Soft-top surfboards are recommended for beginners when learning how to surf because they are more manageable and reduce risk for injury. There are also more performance soft-top surfboards for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Soft-top surfboards for beginners come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this article you’ll learn how to choose the right soft-top surfboard for beginners based on your weight and skill level. We’ll also look at the best soft-top surfboards for beginners that you can buy online. Let’s go!
Why should beginners use a soft-top?
Soft-top/foam surfboards (aka foamie)…
- are more manageable for beginner surfers
- reduce the risk of injury from a collision
- are super durable
- are usually more affordable than hard-tops
A big part of surfing is learning how to manage your surfboard gracefully, or at least not bump into it very hard. When learning how a surfboard behaves in the water, collisions with your surfboard are common. Therefore, foam surfboards are less dangerous for both you and other surfers.
Soft-tops are also super durable, which means you won’t ding it on your car door when you pull up to the beach. In addition, soft-top surfboards are fairly affordable, ranging from $200 to $600 when purchased new. That said, you can get one for under $200 if you learn how to buy a used surfboard.
What size soft-top surfboard is best?
One of the biggest challenges beginner surfers make is choosing a surfboard that is too small. It is important to learn how to surf using a surfboard that is the right size for you. Choose a surfboard that has an appropriate length and volume for your skill level.
| True Beginners (Surfed < 5 times) | Beginners (Surfed > 5 times) | |||
| Weight (lbs) | Length (ft, in) | Volume (liters) | Length (ft, in) | Volume (liters) |
| <120 | 7’2” | 72 | 6’8” | 54 |
| 120 | 7’4” | 74 | 7’0” | 57 |
| 130 | 7’6” | 76 | 7’2” | 60 |
| 140 | 7’8” | 78 | 7’4” | 63 |
| 150 | 8’ | 80 | 7’6” | 66 |
| 160 | 8’4” | 83 | 7’8” | 70 |
| 170 | 8′8 | 86 | 8’ | 74 |
| 180 | 9’ | 89 | 8’4” | 78 |
| 200 | 9’4″ | 92 | 8′8 | 82 |
| 220 | 9’8″ | 95 | 9’ | 86 |
| 230 | 10’ | 98 | 9’4″ | 90 |
| 250 | 10′ | 102 | 9’8″ | 94 |
| > 250 | 10′ | 105 | 10′ | 98 |
True beginners need the most length and volume, whereas beginners might be ready for a smaller size. I recommend you take a lesson, or three, before you think about buying a surfboard. If you can catch and ride a wave by yourself, then you are probably in the beginner category.
Newer surfers should start with a longboard (ideally a soft-top surfboard). If you want to learn more about longboards, check out my guide to longboard surfboards.
Best overall soft-top surfboard – 8’ Verve South Beach Board Co.
The 8 Foot Verve by South Beach Board Co. is the perfect beginner soft-top surfboard for many people. The Verve’s beginner friendly shape and moderate volume is ideal for both learning how to surf and progressing your skills past just the basics.
At 8 feet long, 23 inches wide, and 3 inches thick the Verve carries 80 liters of volume within a textured top deck and durable plastic bottom. This size is best suited for true beginners up to 150 pounds and beginners up to 200 pounds.
South Beach Board Co. is a reputable company that primarily makes beginner surfboards among other adventure gear. They sell beginner surfboards ranging from 5 to 9 feet, so shop around if there is a better size for you.
Best budget soft-top surfboard – 8’ Wavestorm
The Wavestorm is a classic in the surfing world. Chances are you’ve heard of the Wavestorm brand. Many surfers begin their aquatic journeys on a Wavestorm.
The Wavestorm is about the same size as the Verve, but a bit more affordable. There is also a 9-foot version. The Verve is probably better build quality, but the Wavestorm will get you out on the water. Because they are soft-tops, both boards are quite durable.
I recommend choosing the Wavestorm if you are on a budget or still on the fence about committing to surfing. It is better to decide you are into surfing before investing in expensive gear.
Best soft-top surfboard for true beginners and larger surfers – 8’6” TAHE Paint Easy
For true beginners and larger surfers, volume is the key ingredient, and the 8’6” TAHE Paint Easy is just what you need. Coming in at a whopping 140 liters, this soft-top can support surfers up to 265 pounds.
Lighter surfers who are true beginners will also benefit from the high volume. Catching waves is a breeze with this surfboard. Balancing on them is easier too because it is 27 inches wide.
That said, because it is so wide and thick, the TAHE Paint Easy is best for true beginners and heavier surfers. Maneuverability is not its strong suit, so keep in mind that you may “outgrow” this board as your skills improve and you want to do more turns.
TAHE is a reputable watersports company that also sells a variety of other soft-top surfboards ranging from 5’6” to 8’6”.
Best soft-top surfboard for kids – 7’6” TAHE Paint Easy
Learning to surf can be frustrating for kids. The 7’6” TAHE Paint Easy makes it, well, easy! With more than enough volume for kids of all ages (110 liters), this surfboard is the ideal option for kids who are true beginners.
It is also super wide (26 inches) which makes it extra stable for the kiddos. As a soft-top, kids are less likely to get injured, and the carrying handle makes getting it into the water easier.
For kids who are more advanced, try one of TAHE’s smaller soft-top surfboards. The Paint Easy models are really for true beginners and lack maneuverability.
What are the downsides of a soft-top surfboard?
While soft-tops are great for learning the basics of surfing, they are also…
- Thick and bulky
- Hard to maneuver and less responsive than hard-tops
- Hard, if not impossible, to duck dive
- Not conducive to reaching intermediate level
If you are looking to progress past the basics and thick you are ready to level up, then a hard-top is for you. However, don’t skip the soft-top stage. It really is critical to establish the fundamentals!
When are you ready to progress to a hard-top?
At some point, you may want to progress to a hard-top. While soft-tops are great for learning the basics, hard-tops are more responsive and easier to maneuver. In short, more maneuverability usually means more fun!
You are already to progress to a hard-top when you have the expertise and the intent to improve your surfing. Learn more about progressing from a soft-top to a hard-top. If you think you are ready for a hard-top, check out the best hard-top surfboards for beginners.
How much does a soft-top surfboard for beginners cost?
A soft-top surfboard typically costs between $200 and $500 depending on the size and build quality. If you buy online, you may need to pay for shipping, which can be expensive for larger boards. Learn more about the costs of surfing.
How long does a soft-top surfboard last?
A foam surfboard usually lasts 5 to 10 years or more, depending on how often it used. Soft-tops are durable, but they will break down eventually. The first evidence of damage to a soft-top surfboard usually is at the seams, where two pieces of foam are connected together (such as at the tail) or where the plastic bottom is glued to the foam. Fortunately, most damage can be repaired.
Where can you buy a soft-top surfboard?
Surfboards are almost always bought online or in a surf-shop. With soft-top surfboards, damage from shipping usually isn’t an issue, unlike with more fragile hard-top surfboards, so buying online is okay.
It can also be nice to see the surfboard in person at a surf-shop, which usually will have some soft-tops. You may also consider renting a surfboard before deciding to buy.
Conclusion
Hopefully you know more about soft-top surfboards for beginners! Explore some of the surfboards above and find the one that is right for you. There are more options out there, but these are the best in my opinion.
Heads up! Surfing is awesome but it can be dangerous! Learn more about how to stay safe and avoid dangers while surfing. If you are a beginner surfer, check out my other articles about surfing and my ultimate guide to learning how to surf.
