Longboard surfing is more than just a discipline within surfing — it’s a lifestyle, a dance on water, and a timeless expression of style and skill. Unlike the aggressive and high-performance shortboard surfing, longboarding emphasizes smooth lines, fluid motion, and graceful footwork. Whether you’re a beginner transitioning from foamies or an intermediate surfer looking to refine your technique, mastering the longboard requires patience, control, and dedication.
Learning how to get better at longboard surfing involves more than just catching waves. It requires a deep understanding of your board, wave selection, foot positioning, timing, and the rhythm of the ocean. In this article, we’ll break down the essential techniques, strategies, and mindset shifts you need to elevate your longboarding game to the next level.
Understanding the Nature of Longboard Surfing
Longboard surfing is typically performed on boards 8 to 12 feet in length. These boards offer increased volume, better glide, and greater paddling efficiency compared to shortboards. They excel in small to medium waves, allowing for extended rides and classic maneuvers like cross-stepping and nose riding.
Longboarding is often associated with traditional surfing styles, but it also allows room for progressive turns, drop-knee cutbacks, and even aerials (for the truly advanced). Understanding what makes longboarding unique is the first step to improving your ability.
Choose the Right Longboard for Your Level
1. Size and Shape Matter
To get better at longboarding, you need a board that suits your weight, skill level, and wave conditions. Beginners should start with a classic single-fin log around 9’0″ to 9’6″, ideally 22 to 24 inches wide and over 3 inches thick for maximum stability.
2. Tail Shape and Fin Setup
Different tails (rounded, square, pintail) and fin setups (single, 2+1, thruster) affect how your board performs. For traditional noseriding and flowy surfing, a single-fin with a wide tail provides stability. For more aggressive turns, a 2+1 setup adds drive and control.
Master Your Paddling Technique
1. Efficient Paddling = More Waves
Being a strong paddler allows you to catch more waves with less effort. On a longboard, your paddling stroke should be long and deep. Keep your body centered, feet together, and use your whole arm to pull water.
2. Perfect Your Pop-Up
Practice smooth, controlled pop-ups. On a longboard, there’s more time to stand, but you should aim for fluidity. Use your back foot to plant firmly, then slide your front foot into place, aiming for proper foot placement right from the start.
Work on Your Stance and Balance
1. Low and Loose Stance
A stable stance is essential. Keep your knees slightly bent, shoulders relaxed, and body weight evenly distributed. Your stance should be slightly wider than shoulder-width.
2. Stay Centered Over the Stringer
Balance comes from positioning your weight directly over the centerline (stringer) of the board. Avoid leaning too far on your toes or heels, which can disrupt your trim and control.
Improve Wave Selection and Positioning
1. Choose the Right Waves
Longboards perform best on soft, rolling waves — typically waist to chest high. Look for peeling point breaks, mellow beach breaks, or reef breaks with a slow pace. Avoid steep, dumping waves which are harder to handle on a longer board.
2. Position Early and Wide
Get into position earlier than shortboarders. Longboards allow early wave entry, so paddle wider and position deeper to get the first takeoff opportunity.
Learn to Trim and Glide Smoothly
1. Trim Is Key
Trimming is finding the “sweet spot” on the wave where your board glides effortlessly. Shift your weight subtly forward or backward to maintain speed and match the wave’s power.
2. Use Your Rails
Engage your rails for smooth direction changes. Instead of abrupt turns, use gentle body shifts to guide the board along the wave’s face. Always keep your eyes focused down the line.
Practice Cross-Stepping and Footwork
1. Understand Cross-Stepping
Cross-stepping is a defining element of longboarding. It allows you to walk to the nose and back with style and control. Practice walking the board without looking down, crossing one foot over the other, and keeping low for balance.
2. Master the Noseride
Once you’re confident in your cross-step, start working on noseriding.
To do this:
Choose a clean, peeling wave.
Generate enough speed and trim.
Walk smoothly to the nose.
Hook your toes over the front (hang five or hang ten).
Stay low and centered to maintain balance.
It takes practice, but it’s one of the most rewarding moves in longboarding.
Refine Your Turning Techniques
1. Drop-Knee Turns
Drop-knee turns are elegant and powerful. Step your back foot slightly toward the rail and bend your rear knee almost to the deck while turning. This distributes weight evenly and allows for smooth, stylish carving.
2. Pivot Turns
On smaller waves or in critical sections, pivot turns help you redirect your board quickly. Step back onto the tail, lift the nose slightly, and use your shoulders to turn the board around in a controlled motion.
Enhance Your Ocean Knowledge and Timing
1. Read the Lineup
Improvement in longboarding also comes from reading the ocean. Learn to identify where waves are forming, breaking, and peeling. Watch experienced surfers to understand timing and positioning.
2. Improve Wave Timing
Time your paddle and takeoff with the wave’s peak. Too early and you’ll miss it, too late and you risk nose-diving. The longboard’s size helps, but timing is still crucial.
Cross-Train to Boost Your Longboarding Performance
1. Yoga and Flexibility
Yoga improves balance, flexibility, and core strength — all of which are vital for footwork and fluid movements on a longboard. Poses like warrior II, downward dog, and tree pose translate well into surfing skills.
2. Balance Boards and Skate Training
Indo boards or surf skateboards help you practice balance, footwork, and turning technique even when you’re not in the water.
Surf Consistently and Set Goals
1. Get in the Water Often
Progress in longboarding comes from time spent surfing. Try to get in the water several times a week, even if the conditions aren’t perfect.
2. Set Small, Measurable Goals
Instead of aiming to “get better,” set clear objectives like:
Practice five cross-steps per session.
Catch at least three left-handers.
Stay on the nose for more than three seconds.
These focused goals accelerate learning and keep you motivated.
Learn from Others and Record Your Sessions
1. Watch Longboarding Legends
Watch surfers like Joel Tudor, CJ Nelson, and Kelis Kaleopa’a. Observe their style, timing, and footwork. Learn from their techniques and incorporate elements into your own surfing.
2. Film Yourself
Recording your sessions allows you to critique your posture, movements, and wave reading. Even short clips can highlight areas for improvement that you might not feel in the moment.
Stay Safe and Respect Surf Etiquette
1. Know the Rules
Longboards can catch waves earlier and from further out, but that doesn’t mean you should always take priority. Respect the lineup, take turns, and avoid dropping in on others.
2. Be Aware of Your Board
Longboards are big and can cause injury in a collision. Practice controlling your board, especially in crowded lineups and during wipeouts.
Conclusion
Getting better at longboard surfing is a journey of patience, presence, and practice. It’s about embracing the flow of the ocean, refining your skills gradually, and cultivating a connection between you, your board, and the wave. With the right mindset, consistent effort, and a willingness to learn, you’ll begin to move with the rhythm of the sea and truly experience the joy of classic surfing.