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Top 8 Soft Top Surfboards: Your Guide to Fun and Progression

Looking to catch some waves without breaking the bank or sacrificing enjoyment? A soft top 8 surfboard might just be your perfect entry point. These boards, also known as foam surfboards or funboards, offer a forgiving platform for beginners while still providing experienced surfers with a playful alternative for smaller days. This guide will dive into the top 8 soft top surfboards available, helping you choose the best option for your skill level, wave conditions, and budget. We’ll explore the unique features of each board, discuss their pros and cons, and offer some expert advice to ensure you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned surfer looking for a fun, user-friendly ride, understanding the world of soft top 8 surfboards is key.

Why Choose a Soft Top Surfboard?

Before we delve into the specific models, let’s consider why a soft top 8 surfboard is a great choice. The primary benefit is safety. The soft foam deck significantly reduces the risk of injury compared to a traditional hard fiberglass board. This makes them ideal for beginners who are still learning to control their board and navigate the lineup. Soft tops are also more durable than hard boards, capable of withstanding bumps and dings that would easily damage a fiberglass alternative. This durability translates to lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for your board. Furthermore, their increased buoyancy makes paddling easier and catching waves simpler, allowing for faster progression. For experienced surfers, a soft top 8 surfboard offers a fun and playful experience in smaller waves, allowing for creative maneuvers and a relaxed approach to surfing. [See also: Best Surfboards for Beginners]

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soft Top

Selecting the right soft top 8 surfboard involves considering several key factors:

Length: Longer boards (8ft and above) offer greater stability and paddling power, making them ideal for beginners. Shorter boards (6ft-7ft) are more maneuverable and suitable for experienced surfers in smaller waves.
Width: A wider board provides a more stable platform, making it easier to stand up and maintain balance.
Thickness: A thicker board offers more buoyancy, making it easier to paddle and catch waves.
Construction: Look for boards with a durable EPS foam core and a high-quality soft top deck. The fin system is also important; consider boards with replaceable fins for added versatility.
Volume: Higher volume boards float better and are easier to paddle. Beginners should opt for boards with higher volume.
Fin Setup: Most soft tops come with a thruster (three-fin) setup, which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability.

The Top 8 Soft Top Surfboards

Now, let’s explore some of the best soft top 8 surfboards on the market:

Wavestorm 8′ Classic Surfboard

The Wavestorm is arguably the most popular soft top surfboard. Its affordability, durability, and ease of use make it a favorite among beginners. The Wavestorm 8′ Classic offers excellent stability and paddling power, making it easy to catch waves. It’s a great option for learning the basics of surfing.

South Bay Board Co. Guppy 8′ Surfboard

The South Bay Board Co. Guppy 8′ is a premium soft top surfboard designed for performance. It features a durable EPS foam core, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) slick bottom, and a comfortable soft top deck. The Guppy offers excellent stability and maneuverability, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced surfers. Its construction makes it a step up from the Wavestorm in terms of performance and durability, justifying the higher price point. This soft top 8 surfboard is known for its vibrant colors and overall quality.

California Board Company 8′ Surfboard

The California Board Company 8′ Surfboard is another solid option for beginners. It features a durable construction, a stable platform, and a user-friendly design. This board is easy to paddle and catch waves, making it a great choice for learning the fundamentals of surfing. The included leash and fins make it ready to hit the water right out of the box. The CBC soft top 8 surfboard is a reliable choice for those starting their surfing journey.

Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard Series

Liquid Shredder offers a range of soft top surfboards in various sizes. Their FSE EPS/PE series provides a lightweight and durable option for surfers of all skill levels. These boards are known for their vibrant graphics and high-quality construction. The EPS core provides excellent buoyancy, while the PE deck offers a comfortable and grippy surface. This soft top 8 surfboard is a versatile option for various wave conditions.

Giantex 8′ Surfboard

The Giantex 8′ Surfboard is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It features a durable EPS core, a soft IXPE deck, and a smooth HDPE slick bottom. This board is easy to paddle and catch waves, making it a great choice for beginners. The Giantex soft top 8 surfboard is a budget-friendly option for those looking to get into surfing without breaking the bank.

Rock It 8′ Soft Top Surfboard

Rock It surfboards are known for their quality construction and performance-oriented designs. The Rock It 8′ Soft Top Surfboard is no exception. It features a durable EPS core, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) slick bottom, and a comfortable soft top deck. This board offers excellent stability and maneuverability, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced surfers. This soft top 8 surfboard stands out with its refined shape and attention to detail.

Gold Coast Surfboards GCRD Series

Gold Coast Surfboards offers a range of soft top surfboards designed for performance and durability. Their GCRD Series features a durable EPS core, a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) slick bottom, and a comfortable soft top deck. These boards are easy to paddle and catch waves, making them a great choice for surfers of all skill levels. The GCRD series offers a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different preferences. This soft top 8 surfboard focuses on providing a solid and reliable surfing experience.

BOTE Flood 8′ Soft Top Surfboard

While BOTE is primarily known for their paddleboards, they also offer a high-quality soft top surfboard called the Flood 8′. This board features a durable construction, a stable platform, and a user-friendly design. The BOTE Flood 8′ is easy to paddle and catch waves, making it a great choice for learning the fundamentals of surfing. Though more expensive than other options, the BOTE soft top 8 surfboard reflects the brand’s commitment to quality and performance.

Tips for Surfing a Soft Top Surfboard

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your soft top 8 surfboard:

Start in small waves: Begin in gentle waves to get comfortable with the board and learn the basics of paddling and standing up.
Practice your pop-up: Practice your pop-up on the beach before hitting the water. This will help you develop muscle memory and improve your technique.
Maintain proper stance: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and back straight. Look forward and maintain a balanced stance.
Paddle efficiently: Use long, smooth strokes to paddle efficiently and conserve energy.
Have fun: Surfing is all about having fun. Relax, enjoy the ride, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Caring for Your Soft Top Surfboard

Proper care will extend the lifespan of your soft top 8 surfboard:

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: Store your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Avoid prolonged sun exposure: Prolonged sun exposure can damage the foam and cause the deck to fade.
Inspect for damage: Regularly inspect your board for any signs of damage, such as cracks or delamination.
Repair any damage promptly: Repair any damage promptly to prevent it from worsening.

Conclusion

A soft top 8 surfboard is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Its forgiving nature, durability, and affordability make it a versatile option for a wide range of wave conditions. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and exploring the top 8 models we’ve discussed, you can find the perfect soft top surfboard to enhance your surfing experience. So, grab your board, hit the waves, and enjoy the ride!