Searching for the Best Soft Top Paddle Boards?
Soft top paddleboards come with a host of benefits. Their durable construction makes them more resistant to bumps and scratches than traditional hard boards, while the soft, cushioned surface provides extra safety, especially helpful for beginners who are still getting the hang of balance.
These boards are incredibly versatile, perfect for surfing, water yoga, or leisurely cruising. Choosing the right soft top board can greatly enhance your experience, offering stability, comfort, and confidence on the water. To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite soft top boards, each one designed to make your SUP adventures safer, more enjoyable, and worry-free.
Why You Should Buy a Soft Top Paddle Board
Soft top paddleboards offer the stability of a rigid board combined with the forgiving, cushioned surface that you’ll really appreciate when you take a tumble.
They’re generally more affordable than traditional hardboards, making them a great option for those just getting into the sport. Plus, they’re a favorite among dogs, canine companions have an easier time staying on board thanks to the spongy surface, which provides more grip than a hardboard.
We know that choosing the right paddleboard can be overwhelming, which is why we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite soft top boards. These options are perfect for beginners, while also including choices suited for more experienced paddlers.
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The ISLE Cruiser 10'5" Soft Top Paddle Board is an excellent choice for beginners and casual paddlers seeking stability and comfort on the water. Measuring 10'5" long, 32" wide, and 4.5" thick, it offers a spacious platform that makes balancing easier and builds confidence.
Weighing just 24 pounds, the Cruiser is easy to transport and maneuver, perfect for solo outings or family adventures. Its molded EPS foam core, reinforced with dual wood stringers, combines the rigidity of a hard board with the forgiving feel of a soft top. The full-length EVA deck pad provides a non-slip surface for safety and comfort.
Front-mounted six-point bungee storage keeps essentials like water bottles, dry bags, or small coolers secure. The package includes a carbon hybrid adjustable paddle, a nylon touring center fin, and an 8' coil leash, giving new paddlers everything needed to get started.
Whether cruising calm lakes, practicing yoga, or enjoying a leisurely paddle, the ISLE Cruiser offers a reliable and enjoyable experience. Its thoughtful design and user-friendly features make it a valuable addition to any paddleboard collection.
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The South Bay Board Co. 10'4" Big Cruiser Soft Top Paddle Board is an excellent choice for beginners or anyone seeking a stable, easy-to-use board. Its 32" width and 5" thickness provide outstanding balance, making it perfect for activities like yoga, fishing, or leisurely paddling.
Built with a triple-stringer system, including a fiberglass center rod and two wooden stringers, the board offers enhanced durability and rigidity. The EPS foam core, reinforced with a bamboo layer, adds strength while helping prevent heat damage.
The wax-free, textured deck delivers a comfortable, slip-resistant surface, eliminating the need for extra traction pads. With a rounded nose and squared-off rails, the Big Cruiser maintains buoyancy and stability throughout your ride, supporting paddlers up to 300 lbs.
This board comes as a complete package, including an adjustable paddle, coiled leash, and screwless touring fin, so you can hit the water immediately.
Whether you’re embarking on your first paddleboarding adventure or seeking a dependable board for family fun, the South Bay Board Co. Big Cruiser combines quality, performance, and convenience in one reliable package.
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The Driftsun 11ft Soft Top Rigid Stand-Up Paddleboard is a versatile and user-friendly board suitable for paddlers of all skill levels. Measuring 11 feet long and 31 inches wide, it provides a stable platform ideal for activities such as yoga, fishing, or leisurely paddling on lakes, rivers, or oceans.
Built with a durable ABS bottom and a soft EVA top, the board offers both longevity and comfort. The EVA deck provides a non-abrasive surface, allowing for extended use without discomfort.
Weighing just 29 pounds, it’s lightweight for easy transport while supporting up to 250 pounds, accommodating most riders and their gear.
The package includes a 2-piece Delta ASUP paddle, a 9-inch removable center tracking fin for added stability, and an ankle leash for safety. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a reliable first board or an experienced paddler looking for a dependable addition, the Driftsun 11ft Soft Top SUP delivers quality, performance, and versatility.
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The Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 7ft Yellow Premium Foam Deck Surfboard is an excellent choice for surfers of all levels. Its 7-foot length and 21.5-inch width provide a stable platform perfect for beginners, while the 49-liter volume supports riders up to 150 lbs. Experienced surfers will also appreciate its maneuverability and responsiveness.
Built with a Shred-Core High-Density EPS blank and two epoxy-coated marine-grade hardwood stringers, the board offers strength and durability. The HDPP slick bottom enhances speed and glide, making wave catching effortless, while the wax-free soft-top deck reduces maintenance for more time in the water.
The removable tri-fin system, with flexible fins for added safety, allows customization for different wave conditions. A robust leash attachment strap connects securely to the fin screws, eliminating the need for a traditional leash plug.
Whether you’re starting out or adding to your quiver, the Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider delivers performance, safety, and convenience, making it a valuable addition to any surfer’s collection.
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The Boardworks Surge 10'6" Soft Top Paddle Board is an excellent choice for beginners seeking a stable and user-friendly introduction to stand-up paddleboarding. With a generous 32.5" width and 4.8" thickness, it provides exceptional stability, making it easier to maintain balance and build confidence on the water.
Built with SDX technology, the Surge features an EPS core laminated with fiberglass and epoxy resin, wrapped in a soft IXPE skin with a slick HDPE bottom. This construction ensures durability while providing a forgiving surface that’s gentle on feet and knees. Weighing just 25 lbs, the board is lightweight and easy to transport, and the integrated center handle adds to its portability.
The package includes a 2-piece adjustable paddle (5'4"–7') and a 9" FCS2 dolphin fin, allowing for quick, tool-free setup. Dual front tie-downs with bungee cordage offer convenient storage for essentials like water bottles or dry bags.
Whether cruising calm lakes or exploring gentle coastal waters, the Boardworks Surge delivers a reliable and enjoyable paddling experience. Its thoughtful design and included accessories make it a standout option for newcomers ready to start their paddleboarding journey.
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The Naish Quest Soft Top 2018 is a versatile stand-up paddleboard designed for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Measuring 9'8" in length and 34" in width, it provides a stable platform ideal for flatwater cruising, small wave surfing, and a variety of other water activities.
Its durable EVA soft top ensures a comfortable, grippy surface that boosts rider confidence, while the quad-concave bottom, contoured deck, full rails, and squared tail enhance stability and maneuverability.
With a volume of 200 liters and a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs, the Quest accommodates a wide range of paddlers. Practical touches like the ledge handle and front bungee storage system make transport and gear storage easy.
Whether gliding across calm lakes or catching gentle waves, the Naish Quest Soft Top 2018 delivers a dependable and enjoyable paddling experience, making it a standout choice for any paddleboard enthusiast.
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The Cruiser SUP® Escape LE Ultra-Lite Wood/Carbon Paddle Board is a premium choice for paddlers seeking unmatched performance and craftsmanship. Its Ultra-Lite construction combines a Paulownia wood veneer with carbon-reinforced rails, delivering exceptional strength while keeping the weight as low as 18.5 lbs.
This thoughtful design ensures smooth gliding on choppy flatwater and agile handling in small to medium surf. Available in sizes from 8'10" to 12', the Escape LE accommodates a variety of skill levels and paddling styles. The full-length deck pad provides superior grip and comfort, perfect for extended sessions or SUP yoga practice.
Backed by a 2-year warranty and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, Cruiser SUP emphasizes quality and reliability. Whether exploring tranquil lakes or coastal waves, the Escape LE’s lightweight durability and striking aesthetics make it a standout companion on the water.
For paddlers ready to elevate their experience, the Escape LE is a top-tier investment that delivers both performance and style.
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The 9ft Suntech LS SUP from Liquid Shredder is a versatile soft-top paddleboard designed for both beginners and intermediate paddlers. Measuring 9 feet long and 29.5 inches wide, it strikes a perfect balance between stability and maneuverability, making it ideal for a variety of water conditions.
Weighing just 21.7 lbs, the Suntech LS is lightweight and easy to transport, perfect for solo adventures. Its durable vinyl skin resists sun damage and is simple to clean, ensuring long-lasting performance with minimal upkeep. The patented Advanced Aluminum stringer system adds structural integrity without extra weight, enhancing responsiveness and control on the water.
The board also features a Gore-Tex vent system to prevent skin delamination, extending its lifespan. FCS-compatible fins and a Shred-Comfort deck with a wedge tail stomp pad provide superior grip and stability, whether you’re gliding across calm waters or riding gentle waves.
For paddlers seeking a reliable, high-quality board with user-friendly features, the 9ft Suntech LS SUP delivers performance, durability, and ease of use in one complete package.
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The Bliss LE Wood/Carbon Paddle Board from Cruiser SUP® blends striking aesthetics with high-performance functionality, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Its Ultra-Lite construction features a Paulownia wood veneer reinforced with carbon, delivering a lightweight yet durable board built to handle diverse water conditions.
With a double concave bottom, the Bliss LE provides excellent stability and smooth glide, ideal for everything from calm lake paddling to light surf sessions. The full-length Comfort Top™ EVA deck pad offers a soft, non-slip surface, enhancing comfort during extended outings or SUP yoga.
The 2+1 fin setup, including a tool-less 9" touring fin and removable FCS II side fins, ensures versatility for different paddling styles. Practical features such as multiple bungee tie-downs and cooler tie-down inserts make carrying gear effortless.
Available in 10'6" and 11'6" sizes, the Bliss LE accommodates a variety of paddler weights and preferences. With its elegant design, durable construction, and thoughtful features, the Bliss LE is a premium choice for anyone looking to elevate their paddleboarding experience.
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#10. Boga Soft Top 8’0
Features:
The BOGA Soft Top SUP 8'0" is a perfect paddleboard for young paddlers and beginners taking their first steps into stand-up paddling. Built with a lightweight 1.5 lb EPS foam core and vacuum-bagged epoxy construction, the board weighs just 20 lbs, making it easy to carry and handle.
Measuring 8 feet long, 28 inches wide, and 4.3 inches thick, the compact design provides a stable yet responsive platform, ideal for flatwater cruising and small surf.
The full EVA wrap ensures durability and a soft, non-slip surface for safe paddling. Its thruster 3-fin FUTURE setup offers reliable tracking and control, helping beginners build confidence and improve their skills.
Whether introducing a child to paddleboarding or enjoying light surf adventures, the BOGA Soft Top SUP 8'0" delivers a dependable and user-friendly experience for new paddlers.
Are soft top paddleboards good?
Absolutely! Soft tops have many benefits.
They tend to be the best board that you can buy for the whole family because of the durable construction. Unlike a hard epoxy board, soft tops can take a dent and still be fine.
The soft surface is also the best for kids, because when they fall, there is a cushion. And for this same reason, soft tops make great boards for yoga SUP because of the padded exterior.
They are also the best SUP to get if you like to bring along your dog occasionally. The reason is because dogs can get better traction on the spongy soft top, and the soft material is much better at handling scratches than a hard board which can scratch up quite easily.
What is a soft paddle board?
A "soft" paddle board is what the industry calls a soft top board. The top layer of the board is constructed out of a soft and spongy material. The core of the board is constructed like soft top surfboard, with an EPS (Expanded Polystyrene, basically what we commonly call Styrofoam).
The EPS core is then layer with a strengthening agent, usually an epoxy of some type. Then the soft spongy outer layer is applied to complete the soft top construction.
The design originally came from traditional surfing with soft top surfboards. The design for soft top SUPs is very similar to soft surfboards except that the SUPs and much bigger in both length and width.
Are Costco paddle boards any good?
No, usually not. Most of what we have seen in the Costco warehouses are very cheap, very flimsy paddle boards.
The reason why is you have to consider their customers. No one goes specifically to Costco to buy a paddle board, they go to buy food, or electronics, or maybe socks.
In order to get someone that is not looking to buy a paddle board, to buy a paddle board, you need to offer them something very cheap. And it also happens to be cheaply made. The biggest buyer of Costco paddle boards is a vacationer that happens to see one in Costco on vacation, and makes an impulse buy.
The paddle boards we review here at Paddleboard Surf are usually premium quality SUP's that only appeal to people that are actively interested in the sport.
What is the best SUP board for beginners?
Ok, so we're biased here. We think a soft top SUP is best for beginners.
Why? Because of the usability and the forgivability. Soft tops are in general an all around design shape that the whole family can use. From absolute beginner to intermediate paddler, they'll be able to have fun on a soft top.
And of course the soft outer layer is very forgiving when you, either fall down, which happens a lot when you're learning, or when you accidently hit something, like another paddler, a dock, or maybe a boat.
Soft tops can take a small hit and be fine, and when the give a small bump, it usually doesn't damage the object on the receiving end.
Soft SUPs are also ideal for beginners because they tend to be lower priced boards, compared to traditional rigid boards. This is great because when you are just getting into the sport, you don't want to spend a bunch of money on a fancy board, because you are still trying to learn your preferences.
Spending a bit less to get an all around soft top board will make it easy for a beginner to increase their skills, while also having a SUP that the whole family can use.
Final Thoughts
Soft Tops are a unique style of board and a lot of paddlers like them. If you're looking for a board that can last, and won't wear you out over long tours on the water, a Soft Top just might be right for you.
Paddling is for everyone. Get out on your board and enjoy the fun.
Bruce Paulson is the owner of PaddleboardSurf and an avid water sports enthusiast with a lifelong passion for all things aquatic. From stand-up paddleboarding and surfing to boating, kayaking, and canoeing, he thrives on the joy of being on the water. As an advocate for water conservation and environmental stewardship, Bruce shares his adventures and insights through his writing, inspiring others to embrace the beauty and excitement of life on the water.
