Buying guide
Best soft top surfboards for beginners (2026)
Five soft tops that make learning easier, plus how to choose the right size for your weight.
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Quick answer
For most adult beginners, an 8’0″ soft top with 60–80 liters of volume is the best first board. Our top pick is the Catch Surf Odysea Log 8’0″. If you weigh over 200 lb, go for a longer board like the South Bay Board Co. Heritage 8’8″.
Not sure about size? Use the board finder →Our picks at a glance
| Category | Board | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Catch Surf Odysea Log 8’0″ | Most adults under 200 lb |
| Best for bigger riders | South Bay Board Co. Heritage 8’8″ | Riders 190 lb and up, or anyone who wants max stability |
| Best for progressing beginners | Softech Roller | Beginners catching green waves |
| Most fun to turn | Mick Fanning Softboards Beastie | Beginners moving toward their first turns |
| Best soft longboard | Catch Surf Odysea Log 9’0″ | Heavier beginners and longboard fans |
Why start on a soft top?
A soft top (also called a foamie) has a foam deck, soft rails and a lot of volume. That combination makes it the easiest and safest way to learn:
- More waves: the extra foam helps you paddle into waves early, so you get more chances to stand up.
- More stable: a wide, thick board wobbles less when you pop up.
- Safer: a soft deck and soft rails hurt a lot less if the board hits you or someone nearby.
- Lower cost: most soft tops cost less than a hard board of the same size, and they handle dings better.
The best soft top surfboards for beginners
Catch Surf Odysea Log 8’0″
The Odysea Log is one of the most popular soft tops in the US, and a common pick for surf schools and families. It has the length and float a first board needs, with a tougher build and better rails than a budget foamie.
- Stable and easy to paddle
- Durable build that lasts for years
- Still fun after you learn
- Costs more than budget soft tops
- 8’0″ can feel short for riders over 200 lb
Best for: Most adults under 200 lb
South Bay Board Co. Heritage 8’8″
The Heritage is a long, wide soft top with a lot of foam. That extra volume makes it a strong choice for heavier beginners, or anyone who wants maximum stability on their first waves.
- Lots of volume and stability
- Easy to catch small, weak waves
- Good for sharing between family members
- Long and heavy to carry
- Slower to turn once you progress
Best for: Riders 190 lb and up, or anyone who wants max stability
Softech Roller
The Roller is shorter and wider than a classic foamie, so it packs a lot of volume into a board that is easier to carry and turn. It suits beginners who already stand up and want something more playful.
- Easy to carry and transport
- Turns more easily than long foamies
- Fun in small surf
- Less forgiving for the first few sessions
- Choose the larger sizes if you are new
Best for: Beginners catching green waves
Mick Fanning Softboards Beastie
The Beastie has a rounded, fuller outline that keeps it easy to paddle while making it feel lively under your feet. It is a good second soft top, or a fun board for small days once you have the basics.
- Playful and lively feel
- Paddles well for its size
- Great for small, mushy waves
- Not ideal as a very first board
- Fewer sizes for heavier riders
Best for: Beginners moving toward their first turns
Catch Surf Odysea Log 9’0″
If you want the easiest possible wave catching, the 9’0″ version of the Odysea Log adds length and glide. It is also a fun noseriding board for small, clean days later on.
- Catches waves very early
- Very stable for heavier riders
- Glides through flat sections
- Hard to carry and store
- Harder to turn in steeper waves
Best for: Heavier beginners and longboard fans
How to choose a soft top
Length
Most adults learn best on a board between 8’0″ and 9’0″. Under 150 lb, an 8’0″ is plenty. Over 200 lb, look at 9’0″ or longer. Kids and very light riders can start on 6’0″–7’0″.
Volume
Volume tells you how much the board floats you. A first board should have roughly 0.9–1.0 liters per kilogram of body weight. A 165 lb (75 kg) beginner should look for about 70–75 liters. Our surfboard size guide has a full chart and calculator.
Bottom and build
Cheaper soft tops often have a soft, grippy bottom that feels slow. Better boards use a slick plastic bottom (often called HDPE), which is faster and lasts longer. Look for wood or composite stringers inside, which keep the board from bending.
Fins
Most soft tops come with three soft fins (a thruster setup). Soft fins are safer for learning. Some boards use standard fin boxes, so you can upgrade to hard fins later.
Weight and transport
Long soft tops are heavy and awkward. Think about how you will carry the board to the beach and whether it fits in or on your car.
Soft top size chart
| Your weight | Board length | Volume to look for |
|---|---|---|
| 100–130 lb | 7’0″–8’0″ | 47–52 L |
| 130–160 lb | 8’0″ | 59–66 L |
| 160–190 lb | 8’0″–8’6″ | 72–79 L |
| 190–220 lb | 9’0″ | 84–93 L |
| 220–250 lb | 9’0″–9’6″ | 96–106 L |
Add 5–10% more volume if you surf small, weak waves or surf less than once a week.
Soft top vs. hard board for your first board
Hard boards (epoxy or polyester) are faster and turn better, but they are less forgiving and ding easily. For your first few months, a soft top helps you catch more waves and stay safe. Once you ride green waves and start turning, a mid-length or funboard is the natural next step. See our mid-length picks.
Frequently asked questions
What size soft top should a beginner get?
Most adult beginners do best on an 8’0″ to 9’0″ soft top with about 60–90 liters, depending on weight. Lighter riders can go shorter, and riders over 200 lb should go 9’0″ or longer.
Are soft top surfboards good for beginners?
Yes. Soft tops are the most common board for learning because they are stable, float well and are safer than hard boards.
How long will I ride a soft top before moving on?
Many surfers ride a soft top for a few months to a year. When you catch waves easily and start riding along the face, it is time to look at a mid-length or funboard.
Can experienced surfers ride soft tops?
Yes. Many experienced surfers keep a soft top for small days, crowded breaks or just for fun. Some brands make high-performance soft tops for advanced riders.
Do soft tops need wax?
Most soft tops have a textured deck that grips without wax, but a light coat of wax can help in warm water or as the deck wears.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer four quick questions and our board finder will size your board in liters and match it to the waves you surf.
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