Beginner Foam Surfboards
Why a foam surfboard for beginners
For your first sessions, a beginner foam surfboard is the safest way to have fun and improve fast. The soft deck absorbs impacts, for you and for the surfers around you. The volume carries you when you paddle, the width keeps you steady on the pop-up, and you start catching waves from day one. It is no coincidence that surf schools all over the world start their students on this kind of board, and it is what we recommend every day in the shop.
What length of soft-top for beginners
For an adult, a beginner surfboard is chosen by your weight first. Here are our guidelines:
| Your weight | Recommended length |
|---|---|
| Under 70 kg (155 lb) | 7′0 to 7′6 |
| 70 to 85 kg (155 to 185 lb) | 7′6 to 8′0 |
| Over 85 kg (185 lb) | 8′0 and up |
If in doubt, size up: a board that is too big forgives, a board that is too small discourages. To fine-tune with volume and ability, our guide on how to choose a surfboard walks you through the full method step by step.
Our favourite soft-tops for learning to surf
In this selection, some models keep coming back with our beginner customers. The Chopstick and School Bus from Softlite are surf school classics, reliable and easy to paddle. The Odysea Logs from Catch Surf pack generous volume that makes the pop-up very accessible. Among French brands, Qraft soft-tops combine toughness and friendly prices, while Zeus offers stable boards for the whole family.
For a child or a teenager, size changes everything: head to our kids surfboards, with lengths from 5′0.
What budget for a beginner surfboard
A quality beginner foam surfboard usually costs between €300 and €400, roughly half the price of a hard epoxy board. At Softboard Center, you can pay in 3 instalments from €200 and in 4 instalments from €300. We advise against second-hand for a first board: foam that has spent several summers in the sun loses stiffness, and with it some of its glide.
When to move to a shorter board
Once you catch your own waves and start turning, it is time for a more manoeuvrable board. The models in our intermediate surfboards selection, such as the Mullet Tombstone or the Softlite Test Tube, let you work on your first manoeuvres without losing the fun of foam.
For your first sessions, our guides on how to paddle on a surfboard and how to pop up will save you a lot of time in the water.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a beginner foam surfboard
What size surfboard for a beginner adult?
Between 7′0 and 8′0 in most cases, depending on your weight: 7′0 to 7′6 under 70 kg, 7′6 to 8′0 between 70 and 85 kg, 8′0 and up above that.
7′0 or 8′0: which length for a beginner?
The 8′0 is more stable and paddles better, ideal if you are tall, heavy or surf only occasionally. The 7′0 turns more easily and is easier to carry, perfect for a lighter surfer who wants to progress fast.
How much does a beginner surfboard cost?
Expect €300 to €400 for a quality new soft-top, with the option to pay in 3 or 4 instalments.
Is it hard to learn to surf?
The first sessions take a little patience, but the right foam board makes all the difference. Our guide on how to surf takes you through the moves in order, from paddling to the pop-up.
Selection and advice by Lionel, Head of Sales at Softboard Center. Updated October 2026.
Not sure which board to pick?
We'll help you find the perfect board based on your height, weight, level, and the type of waves you surf.
