Soft Top vs Classic Surfboards: Which Board Matches Your Style?

You finally decide to catch your first wave, walk into a surf shop, and freeze, asking yourself: foam or classic, short or long? The ocean suddenly feels easier than making a choice. You’re not alone; we all have been there. A pro tip? Don’t automatically assume expensive means better. It depends on your skill level, goals, and how you connect with the ocean.

There’s no one “best” surfboard. It all comes down to your style, skill, and surfing goals. Whether it’s a foam surfboard or a classic longboard, each offers unique benefits and lets you enjoy both steadier and faster rides. 

If you’re starting your surfing journey or exploring new styles, this blog is your go-to guide and a side-by-side breakdown that will help you match the right surfboard to your surfing journey.

The Basics: Foam vs. Classic Surfboards Explained

Want to avoid early frustration and have fun surfing? The first step towards confidence is walking into a surf shop knowing what board will work best for you as a beginner. This section breaks down the basics of Foam (Soft Top) vs. classic surfboards.

• Foam/Soft Top Surfboard: These boards are made of soft EPS foam, offering high buoyancy and improved balance. Softer tops mean forgiving rides, fewer injuries, and more security in wipeouts or crowded beaches.

• Classic Surfboard: The surface is typically made from fiberglass and epoxy resin. With these boards, skilled surfers enjoy tricks, sharp turns, and faster rides.

If you actually want to enjoy your first wave and avoid frustration with a harder board, starting steady and safe with a soft top surfboard is your best bet.

Advantages of Foam Surfboards (Soft Tops)

Ever wondered why every surf lesson starts on a soft top? Being stable, steady, and forgiving, soft surfboards are the go-to beginner surfboard, and here’s why they’re dominating surf schools and lessons.

• Safety benefits: Soft surfboards are softer. So, when you wipe out, they take the fall for you. Less ouch, more fun!

• Versatility: Perfect for smaller, easier waves where all you need is float, balance, and control. Perfect for a chill beach session.

• Cost effectiveness: Affordable doesn’t mean low-quality. A softboard is a beginner surfboard that offers durability, performance, and fun rides without stretching your budget.

Why Soft Tops Are Perfect for Surf Lessons

• Every instructor knows that the softboard's forgiving nature is what can turn nervous beginners into confident surfers in only a few tries.

• Beginners often hesitate due to fear of injuries, but that’s where softboards come to the rescue. They let you focus on control, balance, and wave timing without the anxiety of hard falls.

• At Waterboyz in Pensacola, we use softboards in our surf lessons, helping students learn faster and ride with confidence.

Starting on classic hard boards is like running before you can walk. You’ll wipe out more than you ride.

The Case for Classic Surfboards

A classic surfboard is made from fiberglass and resin with high-performance shapes that carve through larger waves effortlessly. But here’s the catch: they demand skill. Only intermediate to advanced surfers who enjoy speed, control, and maneuvers can ride them effectively.

Performance isn’t their only highlight. Classic surfboards are traditionally carved and designed by hand by experts who preserve the Gulf Coast culture and heritage of surfing.

Types of Classic Surfboards

• Longboards: Want smoother, steadier rides? Longboards (8-10 feet) offer great stability and balance in smaller waves.

• Shortboards: Usually 5-7 feet long, shortboards are for advanced surfers who love sharper turns, speed, and high performance.

• Epoxy Boards: Lightweight, durable, and versatile. Epoxy construction makes boards responsive for seasonal surfers who want a mix of performance and stability.

Classic surfboards are the foundation of high surf performance, where skill and style truly meet.

Comparison: Foam vs Classic

This surfboard buying guide helps you walk into a surf store with confidence and pick the right board without second-guessing.

• Stability: Foam surfboards offer more stability due to their thicker and wider shape, perfect for beginners. Classic boards, however, require skill to stabilize.

• Safety: Cushioned soft tops prevent injuries, while classic surfboards’ hard surfaces can cause injuries.

• Performance: Foam surfboards float well on smaller waves, keeping it fun, but they can’t handle larger surf. Classic boards excel in big waves with speed, control, and higher performance.

• Cost: Foam surfboards are affordable and ideal for beginners. Classic surfboards, though costlier, offer advanced performance for skilled surfers.

• Durability: Both are long-lasting, but foam boards can dent over time with heavy use.

Your perfect board depends on your surfing style, wave conditions, and skill level. Many surfers keep both: a foam for fun days and a classic surfboard for serious rides.

How to Choose the Right Surfboard for Your Style

Choosing the right surfboard depends on your experience, budget, and wave preferences. Many beginners skip these factors and buy what looks “cool,” but mismatched boards are the main reasons beginners quit early due to frustration.

• Are you a total beginner, or have you taken surf lessons? Foam boards are perfect for beginners, while classic surfboards work best once you’ve built balance.

• Do you surf small beach waves or seek bigger ones? Foam boards are ideal for small, steady waves. For big, powerful waves, choose a classic surfboard.

• What’s your budget and long-term goal? Foam boards are affordable for testing the waters; classic boards are great if you’re ready to commit long term.

Matching Skill Level to Surfboard

• Beginners: Want to master pop-up and wave catching? Choose a foam surfboard for stability and easy paddling.

• Intermediate: Once confident in your basics, shift to epoxy or fiberglass boards for shaper turns and more control.

• Advanced: Advanced surfers chase style control, speed, and maneuvers, and only classic shortboards or high-performance longboards can satisfy their needs.

While there are different kinds of boards for different goals, every pro once began with a foam surfboard.

Why Waterboyz is the Right Place to Start Your Search

New to surfing and don’t know where to begin? You’ve landed at the right place! Waterboyz in Pensacola is the locals’ most trusted surf shop. Our staff, experienced surfers, will guide you to the perfect board for your skill and style. 

The best part? We offer surf lessons in Pensacola, letting you try boards in real conditions before investing. Our curated selection includes:

• Soft Top surfboards from brands like Odysea, Catch Surf, and Softech

• Classic or Epoxy resin surfboards from the WBZ brand for intermediate and advanced riders

More than a shop, we’re a part of Pensacola’s surf scene, sponsoring local talent and celebrating Gulf Coast surf culture.

FAQs: Foam vs Classic Surfboards

What’s the best surfboard for beginners in 2025?

Foam surfboards (soft tops) remain the top choice due to stability, balance, and safety.

Can I outgrow a soft top surfboard?

Yes! Once you’re confident, switch to a classic surfboard, but soft top surfboards remain great for casual or small wave days.

Do I need surf lessons before buying a board?

Not mandatory, but surf lessons often save time, frustration, and help you test boards before buying.

Find the Board That Matches Your Journey

Foam surfboards are your best friend when starting out: safe, stable, and fun. Classic surfboards come next when you’re ready for high performance and sharper turns.

There’s no wrong choice, just choose what fits your style and goals. Looking for quality and durable beginner-friendly surfboards? Waterboyz is your go-to.

Ready to get started? Explore Waterboyz’s soft tops and classic surfboards collection. Let’s find the board that matches your style.