Why Surfers Want to Ride the Shortboard

Beginner surfers often inquire why surfers want to ride the shortboard. This is what most viewers see in the movies. It looks so cool. Once a surfer begins, they want to carry the shortboard to the beach so they look good.

The part many beginners forget is that it is also important to look good when you are trying to catch waves. If a beginner goes to the lineup with a board they can’t ride, soon the other surfers won’t be giving them waves.

The Important Features of Riding a Short Board

The main value of riding a surfing shortboard is it allows greater maneuverability for tricks. It has a thin rail that can be carved deep in the wave to make more extreme carves. It is very light and can be easy to handle.

The elements beginners and intermediates should consider are that a shortboard’s low volume (length x width x thickness) make it harder to paddle because it sinks below the water. It is more difficult to catch waves because the timing has to be better. It is more unstable on the pop up.

Many surfers who progress from softtops to shorter boards should move slowly in reducing the volume. If a surfer can master the techniques on an 8′ soft top of catching and riding foam and then real waves, he could consider moving to a shorter hard board.

The best way to move shorter is six inches at a time while maintaining the width and thickness. These should be 21+ inches wide and at least 2 3/4 inches thick. Each step will be an adjustment. The last thing a surfer wants to do is remove the fun because he gets frustrated.

It may take a few years before a surfer is happy with a shortboard (6’10” and shorter). In the meantime, he keeps improving his strength and stamina. He improves his judgment for catching waves. He learns the maneuvers and tricks on a surfboard that serves him well.

Learn More

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