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Top 8 Soft Top Surfboards: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners and Beyond

Choosing the right surfboard can be daunting, especially for beginners. Among the various options, the soft top 8 surfboard stands out as a popular and versatile choice. These boards, often referred to as foam surfboards, offer a forgiving platform for learning the basics while still providing enough performance for more experienced riders. This guide will delve into the best soft top 8 surfboards on the market, highlighting their features, benefits, and who they’re best suited for.

Why Choose a Soft Top Surfboard?

Soft top surfboards are constructed with a foam core and a soft, grippy deck. This construction offers several advantages:

Safety: The soft deck reduces the risk of injury compared to hard fiberglass boards.
Buoyancy: Foam boards are typically more buoyant, making them easier to paddle and catch waves.
Durability: Soft tops are generally more durable and resistant to dings and damage.
Cost-Effective: They are often more affordable than traditional hard surfboards.

The soft top 8 surfboard category encompasses a wide range of shapes and sizes, making it important to choose one that matches your skill level and the type of waves you plan to ride. Let’s explore some of the best options available.

The Top Soft Top 8 Surfboard Picks

Here’s a curated list of the top soft top 8 surfboards, catering to different skill levels and surfing styles:

Wavestorm 8′ Classic Surfboard

The Wavestorm is arguably the most popular soft top 8 surfboard on the market. It’s known for its durability, affordability, and ease of use. Its generous volume makes it incredibly stable, ideal for beginners learning to stand up and catch waves. [See also: How to Choose Your First Surfboard]

Pros: Highly durable, very stable, affordable, great for beginners.
Cons: Not ideal for advanced maneuvers, can feel bulky in larger waves.
Best For: Complete beginners and those looking for a durable, budget-friendly option.

South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top Surfboard

South Bay Board Co. offers a range of high-quality soft top 8 surfboards designed for performance and durability. Their boards often feature reinforced cores and slick bottoms for improved speed and maneuverability. They have different models that can suit different levels of surfers, from beginner to intermediate.

Pros: Enhanced performance features, durable construction, good for progressing surfers.
Cons: More expensive than basic models, may be too advanced for complete beginners.
Best For: Beginners looking for a board they can grow into and intermediate surfers wanting a fun, forgiving option.

California Board Company 8′ Surfboard

The California Board Company (CBC) offers a solid soft top 8 surfboard that balances affordability and performance. These boards are known for their stable platform and easy paddling, making them a good choice for learning the basics. The CBC surfboards generally feature a heat laminated construction for added durability.

Pros: Good value for money, stable and easy to paddle, suitable for beginners.
Cons: May not be as durable as some higher-end models, limited performance features.
Best For: Beginners and recreational surfers looking for an affordable and reliable board.

Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard

Liquid Shredder offers a variety of soft top 8 surfboards with different construction techniques. The FSE model, in particular, is known for its lightweight EPS core and durable PE deck. This combination provides a good balance of performance and durability, making it suitable for a range of skill levels. The Full Speed Edition (FSE) construction makes them lighter and faster than classic softboards.

Pros: Lightweight and responsive, durable construction, suitable for various skill levels.
Cons: Can be more expensive than basic models, not ideal for very small children.
Best For: Intermediate surfers and beginners who want a board with improved performance.

Giantex 8′ Surfboard Foam Soft Top

Giantex offers a budget-friendly soft top 8 surfboard option. While not as well-known as some other brands, these boards provide a decent entry point into surfing. They are generally stable and easy to paddle, making them suitable for beginners. The construction is usually a standard EPS core with an IXPE deck.

Pros: Very affordable, stable and easy to paddle, good for beginners on a budget.
Cons: Lower durability compared to premium models, limited performance features.
Best For: Beginners on a tight budget who want to try surfing without a significant investment.

Krypt Towers Soft Top Surfboard

Krypt Towers offers a range of soft top 8 surfboards with a focus on quality construction and performance. These boards often feature reinforced cores and durable decks, making them suitable for more advanced riders. They often include features like channels on the bottom for increased speed and control.

Pros: Enhanced performance features, durable construction, good for progressing surfers.
Cons: More expensive than basic models, may be too advanced for complete beginners.
Best For: Beginners looking for a board they can grow into and intermediate surfers wanting a fun, forgiving option.

BING Surfboards Soft Top

BING surfboards are well known in the surfing community. While they are more known for hard top surfboards, BING also produces high-quality soft top 8 surfboards. These boards are built with quality materials and construction, making them durable and long-lasting. BING soft tops often feature unique designs and shapes that cater to different surfing styles.

Pros: High-quality construction, durable, unique designs, suitable for various skill levels.
Cons: More expensive than other soft top brands, may be harder to find.
Best For: Surfers who appreciate quality craftsmanship and unique designs.

Rock It 8′ Soft Top Surfboard

Rock It surfboards are designed for fun. Their soft top 8 surfboards are no exception. These boards are designed to make catching waves and learning to surf as easy and fun as possible. They often have bright colors and fun designs. Rock It soft tops are a great choice for beginners and experienced surfers alike.

Pros: Fun designs, easy to paddle, durable, great for all skill levels.
Cons: May not be the best choice for serious performance surfing.
Best For: Surfers looking for a fun and easy-to-ride board.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soft Top 8 Surfboard

Choosing the right soft top 8 surfboard depends on several factors:

Skill Level: Beginners should opt for wider, more stable boards, while experienced surfers may prefer narrower, more maneuverable designs.
Wave Conditions: Consider the type of waves you’ll be surfing. Smaller waves require more buoyant boards, while larger waves may require more streamlined shapes.
Weight and Height: Choose a board that is appropriate for your weight and height. A board that is too small will be unstable, while a board that is too large will be difficult to control.
Budget: Soft top 8 surfboards range in price from budget-friendly to premium models. Set a budget before you start shopping.

A soft top 8 surfboard is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to get into surfing or wanting a fun, forgiving board for recreational use. By considering the factors mentioned above and exploring the top options available, you can find the perfect board to suit your needs and enjoy the thrill of riding waves. Remember to always prioritize safety and practice good surfing etiquette. [See also: Surfing Etiquette: A Guide for Beginners]

Investing in a quality soft top 8 surfboard can significantly enhance your surfing experience. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking for a fun alternative to a hard board, a soft top 8 surfboard offers a versatile and enjoyable way to ride the waves. So, get out there, have fun, and enjoy the ride!

Remember to always wear a leash when surfing. A leash will keep your board from washing away after you fall. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid surfing in crowded areas. By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable surfing experience. The soft top 8 surfboard is a great way to learn to surf, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved.

The versatility of the soft top 8 surfboard makes it a great choice for a wide range of surfers. From beginners learning the ropes to experienced surfers looking for a fun and forgiving ride, the soft top 8 surfboard is a great option. With so many different models available, there is sure to be a soft top 8 surfboard that is perfect for you.