Soft top surfboards offer the same cushioned ride as a bodyboard, except they’re shaped like a surfboard. In fact, many soft top surfboards are designed using the same materials as bodyboards for a comparable ride on the water.
They also include one or two bodyboard stringers for added durability, and they are available in both short boards and long boards, which means they are suitable for beginners,f intermediate, and advanced surfers alike.
Soft top surfboards have been around for quite some time; however, a recent pique in interest has sparked a new wave of soft top surfboard styles and designs, which can be overwhelming.
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Therefore, we offer the following list of the 10 best soft top surfboards, along with a few recommendations for use, which were chosen based on user’s opinion, rating, features, quality, and price, to help you select the best soft top surfboard for you.
10. Surftech Learn2Surf Softop Surfboard
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Good for: This is the best soft top surfboard for surfers of all levels who are seeking a high-quality board that has been the standard for over 20 years and is even preferred by professionals.
The Surftech Lean2Surf Softop Surfboard is comprised of some of the most durable materials available. Additionally, it includes the unique Learn2Surf technology, which enables surfers to feel their footing on the board for added stability while on the water.
The Surftech Learn2Surf Softop surfboard is available in various sizes for beginners all the way up to advanced surfers, and it comes highly recommended by professionals as well as instructors.
Why We Chose the Surftech Learn2Surf Softop Surfboard:
- It is the original soft top surfboard.
- Contains a soft deck for added safety while riding the waves.
- Comes in multiple sizes and shapes for surfers of all levels.
- Equipped with Learn2 Surf technology.
- Includes fins.
- Hard bottom for fast down-the-line surfing.
- Used by surf schools, rentals, and families.
9. Bic Sport G-Board EVO Soft Softboard
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Good for: You may have to purchase the surfboard leash separately; however, this is an all-around ideal board for beginner and intermediate surfers seeking a high-quality soft surfboard at a slightly higher price.
The Bic Sport G-Board EVO Soft Softboard is available in various sizes for novice, intermediate, and advanced surfers. It also contains a soft no wax deck, G-Board soft fins, and inner reinforced twin stringers for added durability.
Why We Chose the Bic Sport G-Board EVO Soft Surfboard:
- High-quality softboard construction for lightweight performance.
- Soft, no wax deck.
- Includes G-Board soft fins.
- Includes twin composite reinforced stringers for additional strength.
- Available in 5’6″, 7’0″, 8’0″, and 9’0″ for surfers of all levels and sizes.
8. Empire Ehauki Soft Surfboard
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Good for: This is the best soft top surfboard for beginner to intermediate surfers who are looking to explore the soft top surfboard but at a budget-friendly price.
The Empire Ehauki Soft Surfboard is a 7ft board comprised of high-density EPS foam and an EPS waterproof core. It also includes a tri-fin system and a surf leash in the event you wipe out.
Why We Chose the Empire Ehauki Soft Surfboard:
- Comprised of sturdy EPS foam.
- High-quality EPS core.
- Includes surf leash.
- Includes tri-fin system.
- Budget-friendly.
7. Rock-It 5’8″ Albert Surfboard
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Good for: This is a great starter board for kids or advanced adult surfers up to 175 pounds and at a reasonable price.
The Rock-It 5’8″ Albert Surfboard is a 5’8″ x 20.5″ x 2.5″ board that is uniquely designed with fiberglass below the soft top for a durable board that also provides the fun of a soft top surfboard.
Why We Chose the Rock-It 5’8″ Albert Surfboard:
- 6 ounce fiberglass cloth under soft top for added durability.
- Recycled EPS foam core.
- Unique twin-fin design.
- Comes in various colors, including blue, gray, teal, green, orange, yellow, pink, and red.
- Budget-friendly.
6. Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10” Fish Soft Top Surfboard Package
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Good for: Due to its shorter length, this board is best suited for advanced surfers looking to explore the waves via a soft top surfboard that includes all the perks and at a budget-friendly price.
The Thurso Surf Lancer contains one 5’10” x 20″ x 2.75″, 33.6 liter board with an EPS core, IXPE deck, HDPE slick bottom, 6′ double stainless steel swivel leash, two wood stringers, and a built-in slip deck grip for a complete soft top surfboard package suitable for advanced surfers.
Why We Chose the Thurso Surf Lancer 5’10”:
- Complete soft top surfboard package.
- Contains EPS core.
- Includes high-end swivel leash.
- Includes ankle leash made from recycled plastic.
- Contains IXPE deck.
- HDPE slick bottom for maximum speed.
- Budget-friendly.
5. Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard
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Good for: This is the best soft top surfboard for both beginner and advanced surfers seeking the thrill of a soft top surfboard but at a reasonable cost.
The Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard is a 6ft x 20in x 2.5in board that is uniquely designed with both novices as well as more experienced riders in mind. It features an EPE soft foam deck that provides an anti-slip texture when wet, an EPS core, and a slick super fast bottom.
Why We Chose the Liquid Shredder FSE EPS/PE Soft Surfboard:
- EPE soft foam deck for comfort and anti-slip texture when wet.
- EPS core.
- Slick, superfast bottom.
- Wood stringers for stiffness.
- Budget-friendly.
4. SBBC 8′ Soft Top Surfboard
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Good for: This is an all-around great board for both beginner and intermediate surfers, especially since it contains a fingerprint textured top deck for added grip.
The SBBC 8′ Performance Foam Surfboard is a 8ft x 23in x 3 in board that is well-suited for both beginner and intermediate surfers. It features a textured foam board top deck, an EPS Closed Cell foam center, and an HDPE slick bottom for smooth, swift action.
Why We Chose the SBBC 8′ Soft Top Surfboard
- IXPE foam board top deck.
- EPS closed cell foam core.
- Diamond weave HDPE slick bottom for improved performance.
- 2 full-length wood stringers for added strength.
- Includes leash.
- Includes removable fins.
3. North Gear 6′ Surfing Thruster Surfboard
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Good for: This is the best soft top surfboard for intermediate and advanced surfers looking to rekindle their love of the water via a soft top surfboard that includes everything you need to get shredding.
Note: This soft top surfboard from North Gear is currently unavailable. Until it gets back in stock, you might want to check out this 6ft foamie from Grande Juguete that has a foam top, EPE deck, EPS core, and PP bottom.
The North Gear 6′ Ocean Beach Foamie is a 71.7 x 19.7 x 3 inches board that features a long-lasting foam top, a PP hard slick bottom, a surfboard leash, and a traction pad.
Why We Chose the North Gear 6′ Surfing Thruster Surfboard:
- Durable foam surface.
- PP hard slick bottom for increased speed.
- Includes traction pad for extra grip.
- Includes leash.
- Also includes removable fins for easy transport.
- Budget-friendly.
2. Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard
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Good for: This is the best soft top surfboard for beginner and intermediate surfers seeking quality performance in a budget-friendly board that contains an abundance of features.
The Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard remains one of the best selling foam surfboards due to its quality features and reasonable cost. It includes soft water barrier skin rails and top deck, an EPS core, 3 marine ply stringers, and a traction pad for stable footing.
Why We Chose the Wavestorm 8′ Foam Surfboard:
- High-quality Elastomer Barrier Skin soft crosslink top deck with textured grip.
- Resillient EPS core.
- HDPE slick bottom for fast performance.
- 3 marine ply stringers for added strength.
- Includes ankle leash.
- Includes traction pad.
- Also includes removable thruster fin set for easy transport.
- Budget-friendly.
1. Giantex 6′ Surf Foamie Board
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Good for: Due to its design and features, this may be the best soft top surfboard for intermediate to advanced adults or children beginners looking for a neat-looking, reasonably priced soft top surfboard that includes everything.
The Giantex 6′ Surf Foamie board is a radical looking foam top board that features an EPS core and pp hard slick bottom. It also includes a traction pad, removable fins, and a free leash for quality performance.
Why We Chose the Giantex 6′ Surfboard:
- Durable foam top.
- EPS core and PP plastic bottom.
- Includes traction pad.
- Includes leash.
- Also includes removable fins for easy transport.
- Available in various colors, including red & blue, white & blue, and yellow & blue.
- Budget-friendly.
Other great stuff: Feel like trying other foamies? Take a look at some of the best foam surfboards available today.
Our Verdict
Soft top surfboards make it safer, easier, and fun to explore a variety of waves for a unique surfing experience that is sure to take your water adventure to another level.
Furthermore, their availability in various sizes makes them well suited for surfers of all levels, whether you are a beginner who is looking for a stable way to get started on the water, you are an advanced surfer looking to spice up your water play, or you just want to give your fiberglass board a break from the damaging sun.
Once you have chosen a suitable board from the list of best soft top surfboards, be sure to share your experience. Or, if you have experience with another soft top surfboard that you think others would enjoy, feel free to weigh in.