A foam surfboard is one of the best boards for anyone learning to surf. It has a soft deck instead of a hard fiberglass shell, so it feels forgiving under your feet and easy to handle in the water. Many surfers call it a foamie or a soft top, and you'll hear both names used on the beach. Some riders think of a foam surfboard as just a starter board, but plenty of experienced surfers still keep...

A kids foam surfboard is usually the first board a child ever stands on. The right board changes how fast a child learns to paddle, catch a wave, and stand up. The wrong board can make the same child give up before the first session even ends. This guide helps parents choose that first board, whether it’s for a toddler taking first steps on foam or a preteen ready for something faster....