The right first board is big, soft and boring. Here are the soft-tops worth your money, what size to get, and when to move to a hard board.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, including Amazon. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Our picks are based on research and specs, not paid placement. Full disclosure
Your first surfboard has one job: get you onto as many waves as possible. That means volume, length and a soft deck that will not hurt when it hits you. Everything else is a distraction until you can catch unbroken waves on your own.
TL;DR: Most adults should start on an 8-foot soft-top. The Wavestorm is the budget pick, the Catch Surf Odysea Log is the one you will keep longer. If you are going to a surf camp first, rent there and buy afterwards.
| Product | Best for | Length | Construction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wavestorm 8' Classic Soft-Top | Budget first board | 8'0" | Foam deck, EPS core with stringers | View on Amazon |
| Catch Surf Odysea Log | Soft-top you won't outgrow fast | 7'0", 8'0" or 9'0" | Foam deck, stiffer core, slick hard bottom | View on Amazon |
| South Bay Board Co. Verve 8' | Solid alternative | 8'0" | Foam deck, EPS core with stringers | View on Amazon |
| Softech Roller | Widest size range | From about 6'0" to 9'0" | Foam deck, EPS core | View on Amazon |
| Torq TET Funboard 7'6" | First hard board | 7'6" (other sizes available) | Molded epoxy over EPS core | View on Amazon |
How we picked: we compared construction, sizing range, availability and long-term owner feedback. We have not tested these side by side, so treat this as a researched shortlist rather than a lab ranking. Model names and specs change each season, so check the current listing before you buy.
Foam boards float more than a hard board of the same length, so they catch weak waves early and stay stable while you work out your pop-up. They also survive being dropped in car parks and dragged over sand. Surf schools use them for exactly these reasons.
The trade-off is performance. A foamie flexes and feels vague at speed. That only matters once you are riding along the face, which for most people is months away.
Free Download
The best surf destination for every month of the year — in one free PDF. Join 12,000+ surfers.
The default beginner board for a reason: lots of foam, forgiving rails, and it usually ships with fins and a leash.
At roughly 86 litres, the 8-foot Wavestorm carries most adults comfortably. The finish is basic and the fins are soft plastic, but as a board to learn on and later lend to friends it is hard to argue with.
Stiffer and better finished than entry-level foamies, so it keeps working once you start trimming along green waves.
If you already know you will surf every week, the Odysea Log is the better purchase. The stiffer build means it does not feel like a pool toy once you start angling along waves.
A well-specced 8-footer with a textured deck designed to be surfed without wax. Worth a look when the Wavestorm is out of stock.
Comes in a long run of lengths, which makes it the easy pick for lighter adults, teens and kids who would be swamped by an 8-footer.
Go by weight and fitness, not height. When in doubt, go longer. Nobody has ever learned slower because their board floated too well.
| Your weight | First soft-top length | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Under 60 kg | 7'0" | Enough float without being hard to carry or turn |
| 60–80 kg | 8'0" | The standard learner size |
| 80–95 kg | 8'0" to 9'0" | Go longer if you are not very fit yet |
| Over 95 kg | 9'0" | Extra volume keeps the board planing in weak waves |
For a deeper look at volume and shape, read how to choose your first surfboard.
Our tested pick
7 nights from €495
Switch when you can paddle out the back, catch green waves without a push and trim in both directions. A durable epoxy mid-length is the natural next step.
A tough molded epoxy mid-length. Much more ding-resistant than a classic fibreglass board, which matters in your first year.
Free Download
Get the free month-by-month Surf Trip Planner plus weekly swell windows.
A week at a camp lets you ride several sizes with a coach watching. If you are starting in Portugal, Salty Souls Lodge in Ericeira and Algarve Wave Retreat both suit beginners, and in warm water Weligama Surf Lodge is one of the gentlest places to learn. Then finish the kit with our beginner setup checklist.
We may earn a commission if you book through these links — at no extra cost to you.
7 nights from $350
Maya Torres
Founder & Surf Travel Editor
Maya has surfed in 34 countries over 15 years, reviewed 60+ surf camps in person, and now leads the Surfstore.com editorial team. Her mission: zero bad surf trips.
Five wetsuits that make sense for your first few years of surfing, plus a thickness chart so you buy the right one for the water you will actually surf.
November 15, 2026
A leash is cheap and it is the only thing connecting you to your board. Here is which type to buy, what length you need and when to replace it.
November 15, 2026
Wax, a comb, sun protection and a ding repair kit. A short list of cheap accessories that make a real difference, and the ones you can skip.
November 15, 2026
We use cookies to analyse traffic and improve your experience. You can accept or reject non-essential cookies. See our Privacy Policy.