In this post you'll find some of the best foam surfboards for beginners, as well as everything you need to know about them.
We start with long boards and then move down to short boards and other concept-type boards.
The only complaint about foam surfboards is that they're too much fun to ride!
Foam surfboards are popular among beginner and experienced surfers because they provide a softer, more cushioned deck.
They're also great for just having fun and enjoying the simplicity of surfing.
Also check out our guide to how much a surfboard should cost.
Foam surfboards are great for beginners
Beginner surfers often prefer foam surfboards because they offer more stability, durability, and floatation.
These are the main abilities required to stand up and ride a wave for the first time.
Furthermore, foam surfboards are wider than hard top surfboards; making it easier to catch even the smallest fat wave.
Foam surfboards are often recommended as essential surfing advice for beginners because they are more forgiving for those just learning to surf.
The soft deck of a foam surfboard is less likely to harm you if the board collides with you in the water. In comparison to a regular surfboard.
Another advantage of foam surfboards is that they are simple to paddle because to their bulk.
Foam surfboards are also less expensive than fiberglass surfboards, require little maintenance, and are easy to transport down the beach.
Among intermediate and advanced surfers, foam surfboards are becoming increasingly popular.
Foam surfboards offer a number of advantages over traditional PU boards. They're cheaper, heavier-duty, and less likely to break.
Additionally, foam surfboards often include one or more full-length wooden stringers that add rigidity and firmness to the structure.
These boards come in all lengths–short and long–and have also allowed advanced surfers to safely tackle waves that were previously seen as too dangerous.
Finally, because they're not as expensive as other boards, you don't have to worry about damaging them on rocks or reefs.
What are foam surfboards?
While foam or soft top surfboards are newer to the market, they differ from traditional surfboards in a crucial way- their lack of hard materials.
Most typical boards you see are coated with fiberglass or epoxy, whereas these guys get by without any coating at all.
All they need is some dense EPS foam and usually a slick bottom like you would find on a bodyboard.
Surfboards made of foam are a great choice for beginners because they make it easier to paddle into waves.
Also, you are less likely to hurt yourself or others while using them in the lineup than with traditional PU or epoxy boards.
Foam surfboards worth buying
The most popular foam surfboard brands today are Wave Bandit, which is also owned by Catch Surf.
Jamie O'Brien's collaboration with the company has made it a large brand.
Wavestorm, Rock-it, and Softech are other well-known soft top manufacturers.
All of the foam surfboard manufacturers produce excellent products. You'll have a lot of fun riding one of these boards.
You don't have to be concerned about the technicalities involved in manufacturing them.
Typically, when searching for a foam surfboard brand, you'll consider appearance, design, and graphics first.
Liquid Shredder FSE (9ft)
Liquid Shredder surfboards are high-end, custom-made soft top surface surfing and SUPs.
They're handmade with a cutting-edge design to deliver quick, efficient performance.
Shredder surfboard is made specifically for everyone from professional rippers to novice surfers.
The thrilling feeling of surfing can be experienced on the Liquid Shredder softcore and surface, which may appeal to both kids and novices.
SBBC Verve (8ft)
The 8′ Verve Heritage is a 96″ x 23″ x 3″ board with a capacity of 74 liters.
It was designed and influenced by surfers, making it ideal for beginners wanting to learn how to surf.
The #1 best-selling board at SBBC has nothing to envy from the rest, and for good reason!
Wavestorm 8ft
If you want to learn how to surf and are looking for an easy-to-use and durable board, look no further than the Wavestorm 8ft Classic Surfboard.
This best-selling board is perfect for beginners due to its lightness and softness, but performs just as well as boards made with harder materials.
Years of experience went into creating a surfboard that strikes the perfect balance between weight, performance, and material.
Let the Wavestorm 8ft classic surfboard help create new memories at the beach!
SBBC Ruccus Soft Top 7ft
The true passion of the South Bay Board Company lies in water sports.
They take pride in seeing an increase of new people getting into surfing every year. The 7’ Ruccus, measuring at 84” x 22” x 2.85” and 49L of Volume, is a board that has been designed by surfers with influence from traditional beginner funboard shapes.
It is perfect for anyone trying to learn how to surf; it is the beginner board of choice.
Giantex 6ft
It is constructed of durable top foam and slick HDPE high-speed bottom.
It's a stiff, responsive bottom skin that improves the board's stiffness and speed.
This surfing board has a sturdy foam top, an EPE deck, an EPS core, and a PP hard-slick bottom.
Wave Bandit Catch Surf Retro Fish 5'8″
Catch Surf is a pioneer in the surfboard foam space, having gained a lot of momentum and popularity in recent years.
The Beater Board and Odysea Surfboard series have been runaway successes.
The Retro Fish is a classic design that will look great on any beach this summer.
When the waves get bigger, the board's quad fin set up provides extra propulsion!
What to think about when buying foam surfboards
The design of foam surfboards
The majority of foam surfboard designs are longboard or mid-sized.
The length and width of most foam boards are on the larger side.
Longer, wider boards are a far superior option than shorter, narrower ones for making catching waves as simple as possible for surfers of all skill levels.
- Longboard Design – In most situations, a 9′ by 8′ board with a round nose and rounded or squash (flat) tail, along with a broad deck and rounded rails, is standard.
- Mini – Torpedos are shorter (7′ – 8′) and frequently have a narrower deck than longboards. For increased maneuverability, these boards give up a little of stability and speed.
- Fish Shape – Foam Boards with a fish shape are designed to look like a shortboard, but they will be much harder to stay on top of.
Questions about best foam surfboards for beginners
Are foam surfboards good for beginners?
If you're just starting out, foam boards are a great option!
They're more durable and stable than fiberglass boards, making them easier to catch and ride waves.
Should I get a foam surfboard or a regular longboard?
If you're uncertain about whether surfing is something you want to do long-term, don't have regular access to a beach, or simply want to surf for fun, then a foam board is likely a better starting point than a regular longboard.
Do you have to wax a foam surfboard?
Wax is required on every surfboard.
How do you take care of a foam surfboard?
The two most common causes of failure for foam core are water absorption and sun exposure.
In the short term, closed-cell EPS, which is now the norm in foam core production, protects against any significant water damage.
Simply put, if your board gets dinged and there was some water entry, it must be dried out using a hot, dry environment over time.
Epoxy resin should next be used to mend the board; this is generally how it's done.
Keep your board's temperature below 150 degrees Fahrenheit by using a silver reflective board bag or staying in the shade.
When left in the sun, board socks will make your board heat up faster, so it's best not to use them.
