Soft Top Surfboards

Jack's Surfboards carries soft top surfboards from Catch Surf, NSP, Stewart, Walden, Surftech, Rockit and Haydenshapes, from easy-paddling 8' and 9' foam boards to hard-bottom performance soft tops. They're the easiest boards to learn on, a good first board for kids, and a blast for experienced surfers on small days. Many include fins.

Are soft top surfboards any good?

Yes, for a lot more people than you'd think. A soft top has a cushioned foam deck instead of a hard fiberglass one, so falls hurt less, dings aren't a worry and the extra float makes paddling and catching waves easier. That's why they're the first board for most beginners. Plenty of good surfers keep one around too, for small, crowded days and for having fun with friends.

Which soft top should you get?

• Classic foam boards: soft deck, slick bottom, made to learn on and beat up. Catch Surf's Odysea Log is built for big float, and Odysea boards use maple-wood stringers with an HDPE slick bottom. Surftech's Blacktip adds rubber bumpers on the nose and tail. Rockit's 8' Big Softy is rated for riders up to 225 lbs.
• Hard-bottom performance soft tops: a soft deck over a fiberglass or epoxy bottom, so they turn and hold a line like a hard board. Look at Stewart's HydroCush, Walden's Magic soft top, Donald Takayama's Scorpion 2 Xtrasoft and NSP's Evotech.
• Short soft tops: for kids and for experienced surfers who want to play, like Catch Surf's Odysea x Lost RNF or Haydenshapes' Hypto Krypto soft.

Soft tops for learning, by size and volume

More liters means more float and easier wave catching. Sizes in stock change, so check each listing.

What size soft top surfboard should I get?

Go bigger than you think. For an adult beginner, an 8' to 9' board is the usual starting point. A 9' gives heavier riders more float and stability, and an 8' is easier to carry and turn, which suits lighter adults and teens. Our surfboard volume chart shows how much float to look for by weight, and each listing shows the board's volume in liters.

How do surfboard shipping, pickup and returns work?

Surfboards aren't part of our free shipping offer. They ship within the US at a flat rate that starts at $150, and for Hawaii you'll need to contact us. We don't cover return shipping on surfboards, and a returned surfboard is subject to a $50 restocking fee. To skip shipping, buy online and pick up at one of our six Southern California shops in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Corona del Mar, Dana Point, Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners, an 8ft or 9ft surfboard?

For most adult beginners, a 9' is easier, since the extra length and volume make it more stable and quicker to catch waves. An 8' is a great choice for lighter adults, teens and anyone who wants a board that's easier to carry. Rockit rates its 8' Big Softy for riders up to 225 lbs.

Do you still wax a soft top surfboard?

It depends on the board. Rockit says its soft top decks don't need wax, though wax will improve grip. Catch Surf says to wax its Odysea boards the way you would any other surfboard. Check the listing, and add a light coat of wax if the deck feels slick.

Why do surfers not like soft tops?

Mostly reputation. Classic foamies are slower and flex more than a hard board, so they don't turn as sharply in good waves, and they're everywhere in a crowded lineup. Modern hard-bottom soft tops have closed a lot of that gap, and plenty of experienced surfers ride them on small days.

What is the best soft top surfboard for beginners?

A wide 8' to 9' foamie with plenty of volume. Catch Surf's Odysea Log, Surftech's Blacktip and Rockit's Big Softy are all built for learning. If you want one board to grow into, a hard-bottom option like NSP's Evotech or Stewart's HydroCush turns better as you improve.

What does soft top surfboard mean?

It's a surfboard with a soft foam deck instead of a hard fiberglass one. Underneath, it usually has a foam core with stringers and either a plastic slick bottom or a hard fiberglass or epoxy bottom.

How long should you stay on a foam board?

Until you can paddle into waves, pop up and ride down the line on your own most of the time. For some people that's a few weeks, for others a season or two. When you're ready, step to a mid-length or a hard-bottom soft top rather than jumping straight to a shortboard.

What is an 8ft surfboard good for?

Learning, small waves and easy cruising. An 8' soft top paddles well, catches waves early and is still short enough to carry and store easily. It's also a great board to share around the family.

Can you use a surfboard as a paddleboard?

You can paddle any surfboard lying down, but a surfboard isn't built for stand-up paddling. A stand-up paddleboard is much wider and thicker so it stays stable under your feet.