So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and learn to surf. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an incredible journey of personal growth, physical challenge, and pure, unadulterated fun. But before you can start riding waves, you need the right equipment. And when it comes to your first surfboard, there’s one clear winner: the soft top.
While you might be tempted by the sleek, high-performance shortboards you see the pros riding, starting with a soft top surfboard is the smartest and safest way to begin your surfing journey. These foam-topped boards are specifically designed with beginners in mind, offering a forgiving and user-friendly experience that will help you build confidence and progress faster. Let’s break down why a soft top should be your go-to choice.
Safety First: A Forgiving Friend in the Water
Let’s be honest: as a beginner, you’re going to fall. A lot. And that’s perfectly okay! It’s all part of the learning process. But falling on a traditional hard surfboard can be a painful experience, both for you and for anyone else in your vicinity. Soft top surfboards, with their cushioned foam construction, significantly reduce the risk of injury. The soft deck is much more forgiving when you inevitably take a tumble, and if your board happens to hit you (or another surfer), the impact will be far less severe than with a hard, fiberglass board. This added safety feature allows you to focus on learning the fundamentals of surfing without the constant fear of getting hurt.
Durability: A Board That Can Take a Beating
Learning to surf can be tough on your equipment. From accidental bumps against rocks to being tossed around in the shorebreak, your first surfboard is going to take some abuse. Soft top surfboards are built to withstand the trials and tribulations of a beginner surfer. Their foam construction is incredibly durable and resistant to the dings and cracks that can plague traditional hardboards. This means you can spend less time worrying about damaging your board and more time in the water, honing your skills.
Floatation and Stability: Your Keys to Catching Waves
One of the biggest challenges for beginner surfers is simply catching waves. This is where the design of a soft top surfboard truly shines. Soft tops are typically wider and have more volume than their hard top counterparts, which translates to increased buoyancy and stability. The extra floatation makes it easier to paddle, helping you conserve energy and catch more waves. The added stability will make it easier to pop up to your feet and find your balance once you’re on the wave. This combination of floatation and stability is a game-changer for beginners, allowing you to experience the thrill of riding a wave much sooner.
Price: An Affordable Entry into the World of Surfing
Surfing can be an expensive sport, but your first board doesn’t have to break the bank. Soft top surfboards are significantly more affordable than traditional hardboards, with prices for new boards starting as low as $150. This lower price point makes surfing more accessible to a wider range of people and allows you to get a feel for the sport without a major financial commitment. You can even find used soft tops for as little as $50, making it an incredibly budget-friendly way to get started.
Where to Find Your Perfect Soft Top
Ready to start your search for the perfect soft top surfboard? You can find a wide selection of high-quality, beginner-friendly boards at SwellSpy. With a range of sizes and styles to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect board to kickstart your surfing journey.
The Final Word
Choosing your first surfboard is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a complicated one. By starting with a soft top surfboard, you’re setting yourself up for a safe, fun, and successful learning experience. With their unbeatable combination of safety, durability, floatation, and affordability, soft top surfboards are the undisputed champion for beginner surfers. So, grab a soft top, head to the beach, and get ready to experience the incredible joy of riding waves.
