Best Soft-Top Surfboards
Published July 7, 2026SurfSpotGuide Editorial
Soft-tops are the best boards for beginners. They're durable, forgiving, and affordable. This guide covers what makes a good soft-top and the best brands from budget to premium.
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The short answer
Buy a soft-top 6–7 feet long with 40–50L volume. Catch Surf and South Bay Board Co are the best DTC brands. Softech and Wavestorm are reliable alternatives. Soft-tops cost $150–$500 depending on brand. They last 3–5 years with care.
Top Soft-Top Board Picks
Durable, forgiving boards that make learning fun and fast.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Catch Surf Blank Series 8′0″ Log
Catch Surf · evoThe soft-top surf shops actually stock. Built tougher than a budget foamie, with the float a beginner needs.
Wavestorm 8′ Classic Soft-Top
Wavestorm · AmazonThe best-selling foamie in the US. Nothing floats a beginner for less.
Catch Surf Odysea x Lost RNF 6′5″
Catch Surf · evoA shorter soft-top fish for anyone who has caught a few whitewater waves and wants to start turning.
What to Look For
More volume = easier paddling and catching waves. Most adult beginners need 60–75L (80–100% of body weight in kg).
Longer boards are more forgiving and stable. 8–9 feet suits most adults; 7 feet works for lighter beginners under about 65 kg.
Wider = more stability and float. 21–23 inches is standard for beginners.
Thicker = more volume and durability. 2.75–3.25 inches is typical for beginner soft-tops.
Soft, rounded edges are safer and more forgiving than hard rails.
Soft-Top Brands Compared
Catch Surf
$200–$400Retro, fun-focused, DTC
Beginners, fun surfers
Stylish, affordable, quality construction. Great for learning.
South Bay Board Co
$250–$450Premium DTC, eco-friendly
Intermediate learners
High-quality foam, modern shapes, sustainable materials.
Softech
$300–$500Professional, proven
Schools, serious learners
Australian brand, used by surf schools worldwide. Durable.
Wavestorm
$150–$250Budget, iconic
Budget shoppers
Classic soft-top, used in lessons for decades. Reliable.
Soft-Top vs Hard Boards
Durability
Very durable, flexes instead of breaking
Breaks easily, needs repair
Forgiving
Super forgiving for mistakes
Responsive, less forgiving
Cost
$150–$500
$300–$800+
Performance
Good for learning, fun
Better for advanced skills
Weight
Heavy, harder to paddle
Light, easier to carry
Lifespan
3–5 years casual use
5–10 years with care
Frequently Asked Questions
Should beginners start with soft-top or fiberglass?
Soft-top. They're more forgiving, safer, and way cheaper. Graduate to fiberglass after 6 months of regular surfing.
Do soft-tops feel different than hard boards?
Yes, they float more and feel more playful. Less responsive, but much more fun for learning and cruising.
Can you repair a soft-top?
Yes, minor dings are easy to repair with foam repair kits. Major damage is harder than fiberglass.
What size soft-top for my weight?
Beginner rule: 2.5–3 liters per pound of body weight. A 150lb surfer needs 35–45L.
Are soft-tops heavy?
Yes, heavier than fiberglass. But the durability trade-off is worth it for beginners.
Related Guides
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// Free Gear Checklist
Don't buy the wrong gear.
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
No spam · Instant delivery · Unsubscribe anytime