If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best soft Top surfboard is, then we recommend the Giantex 6′ Surfboard Surf Foamie Board as the best one.
A soft surfboard is an excellent choice or beginners and families who want to safely learn to surf. They are soft and designed in such a way that when you are learning it does not injure you or anyone else in the water. But they are not just for beginners and there are many different designs to choose from depending on your ability or how often you will be using it. Here are some of the best you can choose from.
- Giantex 6′ Surfboard Surf Foamie Boards
- SBBC – 8’ Soft Top Surfboard
- Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard, Brushed Graphic
- SBBC – 7’ Soft Top Surfboard
Why choose a soft surfboard?
The main reason you might choose a soft surfboard as opposed to a regular surfboard is for safety. These boards are mainly geared towards beginners and those learning to surf. Basically, if you get hit by your board, which is likely when you are learning, then it won’t hurt. Or it will hurt less than if a fibreglass board hit you! They are also cheap and sometimes described as indestructible due to them being a lot more durable than their fibreglass counterpart.
What size do you need?
Soft boards will usually be between 7 and 10 feet long and the size you need isn’t to do with your height as much as your weight. Larger boards have a larger surface area which makes it easier to float and get the hang of balancing and paddling. So, if you are in doubt the advice is to go bigger.
Things to look for when choosing a soft surfboard.
So, we have already talked about the size but other features you could consider include the shape, fins, rails and safety equipment such as a leash, so you don’t lose the board.
- Shape of the board.
There are a few different shapes to choose from depending on your ability. The egg shape is a common choice for beginner surfers. They are between 6 and 8.5 feet in length, are wide making them more stable and are rounded at each end to making it a good choice shape for small waves.
Another shape popular with beginners is the fish, which is under 7 feet in length and another wide board. The front is pointed, and a swallow tail shape end make it easier to ride small waves.
Other choices for soft boards are the longboard and the hybrid or funboard. Longboards are a classic choice shaped surfboard which are wide with tapered ends and 9 to 12 feet in length. Hybrid boards are 7 to 9 feet in length but not as wide the longboards, making them great for mobility but less stable.
- Fins and rails.
Firstly, what are these features? Rails run along the edge of the board from the top to bottom and help the board, stay afloat and respond to waves. There are hard and soft rails, but with soft boards you will tend to have soft rails.
Then there is the choice of full to different tapered rails. The fuller the rail, the more buoyant and stable the board will be. However, this will then affect the performance. With increased taper, the boards will perform better in turns and manoeuvres but leaves you less room for mistakes.
Fins can change the feel, stability, drive and manoeuvrability of a surfboard, so they can make a big difference to tour surfing experience. Longboards usually come with a single fin, but the most popular fin configuration tends to be the tri-fin thruster, this offers more stability and control which is excellent for beginners.
There are also different configurations between two and six fins which change the durability of the ride. If you are a beginner, you will probably want a more stable and easier ride.
- Surf board leash.
As a beginner surfer, you will probably want to use a leash to ensure you are always close to your board and don’t lose it. A leash attaches using a Velcro strap on your ankle and a cord that attaches to the tail of your surfboard. This way if you fall off your board you won’t have to swim a lot to retrieve it, and it also keeps nearby swimmers and surfers safe from runaway boards.
Best Soft top surfboard Reviews.
There are lots of soft top surfboard could possibly choose from but we have done an expansive research to reduce the stress of choosing the best one available. We will be mentioning some of them in subsequent paragraphs.
Giantex 6′ Surfboard SurF Foamie Boards
A brand that is regraded as great for beginners the osprey soft surfboard comes in both 7- and 8-foot lengths and comes complete with fins and leash as part of a package.
Pros:
- The shorter length and swallow tail make it more manoeuvrable whilst still stable due to the volume.
- Lightweight whilst still heavy enough for weight in the water.
- Comes complete with leash and tri fins as part of the package.
Cons:
- Could be difficult for beginners if you choose the shorter boards as they are more difficult to manage.
Giantex 6′ Surfboard SurF Foamie Boards
This 8-foot board has a soft top and a slick bottom to add rigidity. The long board style is based on bobyboard stylings making it good for paddling out.
Pros:
- Lightweight and made for beginners learning in small waves.
- Fast and manoeuvrable due to the shape compared to other soft boards.
- Bright and fun design which could be a bonus for younger learners.
Cons:
- Not very durable in strong waves because it is so light.
- Doesn’t come with leash and fins like some other offers.
Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard, Brushed Graphic
This beginner’s surfboard has a soft top, is 7 foot 6 inches in height and comes with an accessory package. The package element makes it good value for money.
Pros:
- Includes leash and tri fins as part of the package.
- It is great for both male and female surfers between 7 stone or 50kg to 14 stone or 90kg.
- Large volume for extra floatation capacity.
Cons:
- Lighter than some boards making it trickier in the water for beginners.
SBBC – 7’ Soft Top Surfboard
This wide hybrid surfboard is made for beginners and reinforced in the centre and on the rails for extra stability.
Pros:
- High density for easy riding and stability.
- Comes in heights between 7 and 9 foot meaning you could choose the best height for you.
- Strong even rails for excellent floatation.
- Build quality is hand finished so can be customised if required.
Cons:
- Due to the brand name and quality it is on the pricier side.
The winner!
When looking at the features included and the value for money the winner for the soft surfboard has to be the Giantex 6′ Surfboard Surf Foamie Board. This board offers a great overall package and is good for what soft boards are designed for, beginners. It may not be able to withstand the highest waves, but anything knee to chest height can be easily ridden and smoothly with control too.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a beginner board that will withstand all the mistakes that learners make, include everything you need to start straight away, as well as being value for money then this is the best choice.
