As I have mentioned above in ‘Surfaces for pastels’, there are two types of papers used for soft pastels. Premium sanded papers are costlier than textured drawing paper and canvas. But you can always make your own sanded surface using texture white, easily available at any stationary shop.
You can also use a number of toned/ tinted pastel paper to start drawing with soft pastels.
Drawing Paper
Canvas
Tinted paper
Brustro Pastel papers