10 Best Soft Surfboards 2025 in the United States

The Wave Storm 8ft Soft Top Surfboard is a great choice for beginners and casual surfers of all ages, including kids and adults. Its size (8 feet long and 22.5 inches wide) offers a stable and forgiving platform, which makes catching waves easier especially for those just starting out. The board's foam construction with a strong EPS core and triple stringers provides good durability while keeping it lightweight enough to carry easily. The soft top design with the water-resistant outer skin adds safety by reducing the risk of injury, a big plus for learning surfers.

It also includes removable fins and a tail pad, which help with control and comfort, and comes with an ankle leash and board bag, making it a complete package to get going right away. This board is designed mainly for beginners, so experienced surfers might find it less responsive compared to harder or more performance-shaped boards. Additionally, the volume and thickness (3.25 inches) make it very buoyant but might limit maneuverability in bigger or more challenging waves.

The board has a classic longboard shape, which is ideal for smooth, slow rides rather than quick turns or tricks. If you’re looking for a forgiving and safe board to learn on or enjoy casual surfing sessions, this Wave Storm model offers good value and is not aimed at advanced surfers seeking high performance.

The WAVESTORM Classic Soft Top Foam 8ft Surfboard is a great choice for beginners and surfers of all levels looking for a forgiving and durable board. At 8 feet long with a width of 22.5 inches and a thickness of 3.25 inches, it offers a stable platform that's easy to balance on, especially important if you’re just starting out. Its volume of 86 liters adds extra buoyancy, helping you catch waves more easily. The board’s construction features a soft foam top with a strong EPS core and a three-stringer system, providing both safety and enough rigidity to maintain control.

The Water Barrier Skin on the deck and rails adds durability and prevents water damage, while the high-density polyethylene slick bottom helps with smooth gliding over waves. It comes with removable bolt-through fins, an ankle leash, and a traction pad, which are all useful accessories for staying secure and comfortable in the water. Weighing about 11.5 pounds, it's light enough to carry but sturdy enough for stability.

Some downsides might include limited performance for advanced maneuvers due to its soft foam build and beginner-focused design. This makes it ideal for learning and casual surfing without worrying about dings or damage. This board suits anyone new to surfing or casual riders wanting a reliable, low-maintenance soft surfboard that comes ready with necessary accessories.

The KONA SURF CO. Soft Top Series 7ft surfboard is a solid choice for beginner surfers, including both kids and adults. Its size and volume provide good float and stability, making it easier to catch waves and maintain balance—key for learning. The board's shape has a gentle rocker, which helps riders get more time on waves and works well in various ocean conditions.

Construction-wise, it features a durable EPS core with two stringers for strength, covered by an epoxy shell. The soft IXPE deck offers grip without being harsh, reducing the chance of injury and protecting the board's foam. The slick HDPE bottom helps the board glide smoothly on water, and a carry handle on boards 7ft and longer adds convenience, especially for younger users. The set includes removable soft flex fins with rubber edges for safety, which also makes it easier to transport. A leash is included to keep the board close in the water.

While the price and weight (15 pounds) may be a bit much for very small children, the board’s design and materials are well suited for beginners wanting a forgiving and safe experience. This board is not designed for high-performance advanced tricks but serves as a reliable, user-friendly starter softboard that can endure travel and rough use in the ocean.