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

Looking to catch some waves and have a blast? A soft top surfboard, also known as a foam surfboard, is an excellent choice for beginners, families, and even experienced surfers looking for a fun and forgiving ride. This guide will explore the top 8 soft top 8 surfboard options available, highlighting their key features, benefits, and who they are best suited for. Whether you’re just starting out or want a board for mellow summer days, we’ve got you covered.

Why Choose a Soft Top Surfboard?

Before diving into the top picks, let’s understand why soft top surfboards are so popular:

Beginner-Friendly: The soft deck provides excellent grip and reduces the risk of injury compared to hard epoxy or fiberglass boards.
Durable: Soft top surfboards can withstand bumps and dings better than traditional boards, making them ideal for learning and crowded surf spots.
Affordable: Generally, soft top surfboards are more budget-friendly than high-performance boards.
Fun for All Skill Levels: While great for beginners, experienced surfers often use soft top surfboards for small wave days or to experiment with new maneuvers.
Easy to Transport: Many soft top surfboards are lightweight and easy to carry.

The Top 8 Soft Top Surfboards

Here’s a detailed look at eight of the best soft top surfboards on the market:

Wavestorm 8′ Classic Surfboard

The Wavestorm is arguably the most popular soft top surfboard in the world. Its affordability, durability, and ease of use make it a perfect choice for beginners. The 8-foot length provides excellent stability and paddling power.

Pros: Affordable, durable, stable, great for beginners.
Cons: Can be difficult to turn for experienced surfers.
Best For: Beginners and families.

South Bay Board Co. Premium Soft Top Surfboard

South Bay Board Co. offers a range of high-quality soft top surfboards with various shapes and sizes. Their boards are known for their performance and durability. They offer a great blend of ease of use and maneuverability.

Pros: High-quality construction, good performance, various shapes and sizes.
Cons: More expensive than the Wavestorm.
Best For: Beginners to intermediate surfers.

California Board Company (CBC) Surfboard

CBC surfboards are another popular option for beginners and recreational surfers. They offer a variety of sizes and designs, often featuring vibrant graphics. Their soft top surfboards are known for being lightweight and easy to paddle.

Pros: Lightweight, easy to paddle, vibrant designs.
Cons: Durability may not be as high as some other brands.
Best For: Beginners and recreational surfers.

Rock-It 8′ Verve Soft Top Surfboard

Rock-It surfboards are gaining popularity for their quality construction and performance-oriented designs. The Verve model provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability, making it suitable for a wider range of skill levels. Their soft top surfboards are a step up in quality.

Pros: Good balance of stability and maneuverability, quality construction.
Cons: May be more expensive than entry-level options.
Best For: Beginners to intermediate surfers looking for better performance.

Liquid Shredder FSE Soft Surfboard

Liquid Shredder offers soft top surfboards designed for both beginners and experienced surfers. The FSE model is known for its durability and performance in a variety of wave conditions. It’s a versatile option for those looking to progress their surfing.

Pros: Durable, versatile, good performance in various conditions.
Cons: May be heavier than some other soft top boards.
Best For: Beginners to experienced surfers.

Gold Coast Surfboards Gnaraloo Softboard

Gold Coast Surfboards offers a range of soft top surfboards that are built to last. The Gnaraloo model is a popular choice for its stability and ease of use, making it perfect for learning to surf. It’s a reliable option for beginners.

Pros: Stable, easy to use, reliable.
Cons: May not be as maneuverable as some other options.
Best For: Beginners.

Odysea Stump by Catch Surf

Catch Surf is known for its fun and innovative surfboards. The Odysea Stump is a short and wide soft top surfboard that is perfect for small waves and having fun. It’s a great option for experienced surfers looking for a playful ride.

Pros: Fun, playful, great for small waves.
Cons: Not ideal for larger waves or beginners.
Best For: Experienced surfers looking for a fun board.

Foamie XL Series

Foamie offers a variety of soft top surfboards in different shapes and sizes. The XL series is designed for larger surfers or those who want extra stability. These boards are built for comfort and ease of use.

Pros: Stable, comfortable, designed for larger surfers.
Cons: May be more difficult to turn than smaller boards.
Best For: Larger surfers or those who want extra stability.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soft Top Surfboard

When selecting a soft top 8 surfboard, consider the following factors:

Size: Choose a board that is appropriate for your height and weight. Longer boards are more stable, while shorter boards are more maneuverable.
Volume: Higher volume boards are easier to paddle and provide more stability.
Shape: Different shapes are designed for different types of waves and surfing styles.
Construction: Look for a board with durable materials and a well-constructed core.
Fin Setup: Most soft top surfboards come with a three-fin (thruster) setup, which provides a good balance of stability and maneuverability.

Tips for Riding a Soft Top Surfboard

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your soft top surfboard:

Start in shallow water: Practice paddling and popping up in shallow water before heading out to the waves.
Paddle hard: Generating enough speed is crucial for catching waves.
Position yourself correctly: Position yourself on the board so that you are balanced and stable.
Pop up quickly: As the wave approaches, pop up to your feet quickly and smoothly.
Look where you want to go: Your body will naturally follow your gaze.

Maintaining Your Soft Top Surfboard

Proper maintenance will help extend the life of your soft top 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: Avoid storing your board in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Protect from damage: Be careful not to drop or damage your board.
Check for damage: Regularly inspect your board for any signs of damage and repair as needed.

Conclusion

A soft top 8 surfboard is a fantastic option for surfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced surfer seeking a fun and forgiving ride, there’s a soft top surfboard out there for you. By considering the factors outlined in this guide and choosing a board that suits your needs and preferences, you’ll be well on your way to catching some waves and having a great time. Remember to always surf responsibly and be aware of your surroundings. Happy surfing!

[See also: Surfboard Types for Beginners]

[See also: How to Choose the Right Surfboard Size]