Comparison
Soft top vs. hard surfboard: which should you buy first?
How foam and fiberglass or epoxy boards compare for learning, safety, performance and durability.
Quick answer
For your first board, buy a soft top. It is safer, more stable and catches more waves, which means you learn faster. Move to a hard board, usually a mid-length or funboard, once you catch green waves and start riding along the face.
See the side-by-side comparison ↓Soft top vs. hard board at a glance
| Soft top | Hard board | |
|---|---|---|
| Deck and rails | Soft foam | Hard fiberglass or epoxy |
| Safety | Much safer if it hits you or others | Can cause cuts and bruises |
| Stability | Very stable | Depends on shape, less forgiving |
| Wave catching | Easy, lots of volume | Varies by size and shape |
| Performance | Limited in turns and steep waves | Faster, turns better, more responsive |
| Durability | Resists dings, rarely needs repairs | Dings easily, needs repairs |
| Wax | Often grips without wax | Needs wax |
| Best for | Learning, crowds, kids, fun days | Progressing and experienced surfers |
Why a soft top is the best first board
- You catch more waves. Soft tops have plenty of volume, so you paddle into waves early and get more chances to stand up.
- You stay safer. Beginners fall a lot. A soft deck and soft fins hurt far less than a hard board, both for you and for people nearby.
- You worry less. Dropping a soft top in the parking lot or bumping it on the sand rarely causes damage.
- You save money. Soft tops usually cost less than a new hard board of the same size.
See our picks in the guide to the best soft top surfboards for beginners.
Where soft tops fall short
Soft tops are slower and flex more than hard boards, so they feel sluggish in turns and can be hard to control in steep or powerful waves. Many have a soft, grippy bottom that adds drag. Better soft tops use a slick bottom and stiffer stringers, which help a lot, but they still will not ride like a well-shaped hard board.
The main types of hard boards
Polyurethane (PU)
The traditional build: a foam core wrapped in fiberglass and polyester resin. PU boards feel smooth and predictable in the water, but they ding more easily and can turn yellow in the sun over time.
Epoxy (EPS)
A lighter foam core with epoxy resin. Epoxy boards float more, feel lively and resist dings better than PU. They can feel a bit bouncy in choppy water. Many brands, like Firewire, specialize in modern epoxy builds.
Molded epoxy and other tough builds
Some budget-friendly boards use molded epoxy shells that are very durable. They are a good middle ground for surfers who want a hard board but expect some bumps along the way.
When to switch to a hard board
You are ready to move on from a soft top when:
- You pop up consistently and rarely nosedive.
- You catch unbroken (green) waves on your own.
- You ride along the face instead of straight to the beach.
- Your soft top starts to feel slow or hard to turn.
For most surfers, the best next board is a mid-length or funboard with plenty of volume. Jumping straight to a shortboard usually slows your progress. Our surfboard size guide helps you choose the right volume.
Should experienced surfers own a soft top?
Many do. A soft top is perfect for tiny days, crowded breaks, surfing with kids and friends, or just goofing around in the shorebreak. Some brands make high-performance soft tops that surf surprisingly well. It is a fun, low-stress board to keep in your quiver.
Which should you buy?
Frequently asked questions
Is a soft top or hard board better for beginners?
A soft top is better for beginners. It is safer, more stable and catches more waves, so you learn faster.
How long should I ride a soft top?
Most surfers ride a soft top for a few months to a year. Switch when you catch green waves on your own and start riding along the face.
Are epoxy boards better than PU boards?
Epoxy boards are lighter, float more and resist dings better. PU boards feel smoother and more traditional. Neither is better for everyone; it depends on your style and waves.
Do soft tops need wax?
Many soft tops grip without wax, but a light coat helps in warm water or as the deck wears. Hard boards always need wax.
Can you do turns on a soft top?
Yes, but soft tops are slower and less responsive than hard boards. Most surfers switch to a hard board when they start working on real turns.
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