Soft Topper Surfing: The Ultimate Guide to Soft Top Surfboards
Soft topper surfing has exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. These surfboards, also known as foamies or softboards, offer a unique blend of accessibility, safety, and fun, making them ideal for beginners, families, and even experienced surfers looking for a different kind of wave-riding experience. This guide dives deep into the world of soft topper surfing, exploring everything from the benefits of soft top surfboards to choosing the right one and mastering the basics.
What is a Soft Top Surfboard?
A soft top surfboard is characterized by its soft, foam-based deck. Unlike traditional hard surfboards made with fiberglass and epoxy, soft tops typically feature a polyethylene (PE) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam deck. This softer surface offers several advantages:
- Increased Safety: The forgiving nature of the foam deck significantly reduces the risk of injury from falls or collisions.
- Enhanced Buoyancy: Soft tops tend to be thicker and wider than hardboards, providing excellent buoyancy and making them easier to paddle and catch waves.
- Affordability: Soft top surfboards are generally more affordable than their hardboard counterparts, making them a great entry point into the sport.
Benefits of Soft Topper Surfing
The appeal of soft topper surfing extends beyond just beginners. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits:
Beginner-Friendly
Soft top surfboards are exceptionally forgiving, making them perfect for learning the fundamentals of surfing. Their inherent buoyancy helps beginners paddle efficiently and catch waves with greater ease. The soft deck also minimizes the sting of wipeouts, allowing learners to focus on technique and build confidence. The forgiving nature of a soft top surfboard can make the learning curve significantly less steep.
Family Fun
Soft topper surfing is an excellent activity for families. The increased safety factor allows parents to relax and enjoy the experience with their children. Soft tops are also durable and can withstand the wear and tear of family use. The relative lower cost means that equipping the whole family for soft topper surfing is a lot more affordable than equipping them with fibreglass boards.
Versatility
While often associated with beginners, soft top surfboards can be surprisingly versatile. Experienced surfers often use them for small wave days, shore breaks, or simply for a fun, casual session. Some advanced soft tops even incorporate features like fiberglass stringers for added stiffness and performance. A soft top surfboard can be a fun addition to any surfer’s quiver.
Durability
While not indestructible, soft top surfboards are generally more durable than hardboards. The soft deck can absorb impacts and resist dings and scratches. This makes them ideal for travel, rentals, and situations where the board is likely to experience some rough handling. This is especially beneficial for those new to soft topper surfing.
Affordability
As mentioned earlier, soft top surfboards are generally more affordable than hardboards. This makes surfing more accessible to a wider range of people. It’s a great way to get into the sport without breaking the bank. Starting with a soft top surfboard allows you to develop your skills before investing in a more expensive board.
Choosing the Right Soft Top Surfboard
Selecting the right soft top surfboard depends on your skill level, size, and intended use. Here are some key factors to consider:
Size and Volume
For beginners, a larger board with more volume is generally recommended. This provides greater stability and makes it easier to paddle and catch waves. As you progress, you can gradually transition to a smaller, more maneuverable board. A good rule of thumb for soft topper surfing beginners is to choose a board that is at least 8 feet long. Volume is your friend when you are starting out.
Construction
Pay attention to the construction of the board. Look for features like a durable foam core, a slick bottom, and reinforced rails. Some soft tops also include fiberglass stringers for added stiffness and performance. The quality of the materials will impact the longevity of your soft top surfboard.
Fin Setup
Most soft top surfboards come with a thruster (three-fin) setup, which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability. Some boards may also offer different fin options, allowing you to customize the board’s performance. Make sure the fins are securely attached and in good condition.
Brand and Reputation
Consider purchasing from a reputable brand known for producing quality soft top surfboards. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from experienced surfers. A little research can go a long way in ensuring you get a board that meets your needs and expectations.
Mastering the Basics of Soft Topper Surfing
Once you have your soft top surfboard, it’s time to hit the waves! Here are some essential tips for mastering the basics:
Paddling
Proper paddling technique is crucial for catching waves. Lie prone on the board, positioning yourself slightly forward so that the nose is just above the water. Use long, smooth strokes to propel yourself forward. Practice paddling in calm water to develop your technique and build stamina. Focus on paddling efficiently to conserve energy while soft topper surfing.
Popping Up
The pop-up is the transition from lying down to standing up on the board. Practice this movement on land before attempting it in the water. There are different pop-up techniques, but the key is to be quick and decisive. Place your hands on the board near your chest, push up, and bring your feet underneath you in a single, fluid motion. A smooth pop-up is essential for successful soft topper surfing.
Riding the Wave
Once you’re standing, focus on maintaining your balance and steering the board. Bend your knees and keep your weight centered. Use your arms to help maintain your balance and make small adjustments to your direction. Look ahead and anticipate the wave’s movement. Enjoy the ride!
Safety First
Always prioritize safety when soft topper surfing. Choose a location with appropriate conditions for your skill level. Be aware of your surroundings and other surfers. Wear a leash to prevent your board from drifting away. And never surf alone. Understanding ocean conditions and safety protocols is paramount for safe soft topper surfing.
Advanced Techniques for Soft Topper Surfing
As you become more comfortable with the basics, you can start exploring more advanced techniques:
Turning
Learn to turn your board by shifting your weight and using your rails. Practice making small turns first, then gradually progress to larger, more aggressive turns. Turning allows you to navigate the wave and generate more speed. Experiment with different turning techniques while soft topper surfing.
Trimming
Trimming involves adjusting your position on the board to maintain speed and stability. By shifting your weight forward or backward, you can fine-tune the board’s performance and stay in the sweet spot of the wave. Trimming is a subtle but important skill for efficient soft topper surfing.
Nose Riding
Nose riding is a classic surfing maneuver that involves walking to the front of the board and riding with your toes hanging over the nose. This requires a long, stable board and good balance. It’s a challenging but rewarding technique to master. Some soft top surfboards are designed specifically for nose riding.
The Future of Soft Topper Surfing
Soft topper surfing is here to stay. As technology advances, we can expect to see even more innovative and high-performance soft top surfboards. The affordability, safety, and versatility of these boards will continue to attract new surfers and keep experienced surfers coming back for more. The future of surfing is undoubtedly softer, more accessible, and more fun.
So, whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking a new challenge, consider giving soft topper surfing a try. You might just discover your new favorite way to ride the waves. [See also: Best Surf Spots for Beginners] [See also: How to Choose the Right Wetsuit]
