owning a soft top surfboard longboard can offer benefits beyond just surfing. It’s a great way to enjoy the ocean, get exercise, and connect with nature. Surfing is a fantastic workout that improves your cardiovascular health, strength, and balance. It’s also a great way to reduce stress and improve your mental well-being. The soft top surfboard longboard makes it easy to access these benefits.

Common Misconceptions

There are a few common misconceptions about soft top surfboard longboards:

They are only for beginners: While ideal for beginners, experienced surfers also enjoy soft top longboards for their forgiving nature and fun factor.
They are not durable: Soft tops are actually more durable than hardboards in many ways, as they are less prone to dings and damage.
They are not high-performance: While they may not be as high-performance as some hardboards, soft top longboards can still be used for a variety of surfing styles.

Conclusion

The soft top surfboard longboard is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into surfing or enjoy a more relaxed ride. Its forgiving nature, durability, and affordability make it a popular option for surfers of all skill levels. By considering the key features and tips outlined in this guide, you can choose the right soft top longboard for your needs and enjoy countless hours of fun in the waves. A soft top surfboard longboard is a great investment for anyone who loves the ocean. [See also: Beginner Surfboard Buying Guide] [See also: Longboard Surfing Techniques] [See also: Surfboard Maintenance Tips]