Shortboard surfing is the epitome of high-performance wave riding. Designed for speed, agility, and radical maneuvers, the shortboard is the weapon of choice for advanced surfers looking to push the limits of what’s possible on a wave. Unlike longboards, which are more forgiving and float-friendly, shortboards demand precision, power, and quick reflexes. Riding one is as much about understanding the ocean as it is about mastering board control.
Shortboards typically range from 5’5″ to 6’6″ in length and feature a pointed nose, thinner rails, and a narrow tail. These characteristics allow surfers to perform sharp turns, vertical re-entries, and aerial tricks. However, this performance potential comes at a cost—shortboards are less stable, harder to paddle, and require accurate positioning and timing.
Whether you’re transitioning from a longboard or trying to refine your shortboard technique, this guide will walk you through every critical element of riding a shortboard—from paddling and popping up, to turning and mastering maneuvers.
What Makes a Shortboard Different?
Key Features of a Shortboard
Shortboards are built for responsiveness and speed. Here are their defining characteristics:
Length: 5’5” to 6’6”
Width: Narrower (around 18”–19”)
Thickness: Thinner (2”–2.5”)
Tail: Often squash, round, or pin-tail for better turning
Fins: Typically a thruster (three-fin) setup for control and maneuverability
Performance Benefits
- Tight turning radius
- Vertical surfing and lip attacks
- Aerial potential
- Speed generation through pumping
But these benefits are accessible only when the rider masters shortboard-specific techniques.
Preparing to Ride a Shortboard
1. Choose the Right Conditions
Shortboards work best in:
- Chest-high to overhead waves
- Steep and fast-breaking waves
- Clean conditions with little chop
Avoid small, mushy waves when learning. Shortboards require power in the wave to perform properly.
2. Select the Appropriate Board
If you’re new to shortboarding, consider a step-down shortboard or hybrid:
A little more volume helps with paddling.
Slightly wider nose and tail offer added stability.
Epoxy constructions can add buoyancy and durability.
As you progress, you can move to a more performance-focused board.
How to Paddle a Shortboard
Paddling on a shortboard is more technical due to the reduced volume. Here’s how to do it efficiently:
Positioning on the Board
Lie with your chest slightly forward—chin just over the nose.
Keep your feet together and off the tail.
Engage your core to maintain a level body position.
Paddle Technique
Use long, deep strokes.
Keep your fingers close together and hands cupped.
Rotate from the shoulders and torso, not just your arms.
Paddle with purpose—shortboards require momentum to catch waves.
Catching a Wave on a Shortboard
Timing and positioning are crucial. You don’t have the same luxury of glide as on a longboard.
1. Choose the Right Spot
Sit closer to the peak where the wave is steepest. Don’t try to catch waves from the shoulder.
2. Commit Early
Start paddling before the wave reaches you. Paddle hard to match the wave’s speed. Hesitation leads to missed waves.
3. Angle Your Takeoff
For steeper waves, angle your board slightly down the line when taking off. This helps prevent nose-diving and sets you up for your first maneuver.
Popping Up on a Shortboard
Speed and Fluidity
You must pop up quickly and cleanly. The window for a smooth takeoff is narrower than on a longboard.
Proper Technique
Place your hands flat beside your chest.
Push your upper body up with strong arms.
In one motion, bring your feet under you—back foot first, landing squarely over the tail pad.
Keep your knees bent and stay low for balance.
Foot Placement
Front foot lands just behind the front traction pad or front logo.
Back foot should be on or near the tail pad.
Shoulders stay aligned with hips and feet.
How to Ride and Maneuver a Shortboard
1. Stance and Balance
- Low and compact stance
- Weight slightly forward to maintain speed
- Arms in front and wide for balance
Avoid standing too tall—this kills balance and control.
2. Generating Speed (Pumping)
Speed is your friend on a shortboard. Use pumping to generate drive:
Compress and extend your knees in a fluid motion.
Do small arcs up and down the wave face.
Push with your back foot to accelerate out of turns.
3. Bottom Turns and Top Turns
Bottom Turn
This sets the foundation for everything else.
Compress at the bottom of the wave.
Lean into your toe or heel edge (depending on frontside or backside).
Keep eyes focused on where you want to go (lip or shoulder).
Top Turn
Used to redirect at the wave’s top:
Extend your body as you approach the lip.
Use shoulders to guide the board back down the face.
Weight shifts from front to back foot during the maneuver.
4. Cutbacks and Re-entries
Cutback
Start mid-face and carve toward the breaking section.
Pivot off the tail and use rail-to-rail transitions.
Look back to the power source and redirect.
Re-entry
Go vertical and hit the lip.
Allow the tail to release slightly.
Absorb the landing with bent knees.
These maneuvers are core to shortboard progression.
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
1. Not Enough Speed
Solution: Improve paddling and pumping technique.
Use steeper waves and focus on wave selection.
2. Standing Too Tall
Solution: Stay compact. Bend your knees, not your back.
3. Poor Pop-Up Timing
Solution: Practice fast pop-ups on land.
Watch video of yourself and correct slow movements.
4. Bad Foot Placement
Solution: Use traction pads and visual cues to place feet correctly.
Don’t hop or shuffle. Land both feet at once during pop-up.
Drills to Improve Shortboarding
Land Drills
Practice pop-ups on yoga mats.
Use a balance board or BOSU ball for core strength.
Surf Skateboarding
Simulates carving, cutbacks, and pumping on land.
Great for practicing body positioning.
Visualization and Video Review
Watch videos of pros like John John Florence or Carissa Moore.
Film yourself and compare your technique.
Progressing with Shortboard Surfing
Shortboarding takes time. Don’t get discouraged if your first few sessions are rough. The learning curve is steep but rewarding.
Set Small Goals
First: Just drop in and ride cleanly.
Next: Add bottom turn, then cutback.
Finally: Progress to vertical re-entries and aerials.
Surf Regularly
Shortboarding is muscle memory. The more waves you catch, the faster you improve.
Surf with Better Surfers
Watch and learn. Ask questions. Mimic their style and positioning.
Conclusion
Riding a shortboard is a blend of flow, power, and precision. It rewards surfers who pay attention to detail—whether it’s foot placement, body alignment, or wave timing. While the challenge is greater compared to longer boards, the payoff is unmatched. You’ll be slicing through walls of water, launching off lips, and carving with style.
So paddle out, stay persistent, and enjoy the radical ride of shortboarding. Every wipeout gets you one step closer to mastering this exciting side of surfing.