Searching for the Best Soft Top Paddle Boards?
Soft top paddleboards offer a range of advantages that make them ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Their sturdy design resists dings and scratches better than traditional hard boards, while the soft, cushioned deck adds an extra layer of safety, perfect for those still mastering their balance.
These boards are highly versatile, suitable for everything from surfing and yoga on the water to relaxed paddling around lakes or calm seas. Picking the right soft top board can significantly improve your time on the water, providing stability, comfort, and confidence. To make your search easier, we’ve rounded up some of our top soft top paddleboard picks, all crafted to make your SUP adventures safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
Why You Should Buy a Soft Top Paddle Board
Soft top paddleboards combine the stability of a hardboard with a cushioned, forgiving surface that’s especially helpful when you lose your balance or fall.
They’re often more budget-friendly than traditional rigid boards, making them an excellent choice for newcomers to the sport. Furry friends also love them, dogs find it easier to stay on board thanks to the soft, grippy surface that offers better traction than a hard deck.
We understand that picking the right paddleboard can feel daunting, so we’ve curated a list of our favorite soft top boards. These selections are ideal for beginners while also offering options for more seasoned paddlers looking for a reliable, comfortable ride.
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The ISLE Cruiser 10'5" Soft Top Paddle Board is a fantastic option for beginners and casual paddlers who want stability and comfort on the water. At 10'5" long, 32" wide, and 4.5" thick, it provides a roomy deck that makes balancing easier and helps boost confidence.
Weighing just 24 pounds, the Cruiser is lightweight and simple to carry, making it ideal for solo trips or family outings. Its molded EPS foam core, reinforced with dual wood stringers, offers the stiffness of a traditional hardboard while maintaining the soft, forgiving feel of a cushioned deck. The full-length EVA deck pad ensures a secure, non-slip surface for both safety and comfort.
For storage, a front-mounted six-point bungee system keeps essentials like water bottles, dry bags, or small coolers safely in place. The package also includes a carbon hybrid adjustable paddle, a nylon touring center fin, and an 8' coil leash, providing everything a new paddler needs to hit the water right away.
Whether you’re gliding across calm lakes, practicing yoga, or enjoying a relaxing paddle, the ISLE Cruiser delivers a smooth and dependable ride. Its thoughtful features and beginner-friendly design make it a great addition to any paddleboarding collection.
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The South Bay Board Co. 10'4" Big Cruiser Soft Top Paddle Board is a top pick for beginners or anyone looking for a stable, easy-to-handle board. With a 32" width and 5" thickness, it provides excellent balance, making it ideal for yoga, fishing, or relaxed paddling sessions.
Designed with a triple-stringer system, including a fiberglass center rod and two wooden stringers, the board offers superior strength and rigidity. Its EPS foam core, reinforced with a bamboo layer, enhances durability while helping to protect against heat damage.
The wax-free, textured deck gives a comfortable, non-slip surface without the need for extra traction pads. Featuring a rounded nose and squared rails, the Big Cruiser maintains buoyancy and stability throughout your ride, accommodating paddlers up to 300 lbs.
This board comes ready to use, complete with an adjustable paddle, coiled leash, and screwless touring fin, so you can start your adventure right away.
Whether you’re taking your first paddleboarding steps or looking for a dependable board for family outings, the South Bay Board Co. Big Cruiser delivers performance, comfort, and convenience in one versatile package.
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The Driftsun 11ft Soft Top Rigid Stand-Up Paddleboard is a versatile, beginner-friendly board that also appeals to seasoned paddlers. At 11 feet long and 31 inches wide, it offers a stable surface perfect for yoga, fishing, or relaxed paddling on lakes, rivers, or coastal waters.
Constructed with a durable ABS bottom and a soft EVA top, the board balances long-lasting performance with comfort. The EVA deck provides a gentle, non-abrasive surface, making it easy to paddle for extended sessions without strain.
Weighing only 29 pounds, it’s easy to carry and transport, yet sturdy enough to support riders and gear up to 250 pounds.
The board comes complete with a 2-piece Delta ASUP paddle, a 9-inch removable center tracking fin for enhanced stability, and an ankle leash for safety. Whether you’re starting out in paddleboarding or adding a dependable board to your collection, the Driftsun 11ft Soft Top SUP delivers reliability, comfort, and versatility on the water.
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The Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider 7ft Yellow Premium Foam Deck Surfboard is a great option for surfers at any skill level. Measuring 7 feet long and 21.5 inches wide, it provides a stable ride ideal for beginners, while its 49-liter volume supports riders up to 150 lbs. More experienced surfers will also enjoy its responsive feel and easy maneuverability.
Constructed with a Shred-Core High-Density EPS blank and reinforced with two epoxy-coated marine-grade hardwood stringers, the board offers both durability and strength. Its HDPP slick bottom boosts speed and glide, making wave-catching smoother, while the wax-free soft-top deck minimizes maintenance, giving you more time in the water.
The removable tri-fin setup, featuring flexible fins for added safety, lets you adapt to different wave conditions. A strong leash attachment strap connects directly to the fin screws, removing the need for a traditional leash plug.
Whether you’re a beginner catching your first waves or an experienced surfer expanding your quiver, the Liquid Shredder EZ-Slider combines safety, performance, and convenience, making it a standout choice for any surf collection.
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The Boardworks Surge 10'6" Soft Top Paddle Board is an ideal choice for beginners looking for a stable and easy-to-use introduction to stand-up paddleboarding. With a 32.5" width and 4.8" thickness, it offers excellent stability, helping new paddlers maintain balance and gain confidence on the water.
Constructed with SDX technology, the Surge combines an EPS core laminated with fiberglass and epoxy resin, covered in a soft IXPE deck and a slick HDPE bottom. This design provides durability while offering a comfortable, forgiving surface for your feet and knees. At just 25 lbs, the board is lightweight and portable, with an integrated center handle for easy carrying.
The package includes a 2-piece adjustable paddle (5'4"–7') and a 9" FCS2 dolphin fin for simple, tool-free assembly. Dual front tie-downs with bungee cords provide handy storage for essentials such as water bottles or dry bags.
Perfect for cruising serene lakes or exploring calm coastal waters, the Boardworks Surge delivers a smooth, dependable paddling experience. Its thoughtful construction and included accessories make it a top pick for anyone starting their paddleboarding journey.
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The Naish Quest Soft Top 2018 is a versatile stand-up paddleboard suitable for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. At 9'8" long and 34" wide, it offers a stable platform perfect for flatwater cruising, small-wave surfing, and a variety of water activities.
Its durable EVA soft top provides a comfortable, grippy surface that helps build rider confidence, while the quad-concave bottom, contoured deck, full rails, and squared tail work together to enhance stability and maneuverability.
With a 200-liter volume and a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs, the Quest accommodates a wide range of paddlers. Practical features like the ledge handle and front bungee storage make carrying the board and stashing gear simple and convenient.
Whether you’re gliding across calm lakes or enjoying small waves, the Naish Quest Soft Top 2018 offers a reliable, enjoyable paddling experience, making it a strong choice for any paddleboard enthusiast.
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The Cruiser SUP® Escape LE Ultra-Lite Wood/Carbon Paddle Board is a high-end option for paddlers seeking top performance and craftsmanship. Its Ultra-Lite construction pairs a Paulownia wood veneer with carbon-reinforced rails, providing exceptional strength while keeping the board impressively light at just 18.5 lbs.
This design allows for smooth gliding across choppy flatwater and nimble handling in small to medium surf. Available in lengths from 8'10" to 12', the Escape LE suits a wide range of paddlers and styles. The full-length deck pad offers excellent grip and comfort, making it ideal for long sessions or SUP yoga practice.
With a 2-year warranty and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee, Cruiser SUP underscores its commitment to quality and reliability. Whether exploring calm lakes or coastal waves, the Escape LE’s lightweight build, durability, and sleek design make it a standout companion on the water.
For paddlers looking to take their experience to the next level, the Escape LE delivers a premium combination of performance, style, and longevity.
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The 9ft Suntech LS SUP from Liquid Shredder is a versatile soft-top paddleboard designed for beginners and intermediate paddlers alike. At 9 feet long and 29.5 inches wide, it offers a balanced combination of stability and maneuverability, making it suitable for a wide range of water conditions.
Weighing just 21.7 lbs, the Suntech LS is lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for solo outings. Its durable vinyl skin resists sun damage and cleans easily, ensuring long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. The patented Advanced Aluminum stringer system reinforces the board’s structure without adding weight, improving responsiveness and control on the water.
Additional features include a Gore-Tex vent system to prevent skin delamination, FCS-compatible fins, and a Shred-Comfort deck with a wedge tail stomp pad for enhanced grip and stability. Whether gliding across calm waters or navigating gentle waves, the Suntech LS offers a secure and enjoyable ride.
For paddlers looking for a reliable, high-quality board with practical, user-friendly features, the 9ft Suntech LS SUP delivers durability, performance, and ease of use in one complete package.
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The Bliss LE Wood/Carbon Paddle Board from Cruiser SUP® combines sleek design with high-performance functionality, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Its Ultra-Lite construction uses a Paulownia wood veneer reinforced with carbon, creating a lightweight yet durable board capable of handling a variety of water conditions.
Featuring a double concave bottom, the Bliss LE delivers excellent stability and a smooth glide, perfect for calm lake paddling or light surf sessions. The full-length Comfort Top™ EVA deck pad provides a soft, non-slip surface for added comfort during long outings or SUP yoga practice.
The 2+1 fin setup, which includes a tool-free 9" touring fin and removable FCS II side fins, offers adaptability for different paddling styles. Additional features, such as multiple bungee tie-downs and cooler tie-down inserts, make transporting gear simple and convenient.
Available in 10'6" and 11'6" sizes, the Bliss LE suits a wide range of paddler weights and preferences. With its stylish design, durable construction, and thoughtful features, the Bliss LE is a premium paddleboard that elevates every paddling adventure.
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#10. Boga Soft Top 8’0
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The BOGA Soft Top SUP 8'0" is an ideal paddleboard for young paddlers and beginners just starting out in stand-up paddling. Built with a lightweight 1.5 lb EPS foam core and vacuum-bagged epoxy construction, the board weighs only 20 lbs, making it easy to carry and maneuver.
At 8 feet long, 28 inches wide, and 4.3 inches thick, its compact design offers a stable yet responsive platform, perfect for flatwater cruising and small wave adventures.
The full EVA wrap provides a soft, non-slip surface for safe paddling while ensuring long-lasting durability. Equipped with a thruster 3-fin FUTURE setup, the board delivers reliable tracking and control, helping beginners gain confidence and improve their skills on the water.
Whether introducing a child to paddleboarding or enjoying light surf sessions, the BOGA Soft Top SUP 8'0" offers a safe, dependable, and beginner-friendly experience.
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.