Longboard Surfing

A Guide to Longboard Surfing

Longboard surfing is both the oldest style of surfing and the best way for beginners to learn how to surf.

To begin, it’s important to choose the correct board for your body. Longboards vary in size from 8 to 14 feet in length and are wider than shortboards. This length and width makes them more stable and thus better for beginners but it also requires that the board be closely matched with a surfer’s body.

Start by asking an employee at a surfboard rental shop for help in selecting a longboard. Once you have the right board, spend some time in a relatively calm part of the water practicing paddling on your stomach.

Once you’re balanced and ready, it’s time to move out of the calm water and catch a wave on your stomach. Look for foamy waves that have already broken, turn your nose toward shore and start paddling as the wave approaches to catch it and ride it in toward shore.

Once you’ve caught a few waves on your stomach, repeat the same process except this time, stand up once you catch the wave. Simply use your hands and feet to push yourself up off the board and stand.

Longboard surfing requires practice and determination but by following these simple steps it’s possible to begin a long and rewarding relationship with the sport.