Surfboard materials can be confusing for beginner surfers. If you are looking to buy a surfboard, what type of material is best for you?
In this article, we’ll cover the main types of surfboard materials out there. You will learn the most basic distinction between hard-top and soft top surfboards. Then, we’ll talk about the types of foam cores and resin used in hard-top boards.
Finally, we’ll talk about which type of surfboard materials are best for you, depending on your skill level and surfing goals. Let’s go!
Hard-tops vs soft-tops
The most basic classification of surfboards is hard-tops and soft-tops. Soft-tops are made completely of foam (although the bottom is usually a durable plastic). That is why they are also called foamies.
In contrast, hard-tops have a foam core for buoyancy and are covered with a cured resin to make them watertight. The table below shows the pros and cons of soft-tops and hard-tops.
| Hard-tops | Soft-tops | |
| Pros | Better performance (maneuverability) | Super durable Lower risk of injury from collision Usually more affordable No wax needed |
| Cons | May not be as durable Higher risk of injury from collision Usually more expensive | Worse performance (maneuverability) |
| Conclusion | Best for beginners who have the basics down and want to progress to the next level | Best for true beginner surfers who are learning the basics. Good for kids or older people who may have more trouble managing a board |
Surfboard foam cores
There are two main types of foam cores in hard-top surfboards. They are polyurethane (PU) and expanded polystyrene (EPS). See the table below for a breakdown of these two foam cores.
| Polyurethane (PU) | Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) | |
| Pros | Easy to hand shape Cheaper Soaks up less water | Stronger and stiffer Slightly less bad for environment |
| Cons | Compresses easier Worse for environment | Soaks up more water Hard to hand shape More expensive |
| Facts | Traditional core used since 50s Heavier (can be pro or con) | Newer technology Lighter (can be pro or con) |
Polyurethane (aka PU or “poly”) is the traditional foam core because it is easy to shape by hand. It is heavier than EPS, which makes it better for pushing through choppy conditions. EPS on the other hand is better for quick maneuvers because it is lighter and stiffer.
Surfboard resins
There are two main types of resins used to coat hard-top surfboards. These are polyester (PE) resin and epoxy resin. The table below gives information about these two resins
| Polyester (PE) | Epoxy | |
| Pros | Cheaper Easier to work with | More durable Bonds better to foam core Can be used with PU and EPS core |
| Cons | More toxic Dings easier Degrades over time (brittle) Only used with PU core | More expensive |
In general, epoxy is more durable but more expensive. Polyester is cheaper, but less durable. If durability is a priority, consider an epoxy surfboard. If budget is a priority, polyester is probably the way to go.
PU vs Epoxy surfboards
The two most common types of hard-top surfboards you will see are PU/PE surfboards and EPS/epoxy surfboards.
PU/PE surfboards (often shortened to PU or “poly”) have a polyurethane foam core and a polyester resin. PU boards are often called fiberglass boards. However, this isn’t completely accurate, as EPS/epoxy boards also have fiberglass.
EPS/epoxy surfboards (often shortened to epoxy) have an expanded polystyrene foam core and epoxy resin.
The table below shows the main differences between PU and epoxy surfboards.
| PU/PE (aka PU or poly) | EPS/Epoxy (aka epoxy) | |
| Pros | Cheaper Heavier (can be con) | More durable Lighter (can be con) |
| Cons | Less durable | More expensive |
PU surfboards are more traditional and are often cheaper than epoxy boards. However, they are less durable and heavier. Some people prefer heavier boards, as they are usually better in choppy conditions.
Epoxy surfboards are new technology. They are more durable than PU surfboards but are more expensive. They are also lighter, which makes them better for quick turns.
Note that both PU (aka poly) and epoxy surfboards both use a fiberglass cloth to bond the resin and give the board more structure.
Best option for you
The best surfboard materials for you will depend on your skill level and surfboard goals.
If you are a true beginner, go with a soft-top. Soft-tops are best for learning the fundamentals of surfing, because they are buoyant and forgiving. There is a reduced risk of injury with a soft-top (collisions with your surfboard are common for beginners). For this reason, soft-tops are also great for kids or older people who may have difficulty managing a surfboard. Check out the best soft-top surfboards for beginners.
If you are a beginner who has the fundamentals down and is looking for more maneuverability, choose a hard-top. A hard-top surfboard is more responsive than a soft-top and lets you practice turns. Be aware, a collision with a hard-top surfboard can be serious. If you’re in the market for a hard-top surfboard, check out the best hard-top surfboards for beginners.
If you decide on a hard-top, you’ll have to choose which type. In reality, both PU and epoxy boards are fine for beginners. Epoxy surfboards are probably more ideal only because they are much more durable. PU boards are fragile and ding easily.
That said, keep your options open. Surfboards can be expensive, so don’t limit yourself. Definitely get a longboard if you are a beginner. Learn more about buying a surfboard for beginners. I also recommend learning about how to buy a used surfboard. Used surfboards are a great way to save money. As a beginner, you don’t need a fancy new surfboard.
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.
