6 Best Alternatives to the WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top (2026)

How alternatives compare to WaveStorm

WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard

This board shares the same 8ft length and 22.5-inch width as the original, offering similar stability for beginners. The primary difference is weight. It weighs 14 lbs, which is 2.5 lbs heavier than the 11.5 lb original. The extra mass may affect portability and ease of carrying. You should choose this option if you prioritize durability and safety over lighter handling. The Sunburst color provides a distinct look compared to the Tri Color Pin design. Both boards use soft top construction for a forgiving ride. The increased weight might provide slightly more momentum in the water, but it requires more effort to maneuver. This model suits those who do not mind carrying a heavier board for added robustness.

THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard

The Thurso SURF Aero 7ft is significantly lighter and shorter than the original. It weighs 9.04 lbs, which is over 2 lbs lighter than the 11.5 lb WaveStorm. The 7ft length and 22.8-inch width offer a slightly narrower profile. This board provides less volume and stability than the 8ft original. It is designed for beginners who want easier handling in small waves. The Mint Green color stands out from the original’s Tri Color Pin. You should pick this board if you prioritize lightweight portability and quick maneuverability over maximum stability. The reduced length makes it easier to transport and store. It is a better choice for smaller riders or those who surf in gentler conditions where extreme stability is not required.

Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard

The Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard is much smaller and lighter than the original. It measures 72 inches long and 20 inches wide, compared to the 96-inch length and 22.5-inch width of the WaveStorm. It weighs 10 lbs, making it 1.5 lbs lighter. The reduced size means less stability and wave-catching ability. This board is ideal for beginners in small waves who need a compact option. The White & Blue color differs from the original’s Tri Color Pin. You should choose this board if you prioritize portability and easy transport over stability. The narrower width and shorter length make it harder to balance for larger riders. It is a practical choice for youth or beginners who want a lightweight board that is easy to carry to the beach.

WaveStorm 7ft Classic Soft Top Surfboard

The WaveStorm 7ft Classic Soft Top is a shorter, lighter version of the original. It weighs 10.2 lbs, which is 1.3 lbs lighter than the 11.5 lb original. The 7ft length and 22-inch width provide less volume and stability. This board is designed for beginners who want a portable and stable ride. The Blue Pinline color offers a different aesthetic from the Tri Color Pin. You should choose this board if you prioritize portability and ease of handling over glide and stability. The reduced length makes it easier to maneuver in the water. It is a suitable option for smaller riders or those who surf in smaller waves. The lighter weight makes it easier to carry and store, but it may be less forgiving for larger beginners.

Bloo Tide 8ft Soft Top Surfboard

The Bloo Tide 8ft Soft Top Surfboard matches the original in length and width. It is 8ft long and 22.5 inches wide, providing similar stability. The board features a 3.25-inch thickness, which is not specified for the original but suggests a similar volume profile. It lacks a specified weight, so portability is unclear. The Red color offers a distinct look compared to the Tri Color Pin. This board is designed for beginners seeking stable soft top options. You should choose this board if you prioritize stability and ample volume over portability. The rigid construction may provide a different feel than the original’s foam core. It is a suitable choice for riders who want a stable platform for learning without the concern of weight. The included fins are a practical addition for immediate use.

WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard

The WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard shares the same dimensions and weight as the original. It is 8ft long, 22.5 inches wide, and weighs 11.5 lbs. The 3.25-inch thickness matches the original’s profile. The White color provides a clean look compared to the Tri Color Pin. This board offers a stable and lightweight ride with a high-density bottom for speed. It includes fins for immediate use. You should choose this board if you are a beginner or youth seeking a ready-to-use option. The Barbie design may appeal to younger riders or those who prefer a specific aesthetic. The performance is identical to the original, so the choice comes down to style preference. It is a reliable option for those who want the same stability with a different visual appeal.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard

Best for: beginners seeking stable foam boards

Board Length

8ft

Core Material

EPS core

Stringer System

3 stringer system

Slick Material

HDPE Polyethylene

Volume

86 liters

Fin Setup

Removable bolt thru fins

View on Amazon: WaveStorm 8ft Classic Soft Top Longboard Affiliate link

This WaveStorm 8ft surfboard features an EPS core with a 3-stringer system for durability. The soft top deck uses a water barrier skin, while the bottom has an HDPE Polyethylene slick finish. Weighing 11.5 lbs with 86 liters of volume, it offers stable flotation. Removable bolt-through fins and an included ankle leash make setup straightforward for beginners and youth surfers.

Pros

• 86 liters of volume for stability
• Lightweight 11.5 lbs construction
• Removable bolt-through fin system
• Includes ankle leash and traction pad

Cons

• No app or remote connectivity
• Standard soft top lacks performance rails
• Fixed 8ft length limits maneuverability

Good fit if

• You want a stable board for learning
• You prefer a lightweight foam board
• You need removable fins for transport

Skip if

• You require high-performance shortboard handling
• You need smart tracking features
• You prefer hard fiberglass construction

Verdict: WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Surfboard provides reliable volume and easy setup for novices. It fits beginners who prioritize stability and durability over advanced maneuverability.

2 Also great

WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking stability and safety

Board Length

8ft

Core Material

EPS core

Stringer System

3 Stringer System

Slick Material

HDPE polyethylene

Board Weight

14 pounds

Construction

Soft Top

View on Amazon: WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top Longboard Surfboard Affiliate link

This WaveStorm 8ft surfboard features a soft foam construction with a strong EPS core and a 3-stringer system for durability. It includes a webs-IXL water barrier skin and an HDPE polyethylene slick bottom. Weighing 14 pounds, it offers stability for adults and kids. The 22.5-inch width provides a solid platform for learning. It is designed for beginner surfers seeking a reliable, wax-free deck.

Pros

• 8ft length provides ample stability
• EPS core with 3-stringer system
• Wax-free soft top deck
• HDPE polyethylene slick bottom

Cons

• 14-pound weight may be heavy for some
• Fixed 0.1-inch thickness limits performance
• No leash plug mentioned in data

Good fit if

• You are a beginner looking for stability
• You want a wax-free deck for easy maintenance
• You prefer a durable foam construction

Skip if

• You need a lightweight board for travel
• You require advanced performance features
• You prefer hard fiberglass materials

Verdict: WaveStorm 8ft Soft Top is a stable, durable option for beginners. It suits those prioritizing ease of use and safety over speed and agility.

3 Also great

THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking lightweight stability in small waves

Board Length

7ft

Core Material

EPS foam core

Stringer System

Three wood stringers

Slick Material

HDPE

Board Weight

9.04 pounds

Construction

Soft Top

View on Amazon: THURSO SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top Surfboard Affiliate link

The Thurso SURF Aero is a 7ft soft top foam surfboard weighing 9.04 pounds. It features an EPS foam core, HDPE slick bottom, and three wood stringers for strength. This 22.8-inch wide board offers stability for beginners and kids. You will find it suitable for small to medium waves. It provides a forgiving platform to build confidence while surfing.

Pros

• 7ft length provides stable platform for beginners
• Lightweight 9.04 pounds for easy handling
• Three wood stringers add structural strength
• HDPE slick bottom with IXPE deck grip

Cons

• 7ft length is shorter than the 8ft WaveStorm Classic
• 22.8 inch width offers less volume than wider boards
• 0.1 inch deck height suggests thinner profile

Good fit if

• You want a lightweight board for easier transport
• You are a beginner needing a forgiving platform
• You surf in small to medium wave conditions

Skip if

• You prefer the stability of an 8ft longboard
• You need maximum volume for heavy water conditions
• You are looking for a wax-free hard top

Verdict: Thurso SURF Aero 7ft Soft Top fits beginners who prioritize lightweight handling and stability in small waves over the maximum volume of an 8ft board.

4 Best budget

Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard

Best for: beginners in small waves

Board Length

6'

Core Material

EPS core

Slick Material

HDPE

Fin Setup

Removable fins

Board Weight

10 pounds

Construction

Foam

View on Amazon: Giantex 6-Foot Foam Surfboard Affiliate link

This 6-foot foam surfboard is designed for beginners, kids, and adults. It features an EPS core and a slick HDPE bottom for speed and stiffness. The board measures 72 inches by 20 inches by 3 inches and weighs 10 pounds. It includes removable fins for easy transport and a transaction pad for grip. The colorful design makes it a practical entry-level option for small waves.

Pros

• Lightweight 10-pound build for easy handling
• Removable fins simplify transport and storage
• HDPE slick bottom adds board speed
• Includes free leash and transaction pad

Cons

• Short 6-foot length limits wave catching
• Narrow 20-inch width offers less stability
• Smaller volume reduces floatation for heavier riders

Good fit if

• You are a beginner learning to stand
• You need a lightweight board for travel
• You surf in small, gentle waves

Skip if

• You are a tall or heavy rider
• You need stability in larger surf
• You prefer a longer board for planing

Verdict: Giantex 6ft Foam Surfboard is a compact, lightweight board for beginners in small waves. It fits riders who prioritize portability and easy transport over stability and wave-catching ability.

5 Also great

WaveStorm 7ft Classic Soft Top Surfboard

Best for: Beginners seeking a portable, stable board

Board Length

7'

Stringer System

triple stringer system

Slick Material

high density slick bottom

Volume

70 liters

Fin Setup

triple performance 4.5 fin set up

Board Weight

10.2lbs

View on Amazon: WaveStorm 7ft Classic Soft Top Surfboard Affiliate link

This WaveStorm 7ft surfboard offers 70 liters of volume and weighs 10.2 pounds. It features a triple stringer system for rigidity and a high-density slick bottom. The board includes a triple performance 4.5 fin setup for maneuverability. It is designed for beginners and all surfing levels. You get a complete set with fins included.

Pros

• 70 liters of volume for stability
• Triple stringer system adds rigidity
• Includes triple performance 4.5 fin setup
• Lightweight at 10.2 pounds

Cons

• Shorter 7ft length reduces glide
• Smaller 22-inch width limits stability
• Lower volume compared to 8ft alternatives

Good fit if

• You prefer a shorter board for easier transport
• You want a lightweight board under 11 pounds
• You are a beginner needing high stability

Skip if

• You need maximum glide for long rides
• You prefer wider boards for extra stability
• You want a board over 8ft long

Verdict: WaveStorm 7ft Classic Soft Top provides a stable and maneuverable ride for beginners. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to handle. You should choose this board if you prioritize portability over glide.

6

Bloo Tide 8ft Soft Top Surfboard

Best for: beginners seeking stable soft top boards

Board Length

8' (243.8cm)

Core Material

Molded contoured foam core

Stringer System

three 9-ply laminated stringers

Slick Material

High density graphic slick bottom

Volume

81 ltrs.

Fin Setup

performance fin set

View on Amazon: Bloo Tide 8ft Soft Top Surfboard Affiliate link

The Bloo Tide 8ft soft top surfboard offers 81 liters of volume for stable paddling. It measures 22.5 inches wide and 3.25 inches thick, weighing 13.3 lbs. The molded foam core includes three stringers for rigidity. A high-density slick bottom and EBS-IXL top deck provide traction and speed. It comes with a performance fin set and leash.

Pros

• 81 liters of volume for superior floatation
• Three 9-ply laminated stringers for rigidity
• High-density graphic slick bottom for speed
• Includes performance fin set and leash

Cons

• 13.3 lbs weight is heavier than some competitors
• No traction pad mentioned in specifications
• Fixed fin setup limits customization

Good fit if

• You want a stable board for learning
• You prefer a wider board for balance

Skip if

• You need a lightweight travel board
• You want to customize your fin setup

Verdict: Bloo Tide 8ft Soft Top Surfboard provides ample volume and rigidity for beginners. It suits those prioritizing stability over portability.

7 Best premium

WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard

Best for: beginners and youth seeking stability

Board Length

8ft

Slick Material

High density graphic slick bottom

Fin Setup

Fin Set Included

Board Weight

11.5 pounds

Construction

Foam

Target Audience

Adults, Youth

View on Amazon: WaveStorm 8ft Barbie Signature Surfboard Affiliate link

This 8ft foam surfboard features a high-density graphic slick bottom for speed and rigidity. Measuring 22.5 inches wide and 3.25 inches thick, it offers ample stability. Weighing 11.5 pounds, it is lightweight for easy handling. The included fin setup makes it ready to use. It suits beginners and youth looking for a stable, wax-free ride.

Pros

• 8ft length provides excellent stability
• High-density slick bottom enhances speed
• Includes fin setup for immediate use
• Lightweight at 11.5 pounds
• Wax-free graphic deck design

Cons

• Narrow 22.5-inch width limits stability for larger riders
• Thick 3.25-inch profile increases drag
• Limited volume for heavy adult surfers

Good fit if

• You are a beginner seeking stability
• You want a ready-to-use board with fins
• You prefer a lightweight board for easy transport

Skip if

• You need a wide board for maximum stability
• You are a heavy adult surfer
• You prefer a sleek, low-profile design

Verdict: WaveStorm Barbie 8ft Soft Top offers a stable, lightweight ride with a high-density bottom for speed. It fits beginners and youth who need a ready-to-use board with included fins.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions