Soft top surfboards or “Foamies” have come a long way over the years. These days there’s a lot to love about using one even if you’re not a beginner surfer.
If you are getting to grips with surfing then finding the best soft top surfboard is ideal for practising in a safe way. These boards have improved pretty drastically in terms of overall build quality and there is a wide variety to choose from. With so much choice it’s difficult to pick, but thankfully we’ve come up with some of the best soft top surfboards to help you with your search.
WHAT IS A SOFT TOP SURFBOARD?
A soft top surfboard is just a name that’s used to describe a surfboard that has soft deck top, also sometimes called “foamies” as they’re made of an expanded polystyrene core and covered in fiberglass or a synthetic wrap. Traditional hard top surfboards, on the other hand, are made with either a polyurethane (PU) or expanded polystyrene (EMS) foam, with a coating of polyester or epoxy resin. It’s this coating that gives these boards a hard top, hence the name.
WHY BUY A SOFT TOP SURFBOARD?
Foamies tend to be much safer than traditional hard tops. You make more mistakes as a beginner so when you’re bailing into the waves and wiping out getting hit by your board is much less dangerous. Soft tops are usually thicker than hard tops meaning that they give you more buoyancy in the water, making the task of learning to catch waves much easier.
Soft top surfboards used to have a bit of a stigma attached to them as being ugly, uncool and kooky, but those days have long gone since technology has advanced and designs have improved. There’s a lot of fun to be had with a foamie and you’ll find plenty of average surfers riding one.
THE BEST SOFT TOP SURFBOARDS
SOFTECH MASON TWIN FCS II SURFBOARD
Softech is owned by Australian Surf Hardware International who is known for the surf brands FCS, Hydro and Gorilla. Softech’s Mason Twin fin soft board is super lightweight, versatile and will perform well for beginners trying to catch those waves. Whilst it may struggle due to its weight with bigger waves, it’s a great option for those still learning to surf.
Features:
- Length 5ft 2 inches, 5ft 6 inches
- Width 19 2/3″, 21″
- Thickness 2 5/8″
- Max Rider Weight – Up to 75kg
- Dimensions: 5’2″ x 19 2/3″ x 2 5/8″ , 5’6″ x 21″ x 2 5/8″
- Core: 100% Waterproof X-Density EPS Foam Core
- Stringer: Single stringer
- Fin Setup: Twin (x2 FCS II Fin Setup)
Buy the Softech Mason Twin FCS II Surfboard
CALIFORNIA BOARD COMPANY 6’2” FISH
The 6’2” Fish is extremely light (weighs 9lbs) which is useful when lugging across a windy beach. Its custom molded shape is well made and well designed and comes complete with a leash, tri-fin system and even instructions. It’s got great buoyancy and a wide deck, perfect for beginners. The Fish is durable, can hold 180-190 lbs and you can usually price one up for a decent price. What’s not to like?
Features:
- Size 6ft 2 inches
- Width 22″
- Thickness 3″
- Weight 7.5 lbs
- High density 100% waterproof EPS foam core and foam deck with a custom molded shape
- 3 multi-layered laminated wood Stringers coated with waterproof resin
- New 3 fins system
- High-density durable IXPE slick bottom with graphic
- PU surf leash included
Buy the California Board Company 6’2” Fish
WAVESTORM 9FT ORIGINAL NEW MODERN
One of the most popular and recognised soft surfboard brand in the US, Wavestorm has created a foamie with modern design that is still faithful to its classic style. The 9ft original new modern board gives great flotation, drive and its extra length makes it easier to catch waves. This foamie has a weight capacity of 200lbs (90kgs) and a 3 fin system. Perfect for newbies.
Features:
- Length 9ft
- Width 24″
- Thickness 3.5″
- Weight 16.8 lbs
- 4mm EBS- IXL Elastomer Barrier Skin
- Superior Grade EPS Core (Expanded Polystyrene) core with 3x epoxy set marine-ply stringers HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) High Impact Bottom
- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) High Impact Bottom
- 3 x 4.5” bolt-thru fin set
- Reinforced fin-plug inserts with water barrier Silica rings, Complimentary
- Wavestorm Swivel PE leash
- Textured Traction Pad
Buy the Wavestorm 9FT ORIGINAL NEW MODERN
ODYSEA CATCH SURF LOG
Odysea catch surf log or “the log” is a foamie that promises fun, long rides and catching waves with ease! As with most logs, it floats pretty well and has plenty of safety features you’d expect from a board that’s favoured by beginners. It’s not all caution and safety though, the board is also a lot of fun not just for newbies but for surfing veterans too. The log is also available in 7′, 8′ and 9′ lengths.
FEATURES:
- Length: 7ft, 8ft, 9ft
- Board Stinger: 3 Stringer
- Board Slick: HD PE, Board Mesh: None
- Board Core: Combo Core
- Stiff Dual Composite Core.
- Triple Wood Stingers!
- Durable HDPE Slick Bottom with Bumper-Tail.
- Old-School PE Deck with Throwback Design.
- Soft-Performance Tri-Fin Set with Leash Plug.
- Designed by Catch Surf in San Clemente, California, USA.
Buy the Odysea Catch Surf Log
SOUTH BAY BOARD CO. VERSE
The South Bay Board Company’s Verve is long, wide and forgiving… just what you want from a surfboard when you’re a beginner. They may not be a household name in surfing but they’ve produced a great foamie board for those looking to learn. The verse has a super wide tail that gives great stability and at 8 ft it catches plenty of waves.
Features:
- Length 8ft
- Width 23″
- Thickness 3″
- Rounded Out Nose & Tail Shapes For Extra Stability Combined With Performance
- Full Length Double Concave On Bottom Deck For Added Speed & Fin Performance
- Surfboard Leash
- Surfboard Traction Pad
- Surfboard Paint Pens
- 8′ Surfboard Bag
Buy the South Bay Board Co. Verve
There you have it, our favourite range of soft top surfboards to buy. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you did, please give it a share!
