The Difference Between Long And Short Surfboards
The most important piece of equipment for surfing is, of course, a surfboard. But for many new surfers, the wide variety of surfboards to choose from can be confusing, if not downright daunting. From boards that exceed 10 feet long to those that come up to your chin, finding the right surfboard is key to catching waves and having a good surf session. Surfboards are generally divided into two main categories: longboards and shortboards. Within these two general classifications, boards can be further organized based on a variety of factors including the number of fins, the shape of the tail, and even the thickness of the board itself. Here we specifically dive into the differences between long and short surfboards.
The Longboard
Longboards are the modern day version of traditional Polynesian surfboards that were originally made from solid wood and exceeded 12 feet in length – with some boards upwards of 20 feet long. Today, the term “longboard” generally refers to any surfboard that is longer than eight feet. In addition to their longer size, longboards are also wider and thicker than their shortboard cousins. This combination of length and thickness provides stability, making longboards the perfect introductory board to learn to surf on Maui. With their increased volume, it is easier to catch waves on longboards. This also makes longboards better suited for days when the waves are smaller. Longboards are known for their “cruisy” and relaxed surfing style.
While new surfers may gravitate towards boards that are shorter, thinking that they will provide easier maneuverability, the stability of longboards make it easier to both catch waves and stand up on waves. Most beginners start on longboards between nine and ten feet long. These boards provide added paddle power and allow beginning surfers to more easily catch gentle waves.
Yet longboards are not just for beginners. Seasoned and professional longboarders demonstrate the incredible artistry of longboarding with highly technical and advanced skills such as “hanging ten” (when both feet balance on the front of the board while surfing a wave).
Once beginner surfers have mastered catching waves on their own and going down the line – as opposed to surfing straight towards the beach – there’s endless opportunity to grow and advance in long boarding technique and style.
The Shortboard
As their name implies, shortboards are much shorter than longboards. Most shortboards measure five feet to seven feet. Modern shortboarding gained popularity in the 1960’s and introduced a faster and more agile style of surfing. With their shorter size and less volume, shortboards are easier to maneuver. They are also designed to perform turns, tricks, and (for some professionals) even aerials.
Yet what shortboards provide in maneuverability, they lack in stability. The difference between long and short surfboards is that shorter boards offer less volume. They require larger and steeper waves than longboards. If the waves are too small, it can be impossible to catch waves on a shortboard. But on larger waves, shortboards have the ability to generate more speed. That allows them to execute highly technical maneuvers on critical parts of the wave.
One of the biggest mistakes of beginning surfers is jumping too quickly from a longboard to a shortboard. Shortboards are harder to paddle into waves and require surfers to take off later, stand up more quickly, and maintain more speed than on a longboard. Moving to a shortboard without mastering the basics of surfing (like paddling, popping up, and surfing the ‘green’ part of an unbroken wave) will leave new surfers frustrated.
The Difference Between Long and Short Surfboards
Both longboarding and shortboarding bring their own, unique styles to the water. The difference between long and short surfboards is based on which board is most suited to the conditions and the surfer. Many intermediate and advanced surfers, for example, have both types of boards in their “quivers” (collection of surfboards). Shortboarders will oftentimes swap out smaller boards for longboards when the waves are small or not suited for a shortboard.
Longboards are generally considered better for beginner surfers. There is a wide variety of longboards to match different skillsets and advance in longboarding techniques. The same can be said of shortboards, with different styles and lengths of shortboards able to fit different surfers and waves.
The most important thing to remember is to choose the board that matches your skill level. A great option is to visit a surf shop on Maui or sign up for surf lessons. Boss Frog’s carries a variety of boards that range in length and width. Shop staff can steer you towards the correct size board and suggest the best beaches on Maui to surf based on current weather conditions, your skill level and board.
