Walk along any beach and you’ll spot two distinct tribes of surfers, even if you don’t realise it at the time. There are those gliding smoothly on longboards and others zipping around on shortboards. Both board styles create completely different surfing experiences, attracting different types of riders and suiting various wave conditions. And while neither is “better,” knowing their differences can help new surfers pick the right board for their journey.
The basics of board length
Longboards stretch between eight and ten feet, while shortboards typically run from 5’6″ to 6’8″. These measurements aren’t random however. They fundamentally shape how each board moves through water and responds to waves.
Volume and width matter too. Longboards pack more foam throughout their frame, with wider noses and tails. Shortboards stay slim and narrow, with pointed ends that slice through water. Each design choice creates two distinct approaches to riding waves and offers an experience different from the other.
Riding style and wave handling
Longboards bring a smooth, graceful feel to surfing. Their extra length and volume help them catch waves earlier and maintain better speeds. Nose riding, walking the board, and fluid turns define longboard style. These boards excel in smaller, gentler waves, making them stars at beach breaks worldwide.
Shortboards trade grace for agility. Their compact size lets surfers make sharp turns, quick direction changes, and radical maneuvers. A shortboard stands out in punchy, steep waves where riders can generate speed through snappy movements rather than glide. Think quick drops, tight turns in the pocket, and vertical snaps off the lip.
Which one is best for beginners?
Most surf schools start students on longboards, and with good reason. The extra stability and easier wave-catching make learning the fundamentals much smoother. Longboards forgive mistakes that may send shortboard riders tumbling. Plus, their predictable glide helps new surfers build confidence.
But that doesn’t mean longboards are just for beginners. Many experienced surfers choose them for their unique style and the different approach they bring to wave riding. Watch a skilled longboarder cross-step to the nose in clean conditions, and you’ll see advanced surfing at its finest.
Fitness and physical demands
Shortboarding demands explosive strength and quick reactions. Riders need strong cores and legs to pump for speed and execute sharp maneuvers. The constant duck-diving to get through waves also provides an intense upper body workout.
Longboarding calls for balance, timing, and fluid movement. Walking the board tests coordination while trimming along waves builds leg strength differently than shortboard surfing. Both styles offer great workouts. They just target different muscle groups and movement patterns.
Storage and transport
The size difference between these boards creates practical considerations. Longboards need more storage space and bigger car racks. They’re trickier to maneuver through crowds and can be challenging in strong winds. Shortboards are easier to carry, store, and transport, fitting into smaller spaces and requiring less muscle to move around.
Which type do the pros use?
Elite surfers showcase the unique qualities of both board styles. From high-speed aerials to graceful nose rides, their choice of equipment matches their approach to wave riding.
Longboard legends
When it comes to surfers using longboards, Joel Tudor stands tall in longboarding history with two world titles and a style that makes difficult moves look easy. Hawaii’s Kelia Moniz dominated with back-to-back championships in 2012-13, while Britain’s Ben “Skindog” Skinner proved cold water produces hot talent. Current champ Kai Sallas shapes winning boards for himself and other pros, and South Africa’s Steven Sawyer keeps collecting trophies worldwide.
Shortboard stars
Kelly Slater’s 11 world titles only tell part of his story, as he’s still landing new moves at 51. Brazil’s new generation, including Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo, and Olympic gold medalist Italo Ferreira, push aerial surfing to new heights. John John Florence brings Pipeline-bred power, while Carissa Moore’s five world titles and Olympic gold showcase shortboarding’s evolution. Stephanie Gilmore’s eight world championships prove style matters as much as technical skill. And they all do it on a shortboard.
Making your choice
Your local waves should influence your decision. Small, mushy beach breaks suit longboards perfectly. Powerful reef breaks might call for a shortboard’s maneuverability. Consider your fitness level and goals too. Want to cruise and enjoy longer rides? Longboard. Dream of aerial maneuvers and snappy turns? Shortboard.
Many experienced surfers keep both types. They match their board to the conditions and their mood, switching between flowing longboard sessions and dynamic shortboard surfing. Having options adds variety to surfing and helps riders develop broader skills.
Cost considerations
Generally, longboards cost more due to extra materials and shipping expenses. However, they often last longer since their sturdy construction handles bumps and dings better. Shortboards might save money upfront but may need replacement sooner, especially for surfers still learning board control.
The verdict
Neither board type wins the “better” contest. They’re tools for different approaches to surfing. Longboards offer stability, ease of wave catching, and smooth style. Shortboards bring maneuverability, performance potential, and exciting dynamics. Your choice depends on your goals, local waves, and the type of surfing that lights you up.
Many surfers start on longboards to build fundamentals, then explore shortboarding as their skills grow. Others discover their perfect match right away and stick with it. Some bounce between both styles throughout their surfing journey. There’s no wrong path – just different ways to enjoy riding waves.
Ready to hit the waves?
At Rapture Surfcamps, we offer surfing schools all over the world, from Bali’s warm waters to Portugal’s perfect peaks. Whether you’re leaning toward longboarding or shortboarding, our experienced instructors can help match you with the right board while teaching you proper technique. Come join our global community of ocean-minded surfers.
