Best Soft Top Surfboards of 2025
Daniel Lofaso
What originally emerged as a kook surfboard option from Costco has now evolved into a full-blown movement with every grom, parent, and everyday surfer having one or more soft top surfboards in their quiver. Below we will dive into what are the best soft tops from the best soft top brands so you can narrow down your selection to the best option for you.
Additionally, we’ll highlight signature soft tops from the world’s best surfing ambassadors as your kids will no doubt care more about soft tops from Jamie O’brien than they would the brands who create them.
Our pick for
Best all-around soft top
Billabong x CONTOUR SURF Spire 8ft
When two surfing giants like Billabong and THURSO SURF team up, you know the result is going to be something special. The Spire 8ft is the perfect example of this, a versatile and forgiving board that’s perfect for just about anyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned surfer looking for a fun board for smaller days, the Spire has you covered. Its lightweight EPS core and generous 65L of volume make it a wave-catching machine, while the thruster fin setup provides plenty of drive and control. This board is a cool collaboration from two trusted brands, making it our top pick for the all-around best soft top surfboard.
Includes:
- Fins
- Leash
- Traction pad
Our pick for
Best soft top longboard
Spire 8ft Soft Top Surfboard
For those who love the classic feel of a longboard, the Spire 8ft from THURSO SURF is a dream come true. This board is all about catching waves with ease and enjoying long, cruisey rides. It’s a fantastic option for beginners thanks to its incredible stability, but it’s also a blast for more experienced surfers who want to get their toes on the nose. The Spire is built to last, with a durable construction that can handle the bumps and bruises of learning. Plus, it comes with everything you need to get started, including fins and a leash. If you’re looking for a board that will have you grinning from ear to ear, this is it.
Includes:
- Fins
- Leash
- Traction pad
Our pick for
Best 7 ft soft top
Billabong x CONTOUR SURF Aero 7ft
The Aero 7ft is another stellar collaboration between Billabong and CONTOUR SURF, and it’s the perfect board for those who want a little more performance without sacrificing the fun and forgiveness of a soft top. At 7ft, it’s a great size for a wide range of surfers, from kids to adults. The Aero is designed to be super stable and easy to paddle, so you’ll be catching waves in no time. But don’t let its user-friendly nature fool you – this board can still perform. The thruster fin setup provides plenty of speed and maneuverability, making it a great board to progress on. Plus, the soft deck is a lot more forgiving than a traditional fiberglass board when you’re learning to pop up.
Includes:
- Fins
- Leash
- Traction pad
Our pick for
Best cheap soft top
Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard
Let’s be honest, surfing can be an expensive hobby. But it doesn’t have to be. The Aero 7ft from THURSO SURF is proof that you can get a quality soft top without breaking the bank. This board is an incredible value, offering many of the same features as more expensive boards at a fraction of the price. It’s the perfect board for beginners on a budget, or for families who want to get everyone in the water without having to take out a second mortgage. And despite its low price, the Aero doesn’t skimp on quality. It’s a durable, well-made board that will provide years of fun.
Includes:
- Fins
- Leash
- Traction pad
Our pick for
Best high performance soft top
Lancer 5’10” Soft Top Surfboard Fish
Who says soft tops are just for beginners? The Lancer 5’10” from THURSO SURF is a high-performance machine that will have you tearing up the waves. This fish-shaped board is designed for speed and maneuverability, with a twin fin setup that provides a loose and skatey feel. It’s the perfect board for intermediate to advanced surfers who want to add a little spice to their quiver. The Lancer excels in small to medium waves, making it a great choice for those everyday sessions. And while it may be a high-performance board, it still has the soft, forgiving deck that makes soft tops so much fun.
Best Soft Top Brands
The best soft top brand may be a subjective choice, but in terms of our "expert" opinion, we have to give the nod to THURSO SURF, who also happen to be the parent company of CONTOUR SURF, in which the Billabong collaboration came to be. We choose these guys because soft top surfboards aren't something many take too seriously, and for that reason what you are looking for is value, durability, and performance. THURSO knows that soft tops need not cost upwards of $500 and are backed by warranties. They are also one of the few soft top brands that include fins, leash, and a traction pad.
Best Softtop Surfboard Analysis Criteria
As mentioned, the best softtops are the ones that have the most brand power and fulfill the fun factor they were designed for. They also need to be highly durable, and come in at an approachable price point that allows beginners or surfers wanting another board to attain.
Surfboard shapers don’t publish sales data, and there is no central hub where surfers buy boards where you can find loads of reviews (like Amazon), so you just sort of have to know a thing or two about boards, brands, and shapers.
