11 products
Soft Top & Foam Surfboards
Soft top surfboards are the fastest way to get standing and stay stoked. Foam decks are forgiving on wipeouts, and the extra volume makes paddling easy for any size rider.
How to Choose the Best Soft Top Surfboard
Your size, the shape of the board, and the kind of waves you ride all steer which foamie surfboard works for you. Get any of those wrong and you end up fighting the board instead of riding it.
How to Pick the Right Size Soft Top
Taller and heavier riders need more foam under them. A 7' to 8' board suits most adults learning to surf, while groms and kids do well on a 4'4" to 5'5" like The 4-4 or the 5-5 Fish. An extra foot of length adds paddle speed in mushy surf, which is where most beginners ride. When in doubt, size up.
Soft Top Shapes and What They're For
Longboard-style soft tops give you the most paddle power and glide. Fish and shortboard shapes like the High Performance Softboard turn faster and fit steeper waves. The Coconut bodyboard lets kids and non-surfers catch waves prone, and the Blaster skimboard works the shorebreak on flat days.
When to Upgrade from a Soft Top
If you are catching waves consistently, popping up without thinking, and craving sharper turns, you are ready for a fiberglass or epoxy surfboard. Riders who can trim down the line and angle across a face will feel the difference immediately.
Once you have your soft top picked out, grab a bodyboard for the rest of the family and a board bag to keep it protected between sessions. A wetsuit rounds out the setup for cooler water.
Frequently Asked Questions About Soft Top Surfboards
Do soft top surfboards need wax?
Most foam decks grip fine without wax. Over time the deck slicks out and a light coat helps. A traction pad on the tail gives reliable grip without the mess of a full wax job.
Do the boards come with fins and a leash?
Most of the soft tops at Kona include fins and a leash in the box. Stock fins work fine for learning, but upgrading to stiffer fins later will improve drive and hold.
Can experienced surfers ride soft tops?
Absolutely. Foam surfboards are a blast on small, mushy days when a standard shortboard would bog. Boards like the Zephyr and the Papaya are shaped with real curves and rocker that let experienced riders pump and carve.
How long do soft top surfboards last?
With basic care, a soft top lasts 2 to 4 years of regular use. Keep it out of prolonged direct sun, rinse with fresh water after sessions, and store it in a shaded area. Dings in the soft skin are easy to patch with standard repair kits.
