Foam Surfboards
Soft top surfboards (foamies) are the easiest, safest, and most forgiving way to start surfing — and they’re insanely fun even for experienced surfers. A soft board gives you extra stability, tons of float, and a soft foam deck that’s more forgiving in wipeouts. At Rider Shack, we stock beginner-friendly foamies, high-performance soft boards, and fun shapes from brands like Catch Surf, Wavestorm, and more. When you buy from us, you’re supporting a small, family-run core surf shop in Los Angeles.
Why Choose a Soft Top Surfboard?
Foam top surfboards are perfect if you’re learning to surf, teaching friends or kids, or just want a low-stress board for crowded days. They’re ideal because they offer:
- Extra safety: Soft foam decks and rubberized rails are more forgiving if the board hits you.
- Durability: Soft tops handle dings, drops, and roof-rack mishaps better than many fiberglass boards.
- Stability: Wide outlines and thick rails make it much easier to balance and pop up.
- Wave-catching power: Plenty of volume for early entry and more waves per session.
If you’re brand new to surfing or buying a board for the whole family, a soft board is almost always the best place to start.
Who Are Soft Boards Best For?
- First-time surfers: Learn the basics with more control and fewer bruises.
- Kids & teens: Safe, durable boards that can handle a beating.
- Families & friends: One board that everyone can share for casual fun.
- Experienced surfers: Foamies are perfect for crowded days, shorebreak, and just goofing off.
As you improve, you can transition from a soft-top to a midlength, longboard or even a shortboard — but many surfers keep a soft board in their quiver forever.
Popular Soft Top Surfboards at Rider Shack
We carry a rotating selection of soft tops and foamies, including:
- Catch Surf Odysea: The Log, Skipper, Beater, and RNF collabs — bright graphics, tons of volume, and performance-oriented soft boards that are as fun for advanced surfers as they are for beginners.
- Wavestorm & similar foamies: Classic soft-top surfboards that have introduced countless surfers to the sport.
- Soft longboards & funshapes: Ideal for surf lessons, rentals, and mellow family beach days.
How to Choose the Right Soft Board
A few key points to consider when picking your foamie:
- Length: Most adults learn best on a 7'0"–9'0" soft board. Heavier riders generally want more length and volume.
- Width & thickness: Go wider and thicker for more stability and easier balance.
- Rider size: Kids can go shorter (5'0"–7'0"), while bigger adults should stay on the longer side.
- Use case: If it’s mostly for learning, pick the most stable shape possible. If you’re an experienced surfer looking for a fun, loose board, try a soft fish or hybrid shape.
Still unsure? Check out our Guide to Buying Your First Surfboard or contact us with your height, weight, and surf experience — we’ll recommend a size and model.
Soft Tops vs Hard Boards
Not sure if you should start on a soft-top or jump straight to fiberglass/epoxy? Here’s a quick comparison:
- Soft Top: Safer, more durable, and more forgiving. Perfect for beginners, kids, and crowded beach breaks.
- Fiberglass/Epoxy: More responsive and performance-oriented, but less forgiving and easier to ding.
- Combo Approach: Many surfers start on a soft top and later pick up a midlength or shortboard, while keeping a foamie in the quiver for small or crowded days.
New & Used Soft Boards
Most soft tops are purchased new, but we occasionally have used foam boards in our Used Surfboards section. If you’re on a tight budget or just want something to learn on for a season, used foamies can be a great deal when available.
Where Soft Tops Work Best in Los Angeles
Foamies and soft-top surfboards are perfect for mellow LA breaks like:
- Venice Breakwater
- Ocean Park, Santa Monica
- Venice Pier (smaller days)
- El Porto (summer & small swells)
- Beginner-friendly sandbars up and down the coast
For spot breakdowns and board recommendations, check out our Surfer’s Guide to Los Angeles.
Shipping, Pickup & Supporting a Core Surf Shop
We ship soft-top surfboards across the continental U.S. with live UPS and USPS rates calculated in your cart at checkout. Softer, shorter boards usually ship at lower rates than oversized logs, and you can always choose free in-store pickup in Los Angeles or free Central Coast pickup (Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, Lompoc and nearby areas). For full details, visit our Shipping & Returns page.
When you buy a soft board from Rider Shack, you’re supporting a small, surfer-run core shop — not a big-box warehouse. Our team surfs the same LA breaks you do and is here to make sure you get a board that actually helps you learn faster and have more fun.
Soft Top Surfboards FAQ
Is a soft-top surfboard good for beginners?
Yes — soft-top surfboards are one of the best choices for beginners. They are more forgiving in wipeouts, easier on your body and others in the lineup, and very durable. Most new surfers will progress faster on a soft board than on a hard fiberglass shortboard.
What size soft board should I get?
Most adults do best on a 7'0"–9'0" soft top, depending on weight and fitness. Heavier or less experienced surfers generally want more length and volume for added stability. Kids and smaller riders can often drop into the 5'0"–7'0" range. If you’re unsure, contact us with your height, weight, and surf experience for a recommendation.
Can I keep using a soft-top after I’m no longer a beginner?
Absolutely. Many experienced surfers keep a foamie in their quiver for crowded days, shorebreak, and small summer waves. High-performance soft boards like Catch Surf Odysea models are designed to be fun for advanced surfers too.
What is the difference between a soft-top and a regular surfboard?
A soft-top has a foam deck and softer rails, which makes it safer and more durable, but slightly less sensitive and performance-oriented than a traditional fiberglass or epoxy surfboard. For learning and casual fun, soft boards are hard to beat.
Do you ship soft-top surfboards?
Yes. We ship soft-top surfboards nationwide with live UPS and USPS shipping rates shown in your cart at checkout. You can also choose free in-store pickup in Los Angeles or free Central Coast pickup if you’re in areas like Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, or Lompoc. See our Shipping & Returns page for details.
