Soft top surfboards are the perfect starting point for anyone eager to ride the waves without the fear of hard fiberglass boards. They offer stability, buoyancy, and a forgiving surface that makes learning fun and safe. Whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned surfer looking for a relaxed ride, these boards provide the confidence you need to progress.
This guide reviews ten of the best soft top surfboards on the market, covering a range of sizes, designs, and features. From the classic Wavestorm to innovative options from THURSO SURF and Contour Surf, you will find the ideal board to match your skill level and surfing goals.
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Wavestorm – Classic Soft Top Foam 7ft Surfboard Surfboard for Beginners and…
Best forCompact beginner surfers
- Lightweight and portable
- Triple stringer for rigidity
ConsiderMay feel small for taller riders
Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adu…
Best forStability for all ages
- Wax-free convenience
- Stable and buoyant
ConsiderHeavier than shorter boards
Wavestorm 8ft Surfboard // Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard for Adults and …
Best forVibrant and durable longboard
- Eye-catching design
- High-density slick bottom
ConsiderMay be too large for small kids
SBS Soft Top Surfboard Fin Set of 3
Best forReplacement fin set
- Easy to install
- Durable construction
ConsiderNo color options
WAVESTORM Classic Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard Surfboard for Beginners and A…
Best forAll-inclusive beginner board
- Complete accessory package
- Stable and durable
ConsiderBulkier for travel
bohally Soft Top Surfboard Fin Set of 3 Surfing Fin
Best forFlexible safety fins
- Soft and flexible material
- Compatible with many boards
ConsiderMay not fit all fin boxes
THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard for Beginner Adults and Kids L…
Best forLightweight performance shortboard
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Three wood stringers for strength
ConsiderMay be less stable than longer boards
Billabong x CONTOUR SURF 8 ft Soft Top Foam Surfboard for Beginner Adults a…
Best forPremium beginner longboard
- Stable and buoyant
- Durable EPS core
ConsiderHigher price point
Own the Wave by BPS 'Clawstrike' 4'3ft Soft Top Surfboard for Kids Beginner…
Best forEco-friendly kids board
- Made from recycled materials
- Ideal size for kids
ConsiderOnly suitable for small children
Anfyko Soft Top Surfboard Fins Set of 3 – Flexible Safety Fins with Screws.
Best forTool-free fin replacement
- Tool-free installation
- Safe and flexible design
ConsiderPlastic screws may wear
Wavestorm 7ft Classic Soft Top – Compact and Reliable
Brand: WaveStorm
A solid, lightweight choice for beginners seeking a manageable board.
The Wavestorm 7ft Classic Soft Top is a fantastic choice for beginners who want a board that is easy to handle and transport. Measuring 7 feet long, 22 inches wide, and 3 inches thick, it offers a volume of 70 liters, giving you plenty of floatation to catch waves with ease. Weighing just 10.2 pounds, it is light enough for you to carry under your arm without strain.
The triple stringer system adds rigidity and strength to the foam core, ensuring the board holds up well over time. The patented U.V. inhibiting soft graphic deck protects against sun damage, while the high-density slick bottom enhances durability. The tail pad improves back foot traction, and the included leash and multiple fins complete the package, making it a ready-to-go option for your first surf sessions.
- Lightweight and portable
- Triple stringer for rigidity
- Includes leash and fins
- May feel small for taller riders
- Limited color options
Wavestorm 8ft Classic Longboard – Stable and Forgiving
Brand: WaveStorm
A dependable longboard that makes learning to surf enjoyable.
If you need more stability and float, the Wavestorm 8ft Classic Longboard is an excellent upgrade. Its longer length provides a larger surface area, making it easier for you to balance and paddle. The soft foam construction with an EPS core and three-stringer system delivers a strong yet flexible ride, ideal for learning the fundamentals.
This board is wax-free, so you can skip the messy application and get straight into the water. The soft top is gentle on your skin, reducing the risk of bumps and bruises during wipeouts. Whether you are a child or an adult, this longboard offers a forgiving platform that helps you build confidence quickly.
- Wax-free convenience
- Stable and buoyant
- Great for beginners
- Heavier than shorter boards
- Basic design
Wavestorm 8ft Multicolor – Durable and Vibrant
Brand: WaveStorm
A vibrant, durable longboard that delivers performance and style.
The Wavestorm 8ft Multicolor stands out with its eye-catching graphic deck, but it is more than just looks. The soft WBS-IXL crosslink top deck and rails provide excellent water barrier protection, while the high-density HDPE slick bottom adds rigidity and speed. This combination ensures the board remains durable even with frequent use.
Included with the board are removable bolt-through fins, an ankle leash, and a traction pad, so you have everything you need right out of the box. Measuring 8 feet by 22.5 inches by 3.25 inches and weighing 11.5 pounds, it offers a good balance of stability and maneuverability. This board is perfect for surfers of all levels who want a reliable, colorful ride.
- Eye-catching design
- High-density slick bottom
- Complete accessory set
- May be too large for small kids
- Graphics may fade over time
SBS Soft Top Fin Set – Easy Replacement
Brand: Santa Barbara Surfing
A practical fin replacement set for soft top surfboard owners.
When your soft top surfboard fins wear out or break, the SBS Soft Top Fin Set offers a simple solution. This set of three fins is designed to fit most soft top boards, providing a reliable replacement that keeps your board in action. The fins are made from durable materials that withstand the rigors of surfing.
Installing these fins is straightforward, and they come with the necessary screws. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, having spare fins is always a smart idea. This set ensures you are never stuck without a ride because of a damaged fin.
- Easy to install
- Durable construction
- Universal fit for soft tops
- No color options
- Screws may strip easily
Wavestorm 8ft Burst – Complete Beginner Package
Brand: WaveStorm
A comprehensive soft top that gets you surfing without extra purchases.
The Wavestorm 8ft Burst is another excellent option from the brand, offering the same reliable construction as other models in the lineup. With its soft foam construction and strong EPS core with three stringers, this board provides a stable and responsive ride. The WBS-IXL top deck and HDPE slick bottom ensure durability and performance.
This complete set includes removable bolt-through fins, an ankle leash, and a traction pad, so you can start surfing immediately. The dimensions of 8 feet by 22.5 inches by 3.25 inches and weight of 11.5 pounds make it a versatile choice for both kids and adults. The Burst colorway adds a fresh look to the classic design.
- Complete accessory package
- Stable and durable
- Suitable for all levels
- Bulkier for travel
- Color may not appeal to all
Bohally Soft Top Fin Set – Flexible and Safe
The Bohally Soft Top Fin Set is designed for safety and flexibility, making it an ideal choice for beginners and kids. These fins are made from a soft material that offers great resilience and toughness, yet they remain flexible enough to reduce the risk of injury during wipeouts. The set includes three fins and six screws for secure attachment.
These fins fit boards with 4-inch (10cm) hole spacing, making them compatible with popular models like the Wavestorm 8ft and other soft tops. The soft construction ensures they are gentle on your board and skin, while still providing enough stiffness for effective tracking. If you need a reliable fin replacement, this set is worth considering.
- Soft and flexible material
- Compatible with many boards
- Includes screws
- May not fit all fin boxes
- Less performance-oriented
THURSO SURF Aero 7ft – Lightweight Performance
The THURSO SURF Aero 7ft is a lightweight soft top that balances stability and performance. Designed with beginners in mind, this board offers a stable, forgiving platform that makes catching waves easier. The EPS foam core and heat-laminated HDPE slick bottom provide excellent balance and durability, while the IXPE deck ensures a comfortable grip.
With three wood stringers for added strength, this board is built to withstand the bumps and knocks of learning. Its versatile design allows you to surf in various conditions, making it a great investment as your skills improve. The 7-foot length is manageable for most riders, offering a good mix of maneuverability and float.
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Three wood stringers for strength
- Versatile for different conditions
- May be less stable than longer boards
- Limited color options
Billabong x CONTOUR SURF 8ft – Premium Collaboration
Brand: CONTOUR SURF
A premium soft top that offers excellent performance and style.
The Billabong x CONTOUR SURF 8ft combines style and functionality, making it a top choice for beginners and improving surfers. The EPO bonding system and heat-laminated HDPE slick bottom with IXPE deck create a stable platform that enhances your confidence in the water. The EPS foam core provides excellent buoyancy, helping you catch waves with ease.
This longboard is crafted for durability, with a stiff EPS core that withstands the tumbles and impacts of learning. It is suitable for recreational surfing and even competitions, thanks to its versatile performance. The collaboration brings a unique aesthetic that stands out on the beach, while the board’s stability makes it a joy to ride.
- Stable and buoyant
- Durable EPS core
- Versatile for various uses
- Higher price point
- May be heavy for some
Own the Wave Clawstrike – Eco-Friendly Kids Board
The Own the Wave by BPS Clawstrike is a 4-foot 3-inch soft top designed specifically for kids. Its compact size makes it easy for young learners to balance and stand up, promoting quick progress. The board is made from recycled plastics, making it an eco-conscious choice for environmentally aware families.
This foam surfboard includes a grippy deck, soft fins, and a proper surf leash, ensuring safety and comfort. The hybrid design offers stability while still being fun to ride. If you want to get your little ones started on surfing, this board is a fantastic option that combines sustainability with practicality.
- Made from recycled materials
- Ideal size for kids
- Includes leash and fins
- Only suitable for small children
- Limited performance for adults
Anfyko Soft Top Fin Set – Tool-Free Installation
The Anfyko Soft Top Fin Set provides a hassle-free way to replace your surfboard fins. This 3-pack includes flexible soft fins and six plastic mounting screws, giving you a complete replacement kit. The soft-impact polymer construction absorbs wipeouts, making them safe for beginners and kids.
These fins feature standard 4-inch hole spacing, fitting popular boards like the Wavestorm 8ft and many others. The tool-free installation means you can swap fins on the beach in minutes using just your hand or a coin. This convenience makes the Anfyko set a practical addition to your surf gear.
- Tool-free installation
- Safe and flexible design
- Compatible with many boards
- Plastic screws may wear
- Not for performance surfing
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right soft top surfboard involves considering several factors to match your skill level and preferences. Here are key points to help you make an informed decision.
- Board Length: Longer boards (8ft and above) offer more stability and float, making them ideal for beginners. Shorter boards (7ft and under) are more maneuverable but require better balance. Consider your height and weight when selecting length.
- Construction Materials: Look for boards with EPS foam cores and multiple stringers for rigidity. Heat-laminated HDPE slick bottoms enhance durability and speed. Soft IXPE decks provide grip and comfort, reducing the risk of injuries.
- Accessories Included: Many soft tops come as complete sets with fins, leashes, and traction pads. These extras save you money and ensure you have everything needed to start surfing immediately. Check the package contents before purchasing.
- Skill Level: Beginners should prioritize stability and forgiveness, while intermediate surfers may prefer boards that offer more performance. Some boards are designed to grow with you, offering versatility as your skills improve.
- Safety Features: Soft top boards are inherently safer than hard boards, but consider additional features like soft fins and flexible materials. These reduce the risk of injury during wipeouts, making them suitable for kids and novice surfers.
Conclusion
Soft top surfboards are an excellent investment for anyone looking to enjoy the waves safely and comfortably. From the reliable Wavestorm classics to the innovative THURSO SURF and eco-friendly options, there is a board to suit every need and budget.
Consider your skill level, board length, and included accessories when making your choice. With the right soft top, you will be catching waves and building confidence in no time.
Erica Steven is the founder and lead writer of WorstBrands, a site dedicated to providing honest and trustworthy reviews about outdoor gear and fashion products.
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