Perth Surfer stoked with the PURF Surfboards Freo Doc range. A fish shape design perfect for local waves.
If you're a surfer, there's a good chance you've heard of soft top surfboards. But what are they and do you need one (hint: yes, you do)?
In this article, we'll draw from our 10+ years of surf coaching, our passion for soft top surfboards and our own personal experience surfing in Perth to answer your questions.
We'll also tell you a little bit about our own line of ultra-durable and ultra-fun Purf soft top boards, otherwise known as our secret weapon in the struggle against crowds, crappy surf conditions and bad juju.
Read on to get your masters degree in soft top surfboards today!
What are soft top surfboards?
Soft top surfboards are exactly what you think they are: surfboards with soft decks.
Traditional surfboards are made from polyurethane foam, fibreglass and a variety of other materials. Soft top surfboards, on the other hand, are made with an EPS foam core (like epoxy surfboards) wrapped in either fibreglass or a synthetic wrap.
Why are they so popular at the moment?
There are heaps of reasons why soft top surfboards like our Purf boards are so popular at the moment.
The main reason is that soft top surfboards can be used by all skill levels. It doesn't matter whether you've never surfed before or if you're a pro - soft top surfboards are perfect for anyone!
Another reason they're so popular is because they're really easy to learn on. Soft tops are stable and forgiving, which makes them the perfect boards for beginner surfers. They're also easy to store since the soft exterior means you needn't stress (too much) about damaging them when loading them in your vehicle.
Finally, soft top surfboards are fun - it's as simple as that. They turn average sessions into fun ones and catch more waves than a traditional shortboard.
This means that you can surf way more and navigate crowded days with ease.
The result?
You master the fundamentals of surfing faster and develop your wave catching abilities quicker whilst also having a damn good time.
Who are soft top surfboards suitable for?
Like we said earlier, there's no age or skill limit to using soft top surfboards. Literally anyone who wants to surf can pick up a soft top and hit the water.
They're buoyant, stable and easy to paddle which makes them perfect for beginner surfers.
What's more, soft top surfboards are also great for those who want to improve their surfing skills without having to worry about getting injured.
In saying that, intermediate and experienced surfers will also love soft top surfboards for their fun nature.
They spice up even the most uninspiring conditions and make surfing with your mates super enjoyable… especially when everyone is riding one.
What are they made from?
Most soft top surfboards that you come across are made from EPS foam.
This is the same material that epoxy surfboards are made from, which is why soft tops have a similar lightness to them when you're surfing.
The foam core is then wrapped in either fibreglass or a synthetic wrap - this step plays a big role in determining how long your soft top surfboard lasts.
The fibreglass option is more durable but a little heavier, while the synthetic wrap is less durable but lighter.
Because we believe in making boards that stand up in extreme Perth conditions and last longer than traditional soft top surfboards, we've developed ours to be top of the line (without the top of the line price tag).
This means our boards come with:
A high-grade, UV resistant deck (Extruded Barrier Skin) to ensure the board won't weaken and breakdown when exposed to sunlight
EPS foam (the strongest type of foam) that helps the board withstand daily usage whilst also facilitating increased performance compared to other soft top surfboards
A triple marine ply stringer that's hand-treated for extra bonding (as opposed to the standard double stringer design that uses soft timbers)
A slick yet sound bottom made from high-density polyethene that improves performance and strength
Fin plugs that are threaded with polyethene tubing and capped with a silica top so that the fins are held securely in place and no additional water can penetrate the plugs
How do they differ from traditional surfboards?
While both soft top surfboards and traditional short and longboards have the same basic silhouette, they differ in terms of construction, buoyancy, accessibility and general on-wave feel.
For example, a standard short or longboard is made from a polyurethane foam core and then wrapped in fibreglass, which makes them firmer to the touch and more responsive in the water.
In comparison, soft top surfboards are way more buoyant due to their EPS foam construction. This means they feel really light and playful when on a wave.
Are there any drawbacks to soft top surfboards?
Despite the fact that soft top surfboards are insanely fun to ride, there's a general consensus (thanks, Wavestorm) that they snap or crease easily.
This has led to many people throwing away soft top surfboards after only a few uses, which is obviously a waste and the opposite of eco-friendly.
Of course, not all soft top surfboards are created equal. So before you judge a soft top by its cover, do a little research and look for boards like our Purf models.
They're made from durable materials that ultimately make your board last longer and stop the consumer cycle of buy, break and buy again.
What to look for when buying a soft top surfboard
As a Perth surfer, you'll for sure know that surfing here can be really challenging.
Not only do the crowds get out of control, the winds can be brutal. Let's not forget either that lots of Perth surf beaches specialise in producing dumping waves that can turn a traditional surfboard into three sheets of tattered fibreglass lickity split.
Now, this might all sound like bad news for Perth surfers. But do you remember the secret weapon we mentioned at the start of this article? Well, it turns out that secret weapon is the trusty soft top surfboard.
Learn how to pick the right soft top surfboard with Go Surf by reading below.
1. Is it made from durable materials?
After testing practically every soft top surfboard on the market during our time as surf coaches, we discovered that most soft top surfboards are (somewhat surprisingly) far too soft.
This makes them bendy, weak and fragile, which detracts from the board's ability to handle being thrown around and still perform in a range of conditions.
Fortunately, we also found that the best type of soft tops use a high-grade, UV resistant deck and EPS foam, which is the strongest type of foam on the market for surfboards.
Translation?
Soft top boards made from EPS foam with UV resistant decks are practically indestructible, which means you can treat them mean (and they'll still continue loving you).
2. Can it perform in a variety of wave types?
Soft tops are naturally geared towards what we might call average waves, but that shouldn't exclude them from being fun in clean and good conditions.
For this reason, you should seek out soft top boards with a harder construction. This allows them to perform in decent waves as well as mush, which means you can surf it in a wide range of conditions.
What's more, a soft top board with fin plugs also allows you to surf in different types of waves. Just switch out the fins depending on the conditions and you're good to go.
Better yet, most soft tops come in different shapes and sizes. This ensures that so long as you have the right model under your feet you can turn flat days into fun sessions. And isn't that what it's all about?
3. Does it come with a sturdy stringer and leash?
Last but not least, you should take a look at the type of stringer and leash that the board in question runs.
A stringer is the strip of wood that runs the length of the board.
It stiffens the board and provides an added layer of protection against creases and snaps. Most stringers are made from softwoods, however, a good soft top will utilise a marine grade ply stringer that's hand-treated for additional strength.
In addition, you should check to see if the soft top comes with a leash.
Most boards these days come with one but don't be surprised if you have to fork out for one too. If that's the case, make sure to get one that's long and strong enough for your board and able to hold up in dumping waves.
So there you have it - our article on soft top surfboards! As you can see, these boards are perfect for beginner, intermediate and advanced surfers.
They're fun, easy to catch waves on and super safe compared to traditional boards. What's more, they're perfect for Perth's beaches.
See you in the water!
