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Fifty Things I Wish I Knew BEFORE I Started Surfing! #36- "Soft Top"

Scott Batch

Best and Worst Boards To Learn On- "Soft Top" - One Of My Personal Favorites!

A "Soft Top" surfboard is a board with a soft foam deck and a hard plastic bottom. Soft top surfboards come in various shapes and sizes, similar to other surfboards, such as fun boards, fish, or longboards. They are usually between 6 and 11 feet long, with a round nose, a wide tail, and two or three fins. Soft top surfboards are easy and fun to ride on small to medium waves.

But here’s why they are so good for beginners who want to learn how to surf: they can handle rough treatment, they don’t need surf wax, and the foam offers a little bit of protection from being struck by the board.


First of all, soft-top surfboards can handle rough treatment. They are made of durable, flexible materials that withstand bumps, scratches, dents, and cracks. They are also less likely to damage other boards or people in the water. This means they are perfect for beginners still learning to control and maneuver their boards. They also require less maintenance and repair than other types of boards.


Secondly, soft-top surfboards don’t need surf wax. Surf wax is a sticky substance applied to the board's deck to provide grip and traction for the surfer’s feet. Surf wax is essential for most boards, but not soft-top surfboards. That’s because the foam deck already has a textured surface that provides enough grip and traction for the surfer’s feet. This means you don’t have to worry about buying, applying, or removing surf wax from your board. You also don’t have to worry about getting wax on your clothes, skin, or hair.


Thirdly, the foam offers a little bit of protection from being struck by the board. One of the most common injuries in surfing is getting hit by your own board or someone else’s board. This can cause bruises, cuts, or even concussions. But with a soft top surfboard, you have a lower risk of getting hurt by your board. That’s because the foam deck is softer and more cushioned than other types of decks. It can absorb some of the impact and reduce some of the pain if you get hit by your board.


So as you can see, a soft top surfboard is one of the best options for beginners who want to learn how to surf. It can handle rough treatment, doesn’t need surf wax, and offers a little protection from being struck by the board. It also offers a lot of stability, buoyancy, and ease of paddling in the water. It helps you to learn the basics of surfing without worrying about the drawbacks of other types of boards.


If you ever get one of these boards, I recommend that you NEVER let it go! They are that good and durable!

















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