6 products
Showing
6
of
6
Soft Boards
Shop soft top surfboards at Rider Shack — the best place for beginners, kids, and fun summer sessions. We carry Catch Surf, Wavestorm, and The Critical Slide Society soft tops, all with fins included.
Compare with longboards and used surfboards. Not sure what to get? Read our first board buying guide or try a rental first.
Soft top surfboards buying guide
Soft top surfboards — foamies, foam boards — have moved well beyond beginner-only status. Today they are ridden by surfers of every level and are the go-to choice for crowded summer lineups, surf lessons, beach days with kids, and anyone who wants fun waves without worrying about dings, collisions, or steep learning curves.
Why choose a soft top?
Soft boards are more forgiving in wipeouts than hard fiberglass or epoxy boards. The soft foam deck and edges reduce impact on both you and other surfers, which matters a lot in crowded beginner breaks. They are also nearly indestructible compared with traditional surfboards — no ding repair, no delam concerns, no cracked rails from a rough landing. Most soft tops come with fins already installed.
Soft top brands we carry
Catch Surf — the premium end of the soft top market. Performance-oriented shapes like the Odysea Log, Skipper, Beater, and Lost RNF collab. Genuinely fun for surfers of all levels.
The Critical Slide Society (TCSS) — the Wave Master 5000 SLX in 8'0", 9'0", and 9'6". Premium soft deck epoxy construction — a proper longboard with a foam deck rather than a traditional foamie. Better performance and finish than a standard soft top.
Wavestorm — the best-selling soft top surfboard of all time. The 8'0" Wavestorm is affordable, durable, and has introduced more people to surfing than almost any other board ever made. The right choice when budget is the primary factor.
Soft top vs soft deck epoxy — what is the difference?
Traditional soft tops (Catch Surf, Wavestorm) are foam-core boards through and through — foam deck, foam rails, foam bottom. Lightweight, buoyant, and very forgiving. Soft deck epoxy boards (like the TCSS Wave Master 5000 SLX and some Salt Gypsy ES models) are full epoxy boards with a foam deck and rails laid over a hard epoxy bottom. They have better glide, proper longboard performance, and more durable construction — but are heavier and feel more like a real surfboard under foot. The soft deck epoxy Salt Gypsy and Modern Highline boards are listed under midlengths and longboards since they perform like real boards.
What size soft top do I need?
Most beginners do best on a longer, wider board — typically 7'0" to 9'0" — with plenty of foam to paddle and balance on. Kids learning to surf do well on boards in the 6'0" to 7'0" range. Experienced surfers choosing a soft top for fun or crowded days can often go shorter. Use our Surfboard Volume Guide or read A Guide to Buying Your First Surfboard for more sizing help.
What do you need with a soft top?
Most soft tops come with fins installed — just add a leash and wax. A 7' or 8' leash works well for most soft tops. Browse midlength leashes or longboard leashes. For wax, see surfboard wax.
Used soft tops
Browse used surfboards — soft tops are durable enough that a used one is often still in excellent condition.
Soft top FAQ
Are soft top surfboards good for beginners?
Yes — one of the best choices for learning to surf. Forgiving, durable, and safe. See A Guide to Buying Your First Surfboard.
Do soft tops come with fins?
Yes — almost all soft tops come with fins installed. A leash and wax are the main accessories you need.
What is the difference between Catch Surf, TCSS, and Wavestorm?
Wavestorm is the most affordable — best value for budget-conscious buyers. Catch Surf is a premium performance soft top with better shapes and construction. The Critical Slide Society Wave Master 5000 SLX is a soft deck epoxy board — more like a real longboard with a foam surface, better performance and durability than a standard foamie.
