Top 16 Best Foam Surfboards to Buy in 2023

The Best Foam Surfboard is the ideal tool for those who have a passion for surfing. The fun in riding waves, the cool breeze, the challenges, and other fascinating aspects can get someone glued.

How you choose to enjoy your surfing matters a lot. Your gear is part of those things that significantly determine your surfing experience.

Ideally, you should consider using the best surf watch to track the tides and the right surfing wetsuit for insulation. For your surfboard, you may either go for a foam surfboard or a hard one.

In this article, I will be focusing on how you can pick the best foam surfboards. I have compiled the top 16 best foam surfboards to consider, as well as, other information which includes a buying guide.

What Is a Foam Surfboard?

Surfboards are made from different materials. Examples of such materials are polyethylene (PE or HDPE), polyurethane (PU), expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), polypropylene (PP), or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).

The nature of these materials determines the characteristics of the surfboard. These include its durability, buoyancy, traction, and many more.

A foam surfboard has its core made out of foam, making the board’s surface softer. Besides, foam boards are lighter and more heavy-duty, creating a comfortable feeling for the feet.

With the thicker rails, the surfboards help you have more grip while surfing. However, you might find it difficult to duck dive because of the floatability of the soft surfboards.

If you are a beginner, you will find these surfboards very handy since they catch more waves at faster speed. Furthermore, they offer a little protection in case of a wipeout, and their softness helps reduce the level of impact.

My Top Picks

In surfing, you cannot do without surfboards. Everything about it is based on surfboards. Therefore, you need to choose wisely, i.e., the best foam surfboards. Below are some of the best foam surfboards available.

• Best Overall: South Bay Board Co 7′ Ruccus Soft Top
  “Durable construction, sleek shape, smooth performance, comes with a GoPro mount, handle and leash.”
• Best Budget: Giantex 6′
  “Budget-friendly, attractive, hydrodynamic, lightweight, high durability, large weight capacity.”
• Best Beginner Foam Surfboard: Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst Soft Top
  “30-day warranty, more value for money, good for beginners, durable construction.”
• Best for Kids: 6′ Guppy White Stripes by South Bay Board Co
  “Easy to carry and transport, colorful, foam core, hard, slick bottom, comes with a leash.”
• Best Performance: Liquid Shredder FSE EPS-PE
  “90-day warranty, Polypropylene hard slick, anti-slip deck, heat-laminated construction.”
• Best for River Surfing: Boardworks Froth! Soft Top
  “Beginner-friendly, well-streamlined, one-year warranty, available in multiple sizes, colors and fin arrangement.”
• Best Rated: South Bay Board Co 8’8 Heritage Soft Top
  “Easy to store, extremely stable, spacious, soft deck, reinforced with three stringers.”
• Best 7′ Foam Surfboard: Rock It 7′ SHORTBUS Soft Top
  “Nice outline, possess two stringers, excellent performance on all wave sizes.”
• Best Value for the Money: 8′ Verve South Bay Board Co
  “Attractive color options, reliable construction, high-traction, and textured deck, features a heat-release valve.”
• Best 9′ Foam Surfboard: Wavestorm 9ft Original New Modern
  “High stability, thruster fin setup, high volume, lightweight, features a traction pad.”

Comparison Table

There are many foam surfboards in the market. Therefore, without adequate knowledge about them, it will take you a long time to make a decision. To give you foreknowledge of the basic properties of the 16 best foam surfboard I compiled, see my table below.

The 16 Best Foam Surfboards Reviews

Foam surfboards are suitable for almost all experience levels, including extreme beginners. They offer more buoyancy, stability, and they are more forgiving.

To help you pick the best option for yourself, I have prepared the detailed reviews of the compiled 16 best foam surfboards below.

1. South Bay Board Co 7′ Ruccus Soft Top

(Best Overall – Editor’s Choice)

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One of those high-performance surfboards currently available is the South Bay Board CO 7’ Ruccus Soft Top Foam Surfboard. With a textured deck, you may not need to wax at all.

It has a rugged construction comprising an HDPE slick, triple-stringer setup, and an EPS core. In addition, designed with a heat-release system, the surfboards can avoid heat damage and improve their integrity.

The 7’ Ruccus features a rubber bumper for vertical storage, carry handle, lengthy leash, and mount for a GoPro camera. What’s more, the semi-rounded nose, concave bottom and deck allow smooth locomotion while its rocker prevents pearling.

The board is quite maneuverable and stable, which is backed up by the thruster fin setup. Furthermore, the soft top surfboards have various colors such as aqua, black, blue, and red.

Key Features:

• Double concave bottom deck
• A wax-free fingerprint textured soft-top foam deck
• Semi-rounded nose
• A 6 oz resin layer on top and bottom
• Triple-stringer system
• HDPE plastic netting
• 7′ leash, and 3 FCS fins (thruster set) + fin key
• Rubber Bumper
• Heat Release Valve
• Tapered Rail

Product Specifications:

2. Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst Soft Top

(Best Beginner Foam Surfboard)

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For individuals looking for a heavy-duty, lightweight surfboard, you might want to see the Wavestorm 8’ sunburst soft top foam surfboard. It’s an attractive choice that is even more forgiving for beginners.

This soft top board has a maximum weight limit of 200 pounds and a volume of 86 liters. Like many large surfboards, it is stable, flexible, durable and can catch more waves with ease.

A three-stringer setup supports its EPS foam core, and the HDPE slick gives it a hard bottom. Besides, the surfboard uses a thruster fin setup, and the fins are included in the packaging alongside a leash.

The Wavestorm 8′ sunburst soft top has a textured traction pad on its deck. Therefore, you may not require waxing.

Key Features:

• EPS core
• 3 x marine-ply stringers
• Soft WBS-IXL (Water Barrier Skin) crosslink top deck and rails
• High Density (HDPE) Polyethylene slick bottom skin
• Patented GFT™ (Graphic Film Technology) deck skin
• Removable bolt thru fins
• Removable ankle leash with polyurethane material
• Textured traction pad

Product Specifications:

3. 8′ Guppy White Stripes by South Bay Board Co

(Best for Kids)

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If there’s any way to encourage your young champion, the Guppy White Stripes foam surfboard would be a perfect option. It is just 8-foot long and 22-inch wide.

The foamie gets a rounded nose and a squared tail, which all translates to good performance and stability. The construction of an EPS core and HDPE slick coming with the heat lamination make the board lightweight and long-lasting.

The guppy white stripes surfboard has a thruster setup and a weight limit of 180 pounds. On purchase, you get three fins, fin screws, an 8-foot long leash.

An easy carry handle is embedded on the deck to allow more portability. There are two common colors, pink and blue, for its stripe design.

Key Features:

• A closed cell EPS core
• IXPE top deck
• 2 full-length wooden stringers
• 8 foot leash
• 3 safe, rounded-edge soft-top surfboard fins (thruster set) and fin screws

Product Specifications:

4. Liquid Shredder FSE EPS-PE

(Best Performance)

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The Liquid Shredder FSE EPS-PE soft surfboard will appeal to more expert riders. The 6-foot long surfboard is a durable, affordable, and lightweight option.

The core is made from EPS foam reinforced with two wooden stringers. With a polypropylene slick, the board is significantly more robust and less susceptible to wear.

The entire board is heat-laminated to make it reliable, sleek, and water-resistant. In addition, the bottom made up of white polypropylene helps the foamie have added stiffness and durability.

Overall, the Liquid Shredder FSE EPS-PE is rugged and lightweight. It has a thruster fin setup, which further enhances the speed and maneuverability.

Key Features:

• EP (expanded Polyethylene) Deck
• EPS core
• High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) slick bottom
• Dual wooden stringers

Product Specifications:

5. Boardworks Froth! Soft Top

(Best for River Surfing)

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The Boardworks Froth! Soft Top surfboard is another decent choice to checkout. It is available in various sizes for kids and adults – shortboards (5’ and 5’6”), funboard (7’ and 8’), and longboard (9’).

The board has a soft outer skin made from EVA that wraps its completely glassed foam core (EPS). In terms of portability, the board is relatively lightweight, though relative to its dimensions.

The foamie is well rounded on the edges, and its nose with high impact areas creates a smooth glide over the waves. There’s just a single fin setup (removable) for its longboard, and a thruster set up its shorter lengths.

Although the stability is well above average, the Boardworks Froth! Soft Top is most suitable for small-medium waves. Besides, there are many color choices available for the board such as brown, purple, or blue.

Key Features:

• Fully glassed EPS foam core
• Real maple stringer
• Resin hot-coat
• Premium soft HDPE outer skin

Product Specifications:

6. South Bay Board Co 8’8 Heritage Soft Top

(Best Rated)

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The South Bay Board CO 8’8 Heritage soft-top surfboard is a perfect pick for beginners, especially heavy individuals. With its length of 8’8”, it has a width of 23 inches, 86L volume, and can accommodate about 260lbs.

With an EPS core, tri-stringer arrangement, and HDPE bottom, you shouldn’t be shopping for a new board soon. This surfboard is also built with a heat-release valve to maintain its quality and a tail bumper for vertical storage.

Beginners want boards with more forgiving, which is what you have on this particular board. Owing to its large area and buoyancy, the board can help you ride waves easily.

In addition, the 8’8 Heritage surfboard has a textured surface and a thruster fin setup (fins included in packaging). It is also available in four color options and features a handle, GoPro mount, and 9’ leash.

Key Features:

• Double concave bottom deck
• A wax-free fingerprint textured soft-top foam deck
• 9′ leash, 3 surf fins and a fin key
• A 6 oz resin layer
• HDPE plastic netting
• Rubber bumper
• Heat-release valve and bamboo layers on top & bottom

Product Specifications:

7. Rock It 7′ SHORTBUS Soft Top

(Best 7′ Foam Surfboard)

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The Rock It SHORTBUS soft-top surfboard is a high-performance board with an attractive color design. With a “funboard” shape, it is 7-foot long and possesses a volume of about 72 liters and a 200-pound weight limit.

Its core is constructed from recycled EPS foam and encased in epoxy resin and fiberglass cloth on its soft deck. Embedded in the core are two wooden stringers coated with water-repellent to keep its integrity intact.

The entire construction is heat-sealed, allowing the soft surfboard to withstand various conditions. It is easy to paddle and catches waves easily thanks to its size and moderate rocker.

The Rock It SHORTBUS soft-top surfboard uses a removable thruster fin setup with the fins included. To foster customer’s confidence, it also comes with a one-year warranty.

Key Features:

• EPS foam core
• Black & White Sea Camo Zebra Striped Bottom
• Three wooden stringers with an epoxy nano-coating
• Three removable fins
• a color-fast & UV resistant soft top layer
• Heat-laminated board

Product Specifications:

8. 8′ Verve South Bay Board Co

(Best Value for the Money)

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Ideally, beginners should start with large boards on smaller waves or whitewater to aid their development faster. One of those large boards to own as a beginner is the South Bay Board CO 8’ verve surfboard with many color choices.

With a 74L volume and 200-pound weight limit, it can accommodate big or beginner surfers. For longevity, it has an EPS foam core and HDPE slick reinforced with three wooden stringers.

With its thruster fins arrangement, the board is well-streamlined to allow better hydrodynamics (speed), control, and maneuverability. The deck is fingerprint-textured and may not need waxing before use.

With the 8’ verve surfboard, you can use a GoPro, store vertically on its rubber bumper and prevent heat damage. Designed with the rounded nose, surfers can ride waves faster with flexibility and stability.

Key Features:

• EPS closed cell foam core
• IXPE top deck
• The double concave bottom deck
• a wax-free fingerprint textured soft-top foam deck
• 8′ leash, and 3 surf fins plus a fin key
• A 6 oz resin layer
• DPE plastic netting, and rubber bumper
• Three wooden stringers
• heat-release valve and bamboo layers

Product Specifications:

9. Wavestorm 9ft Original New Modern

(Best 9′ Foam Surfboard)

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High volume boards offer a higher level of stability, and more volume implies more buoyancy. The Wavestorm 9ft original new modern foam surfboard has a volume of 102 liters and a weight limit of 225 pounds.

With an EPS foam core, the board weighs about 15 pounds and is lightweight compared to its length. With its rocker and rounded nose, the slick is made from HDPE for cutting through waves smoothly.

The surfboard is reinforced on the inside with three wooden stringers to improve its durability and strength.

The deck comes with a traction pad; however, you might still need to do some waxing. The Wavestorm 9ft original new modern foam surfboard comes with a leash and three removable fins.

Key Features:

• EBS- IXL Elastomer Barrier Skin
• EPS Core
• 3x epoxy set marine-ply stringers
• HDPE Bottom
• Reinforced fin-plug inserts and Silica rings
• Bolt-thru fin set
• Removable PE leash
• Textured Traction Pad

Product Specifications:

10. Giantex 6′

(Best Budget)

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At an affordable price, the Giantex 6′ foam surfboard is an ideal choice for adults and kids. Starting with the design, it is available in three themes and exquisite.

Made up of the EPS top foam core, the board’s construction is more durable with the capacity up to 200 pounds. A traction pad and safety leash added to the foamie help surfers be more comfortable and have more fun.

Thanks to a concave bottom, rounded nose, and blunt edges, it delivers high speed as it cuts through water smoothly. The packaging includes three fins (thruster), fins screws, and a free leash.

In terms of performance, the Giantex 6’ performs well beyond expectations. However, it’s just enough to satisfy the beginner and intermediate riders on moderate wave sizes.

Key Features:

• Ergonomic buffer design
• EPS core, EPE deck, and PP bottom
• Safety leash and transaction pad
• Removable fins

Product Specifications:

11. Goplus 5’5″ Soft Top

(Best Lightweight)

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The Goplus 5’5″ soft top foam surfboard is one of the lightest surfboards, bringing a great surfing experience for kids and adults. Thanks to its lightweight, thruster fins and fishtail, it is very easy to handle even in big waves.

The board’s construction has high quality with an XPE deck, wood stripe, an EPS core, and a rigid HDPE bottom. Moreover, this design will increase resistance and improve speed, resulting in better performance.

Especially with an adjustable wristband, the soft board not only does not leave your feet but also provides comfort. Besides, the Goplus 5’5” soft surfboard has a maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds with three color options available.

Key Features:

• EPS core and HDPE bottom
• XPE deck
• 3 removable fins
• A leash and a wristband
• Wood strip

Product Specifications:

12. Catch Surf Odysea

(Best for Advanced Surfers)

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The Catch Surf Odysea foam surfboard is the smallest on this list with a length of 4’6″. Quite small that it should only be used by kids or advanced surfers looking for more challenges. Although there are not many color options, it does offer excellent aesthetics.

It is a high-performing surfboard with sturdy construction that can tolerate various conditions. It has a slick made from HDPE and three stringers, among other features that ensure its ruggedness.

The Catch Surf Odysea foam surfboard should not cause any worry regarding portability. Its construction and sleek design allow riders to perform more tricks and enjoy a high level of maneuverability.

Key Features:

• Stiff dual-composite core
• 3 maple-ply stringers
• PE deck
• a deep entry concave and vee out the tail
• HDPE graphic slick bottom
• Removable fin and leash plug

Product Specifications:

13. Surftech Learn2Surf Soft Top

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Another suitable surfboard to learn surfing is the Surftech Learn2surf Soft Top surfboard. Depending on your requirements and preference, thre are multiple colors and sizes (7’6″ to 12′) to pick.

The rigid EPS core and reinforced, blunt rails give you the mix of durability and performance you’d like in your surfboard. Together with the fiberglass bottom, the soft top surfboard assures more performance on many wave sizes anytime.

The board is further reinforced with wooden stringers to keep it stiff and durable. Besides, It is equipped with a single fin and an FCS II fin box. This foamie catches waves with ease, thanks to its shape and rocker.

Key Features:

• EPS foam core
• Thermal debossed EVA deck pad
• ASA plastic sheet on the deck and bottom
• Hard fiberglass bottom with epoxy resin

Product Specifications:

14. California Board Company 9′

(Best for Big Guys)

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Here is another long, spacious surfboard for beginners, the California Board Company 9’. One striking characteristic is its stylish, wood-like appearance.

Beyond appearance, it offers a high-level of comfort with its soft deck, and it’s well-shaped for beginners’ comfort. The board, like many others, possesses an EPS core and an HDPE slick bottom.

The three stringers embedded in it provide more stiffness, helping it withstand a weight capacity of 210lbs. Besides, it is heat-laminated to ensure its water-resistance and more durability.

The experience, especially the stability and ease of catching waves, is quite fantastic. However, you may have to use the board on whitewater or gentle waves alone since it has less control.

Key Features:

• EPS Core
• 3 Multi-Layered Laminated Wood Stringers
• PU Surf Leash
• Three fins with nylon screws
• Polyethylene slick bottom
• IXPE/XPE Deck

Product Specifications:

15. Driftsun Nymbus

(Best for Tricks)

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All experience levels will find delight in the DRIftsun Nymbus foam surfboard. This is basically because of its high buoyancy, shape, lightweight, and small size.

It has a rounded nose with a fishtail that allows high speed, better maneuverability, and smooth sharp turns. It is effortless to perform tricks with the surfboard.

An EPS core is used to allow buoyancy while it has an HDPE slick for smooth motion. There are three fins (thruster setup) and a high traction deck that may require no waxing.

It is quite thick, which explains its high buoyancy. It is available in three sizes– Pink 4’9”, Green 5’8” and Blue 6’. Due to the small sizes, the DRIftsun Nymbus is easy to carry on the beach and transport on the car rack.

Key Features:

• EPS foam core
• EPE deck
• 3 removable fins
• Seamless thruster nose

Product Specifications:

16. California Board Company 6’2” Fish Surfboard

(Best for 6 Years Old)

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If you are searching for the perfect kids’ surfboard, the California Board Company 6’2” will satisfy you. With white and blue colors and a very eye-catching design, your child will be quite excited about it.

Made from EPS core and three wooden stringers, the board adds rigidity and firmness. Besides, the foamie is heat-laminated coming with waterproof resin coating, helping increase the durability and stability.

The pointed nose of the surfboard helps riders surf at higher speed, creating a wonderful wave-riding experience. With very lightweight and 6’2 length, the California Board Company 6’2” can be easily carried around the beach.

Furthermore, it bears a weight capacity of up to 175 pounds. The packaging includes a surf leash, double swivel, rail saver, and neoprene padded ankle strap.

Key Features:

• EPS core
• 3 multi-layered laminated wood stringers
• Polyethylene slick bottom
• IXPE/ape deck
• 3 fins
• PU surf leash

Product Specifications:

How to Choose the Right Foam Surfboard?

Foam boards have improved when it comes to performance, control, and design. Similar to when purchasing your surf bags and surf wax, you will meet many different products when shopping for a foam surfboard.

Every surfer wants to purchase the best foam surfboard that can meet their needs. However, it can be challenging if you don’t have enough knowledge about them, especially if it’s your first time.

The best foam surfboard for you is that one that has been well examined using some factors. These factors have listed and comprehensively discussed below.

1. Length and Width of the Board

The length of your board will determine how well you’ll perform. Ideally, you should go for a surfboard that is compatible with your skill level.

If you are a beginner, you should be looking to purchase a long surfboard. This will allow you to catch waves effortlessly, and you can subsequently improve your balance on the surfboard. This is because they are larger with more buoyancy and space.

Intermediate and advanced surfers will definitely love the performance of short foam boards. They allow more maneuverability, control, and speed. Surfers can perform flips, sharp turns, quick movements, and many tricks.

In general, surfboards can be as short as 4’5” and as long as 12’. Adult beginners should settle for anything about 7’5” while kids can go for anything above 5’5”.

The width of the surfboard also contributes to its stability. The wider, the better; hence, anything about 20 inches is good.

Notwithstanding, you should still compare your weight with the weight limit of the surfboard. Experts can use almost any surfboard length or width.

2. Board Shape and Type

Surfboards come in different shapes and types. The nose of a surfboard may be pointed, squared or rounded. The latter is more popular since it allows high speed without compromising maneuverability. The squared nose is best for tricks, and the pointed ones for speed.

The tail of surfboards comes in different shapes too. Popular tail shapes include square, squash, pin, round, swallow, fish, and wing tails. The square tails offer high responsiveness, hence, great for tricks.

The squash tail offers a balance between speed and maneuverability. The pin and round tails are ideal for large waves. The swallow, fish, and wing tails provide high performance in small waves.

3. Construction and Design

There are different materials used in the manufacture of surfboards. These materials often determine the performance and weight of the surfboard. Examples of such materials are polyethylene (PE or HDPE), expanded polystyrene (EPS), polypropylene (PP), etc.

Expanded polystyrene is the most common material used for the board’s core. It is characterized by its lightweight and durability. It is more durable than polystyrene and polyurethane.

The bottom may either be made from polyethylene or polypropylene. The latter is quite more reliable and more durable than the former. Stringers are sometimes embedded in a surfboard to improve its strength. Also, they may have a textured or soft deck that provides more grip and comfort.

4. Volume

The volume of a surfboard determines the amount of space it occupies. It is calculated by multiplying the length, width, and thickness of a surfboard. The volume of a board is expressed in liters, and it, as well, determines the buoyancy of the board.

The higher the volume, the higher the stability, but the performance may be limited. Also, high volume boards are best used on small waves and vice versa.

Beginners should go for high volume boards that can accommodate their weight. In most boards, the volume and weight limit are written on their packaging.

5. Extra Features

There are some desirable extra features you may like to check out. Some products come with warranties to keep customers safe. Aesthetics might be another thing you want to consider.

Some products offer more value for money as they come with many features. Some boards can rubber bumper for vertical storage, GoPro mount for cameras, leash, removable fins, and many more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

It’s possible that you’ve skipped some cogent points in the article, or you’ve come here seeking answers. Therefore, I’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to help clear your mind.

What Size Foam Surfboard Should I Get?

This one common question among surfer’s, especially beginners. The best foam surfboard size is dependent on your skill level and body size.

Ideally, adult beginners should buy surfboards greater than 7’5″ in length. Kids can go for anything above 5’5″. Advanced surfers don’t have any real concerns as long as they can wield it.

Learn more about How to Choose a Surfboard Size for Beginners here!

Are Foam Surfboards Good for Beginners?

Yes. Foam surfboards are lightweight and easy to carry. They offer more stability on waves, which is what you want as a beginner. They are more forgiving, and they allow riders to learn how to balance on their surfboard faster.

Can You Repair a Foam Surfboard?

Yes. It’s best to visit a professional. Nevertheless, if you want to do it yourself, you can use strong epoxy glue. However, you should not expect much from the board. It can break anytime, depending on the initial size of the damage.

Learn more about how to repair a surfboard here!

Should I Wax a Foam Surfboard?

Yes. Although most foam surfboards have this grippy feeling on the feet, it’s still good to wax them. There is nothing bad about enjoying more grip when surfing. Some foam boards may even get slippery when wet.

How to Get Wax off a Foam Surfboard?

You need to melt the surf wax on it. You can do this using warm water or a hairdryer. When it’s adequately melted, you can use an old towel or t-shirt to wipe off the wax. You do not need to use a scraper.

WindSurfingMag Overview

The best experience in surfing is only achieved when you use the best surfboard. If you want a foam surfboard, just go for the best. My buying guide should shed more light on how to pick the best foam surfboards for you.

Not every foam surfboard will meet your requirements. This is why I have compiled the best foam surfboards. The best overall is the South Bay Board Co. 7′ Ruccus Soft Top Foam Surfboard with a durable construction, value for money, and smooth performance.

The best budget is the Giantex 6′ Foam Surfboard that offers high performance despite its price tag. Beginners can start learning with the Wavestorm 8′ Sunburst Soft Top Foam Surfboard.

Do you have any questions, suggestions, or comments concerning these surfboards or other sections of this article? Please share them with other readers in the comments section.

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