Surftech have been at the centre of surfboard technology for decades and a Surftech soft top is nothing new – they’ve been successfully selling soft tops for a long time but mainly geared towards the beginner market and surf school variety.
However, in 2020 Surftech has released a really exciting range of high performance soft top collaborations combining their unique construction with several big name shapers including Gerry Lopez, Hayden Shapes, Robert August, Takayama, Stewart, NSP and Sharp Eye.
Our Surftech Soft Top Surfboards Review will look at the construction approach used in the making of these boards (hard epoxy bottom with soft deck) as well as an individual look at each board with the range.
Surftech Soft Top Construction overview
The Surftech Soft Top Custom-Performance Series of boards bring together designs from several legendary shapers and Surftech’s innovative soft top construction.
Surftech’s softboards and their full range of surfboards in general have a reputation for durability, ease of use, and proven shapes. Their Tuflite boards are what first come to mind for me when I think of a tough durable board that will more or less last forever.
This new series of soft top surfboards utilise:
- Fused cell EPS core
HD Epoxy Resin - 2 x layers fibreglass (E Glass has highest strength to weight ratio available)
- Micro sandwich veneer layer (adds natural flex and strength)
- Double wood stringers (add power distribution and strength)
- Thermal debossed EVA deckpad (durable and does not require wax)
- Hard fibreglass bottom for increased performance (retains contours)
- Fibreglass reinforced rails (better performance and strength)
The end result is a higher performing soft board than your average with a high level of durability.
1. Gerry Lopez River Boat Soft Top
The Surftech Gerry Lopez River Boat Soft Top is designed for non traditional surf breaks – think wave pools, river waves, boat wakes.
Gerry’s design has been formed from 20 years experience riding waves behind boats and in rivers.
Due to the limited amount of paddling involved in surfing these waves, its short length and thin rails are all about performance.
Multiple fin options depending on your wave of choice: Twin fin, thruster, quad, or even asym 1 fin toeside, 2 fins heelside.
Sizes:
| 4’10” | 19.3″ | 2.2″ | 21.9L |
| 5’4″ | 20″ | 2.5″ | 28.6L |
Wave type:
Suited to softer /mellow alternative waves ie rivers
Rider weight:
Supports most sized surfers across the 4’10” and 5’4″
2. Haydenshapes – Hypto Krypto Soft Top
The softboard version of one of the most highly rated surfboards of the last several years, the Hypto Krypto Soft Top mixes modern high performance and fun into a versatile board.
Built with an Internal Parabolic Carbon Fibre Frame, a Full Grip Textured Deck, and shaped rails based on the original Hypto.
The Haydenshapes Hypto Krypto Soft Top’s construction features – Machined EPS for perfect shape replication, single lamination/foam gluing process, FutureFlex internal carbon fiber frame for flex with soft deck and bottom.
Sizes:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’4″ | 20″ | 2.5″ | 29.58L |
| 5’8″ | 20.5″ | 2.63″ | 34.18L |
| 6’0″ | 20.5″ | 3″ | 41.678L |
| 6’4″ | 21″ | 3″ | 45.16L |
| 6’8″ | 21.5″ | 3.38″ | 52.71L |
Fin setup:
Futures 3 Fin thruster setup
Wave type:
Suited to wide variety of waves from small beach breaks to decent and hollow surf.
Who does it suit:
Like the original Hypto Krypto this soft top is suited for a wide range of surfers from intermediate to advanced.
3. Robert August The Seed Soft Top
It’s refreshing to see some really traditional craft get their soft top incarnations and none better than from the stylish Robert August.
The Seed model is an 8’6″ pintail longboard which is suited to mid-sized waves and effortless glide.
With a 2+1 setup utilising a full size longboard fin, this is sure to appeal to traditional longboard surfers.
Size:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8’6” | 22.4” | 3.2” | 68.8L |
Wave Type:
Suited to mid size surf with a bit of down the line form.
Surfer:
Suited to variety of surfers but perhaps not the ideal board to beginner – better for intermediate to advanced surfer looking for a softboard with classic, chilled vibe.
4. Robert August What I Ride Soft Top
A traditional longboard suited to small and peeling waves, beach breaks or points – Robert August’s What I Ride has a 60/40 rail configuration which, in combination with a tear drop concave conveniently placed under the 18″ wide nose, helps with nose riding.
This design has been tried and tested over the years and it’s great to see a soft top version.
Size:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9’0” | 22.5” | 3.2” | 74.4L |
Best suited to softer mellow waves but can handle a range of wave types under experienced feet.
Suited to:
Wide range of surfers equally from beginner to advanced.
5. Takayama Egg Soft Top
Staying with the classics here, we have the Takayama Egg Soft Top.
This egg shaped mid-length design shape allows the rider to trim high on the wave in the middle of the board or race down the line on the tail.
A great board for beginner/intermediate not comfortable with a shorter board or for advanced riders.
Size:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7’6” | 21.5” | 2.9” | 54.0L |
Fin Setup:
Single fin with side bites (FCS II)
Wave Type:
Works in a variety of waves from mellow to steeper / hollow waves.
6. Takayama Scorpion 2 Soft Top
The Takayama Scorpion is an extremely popular model and its adaption to soft top is exciting.
Wide and flat, this is a great paddler and easy to get into waves, together with a rounded tail is easy to control.
The Scorpion goes amazingly cruisy point break waves and hollow beach break barrels alike.
Size:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7’0” | 21.9” | 2.7” | 47.9L |
Fin setup:
Fin box (FCS II) configuration allows for multiple fin setups – Single Fin, Single Fin with side bites (2+1), or quad fin.
Suited to:
Suitable for beginners through to advanced surfers.
7. Sharp Eye – Sole
The Sole Softop-CP is a small wave board with a flat rocker and deep double concave vee throughout that will get you rail-to-rail quickly.
The Sole catches waves easily and provides a smooth flowing ride.
Size:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5’6″ | 20.0″ | 2.6″ | 31.9L |
| 6’0″ | 21.5″ | 2.7″ | 40.3L |
| 6’6″ | 22.0″ | 3.0″ | 48.6L |
Fin Setup:
5 Fin setup (FCS II Fin box)
Wave type:
Suited better to smaller surf
Surfer type:
Suited to range of surfer experience from beginner to advanced
8. Stewart Funline Soft Top
The Surftech Soft Top / Stewart combination have created the Funline Soft Top, a forgiving and versatile mini-mal.
Easy paddler, and wave catcher with wide nose, with flat rocker and flip in the tip.
An extra long concave in the nose, for trim speed and paddling that’s perfectly blended into double concave vee in the tail for speed and quick rail exchange.
Size:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8’0” | 22.5” | 3.0” | 58.75L |
Fin Setup:
2+1 Fins (Futures Fin Box)
Wave Type:
Small waves
Suited to:
Beginners and intermadiatemi
9. Stewart Hydro Glide Soft Top
The Hydro Glide Soft Top suited to intermediate surfer looking to progress their longboard skills.
The Hydro Glide is a thicker board with relatively flat rocker, fullness held out to the rails, and beveled rails all the way around to provide maximum forgiveness.
The Hydro Glide is as easy to paddle and forgiving longboard shape.
Sizes:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9’0” | 23.5” | 3.1” | 68.0L |
| 10’0” | 24.5” | 3.3” | 78.0L |
| 11’0” | 25.5” | 3.5” | 88.0L |
Fin Setup:
Fin boxes allow for 2+1 or single fin setup (Futures Fin box)
Wave types:
Suited to mellow waves
Suited to:
Beginner to intermediate
10. NSP Soft School – Long Soft Top
The NSP Soft School Long Soft Top is designed for school and rental environments to provide solid and durable beginner boards.
Rail: Full
Bottom: Single to double concave
Ideal waves: 1-6ft
Level: Beginner – Expert
The SecureCell EPS core is fully encased in a durable fibre epoxy shell and wrapped with a textured soft-top and slick bottom to soften any bumps. Protective rubber strips on the nose and tail ensure these boards take the abuse.
These boards help beginners to quickly gain confidence and comfortably progress in the surf.
Sizes:
| Length | Width | Thickness | Volume (L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8’2″ | 22.06″ | 3.18″ | 66L |
| 9’2″ | 23.25″ | 3.88″ | 84L |
| 10’2″ | 23″ | 3.5″ | 96L |
| 11’0″ | 25.75″ | 3.75″ | 124L |
Surftech are really coming to the high performance soft board party with this series and I’m keen to hear people’s first hand experience with them.
Feel free to share your thoughts on the boards if you have any experience with them, or if you have any questions just drop us a comment below!
Make sure you check out our in-depth reviews and buyer guides.
