Embarking on your longboard surfing journey can be an exhilarating adventure. There’s nothing like the thrill of catching your first wave! However, like any new endeavour, it comes with its challenges. So, whether you’re drawn to the rhythm of the ocean or the excitement of catching the waves, understanding the essentials is key to building a solid foundation.
Don’t worry; that’s where we come in! From selecting the perfect longboard to mastering the nuances of paddling and wave-catching, and everything in between – we’re revealing everything you need to navigate the waves with skill and safety.
Let’s dive straight in!
Choosing the Right Longboards for Surfing
Choosing the right longboard for beginners sets the stage for your surfing journey. For newbies, choosing a longer board is advisable because it provides better stability, making it easier to maintain balance and control.
Pro Tip: Board length can also be called a ‘wheelbase’. So, don’t let this jargon confuse you – it’s just referring to the distance from the nose (front) to the tail (back) of the surfboard.
Another key factor to consider is the rocker shape of the longboard. This refers to the curvature of the deck along its length, where the middle of the deck is lower than the nose and tail. This design element influences how the board remains stable while riding waves.
Understanding Longboard Designs
Understanding how different materials and fin configurations affect performance is crucial, as you’ll be better positioned to select a longboard that matches your style and skill level.
Longboards are made from materials like polyurethane and epoxy, each with unique traits. For instance, polyurethane boards are typically more flexible. In contrast, epoxy boards are lighter and more durable, often preferred for their performance in various conditions.
As we’ve just mentioned, fins also play a vital role in how your board manoeuvres. For example, pivot fins, known for their upright and wide design, offer exceptional stability, making them ideal for noseriding. However, they can limit manoeuvrability.
On the other hand, raked fins provide a good balance between stability and being able to make sharp turns. So, generally speaking, they cater to the needs of a broader range of longboarders.
Getting Your Stance Right
Perfecting your longboarding stance is vital for beginners, as proper foot positioning and body alignment go a long way to helping you maintain balance and control.
If you’re right-footed, your left foot should be placed at the front, slightly ahead of the board’s centre. In contrast, left-footed surfers should reverse this setup, putting the right foot at the front. Make sure to align your arches with an imaginary line down the board’s centre. This helps to ensure balanced foot placement.
In addition to foot placement, your chest should be positioned sideways to the board, which aids in maintaining balance. Keeping your knees bent and angled inward will also improve stability.
Lastly, your arms should be turned forward and kept loose, which helps with balance, allowing for more fluid movements.
Paddling Techniques
Mastering the paddling technique is a fundamental skill for beginners, as it’s essential for catching waves, allowing the surfer to match the speed of the wave and position themselves correctly.
So, with that said, here are a couple of tips for mastering your paddling technique:
- Adopt a streamlined position to help reduce drag and conserve energy.
- A consistent rhythm helps to build the momentum necessary for catching waves.
You could also consider using a technique called the “kick-over.” Here’s how it works: lift the front of your surfboard (the nose) slightly upward as a wave approaches. Then, use a quick kicking motion with your legs, similar to a scissor kick, to help your board move over the foamy part of the wave (called the whitewater). Your legs help keep you balanced, and small adjustments with your upper body will give you better control as you drop into the wave.
Catching Waves
When catching waves, stay close to the peak (the highest point) of the wave. This spot makes it easier to see the wave and practice standing up on your board. You should stand up when you feel the wave starting to carry you forward.
Pro Tip: Fully committing to standing up right away helps you avoid falling, especially on steep waves
For small waves, paddle directly toward the foamy part of the wave and push yourself up with your arms (like doing a push-up) to let the wave pass underneath you.
For bigger waves, paddle toward the part of the wave that hasn’t broken yet (the “green side”). This is important because it puts you in a good position to catch the wave.
Pro Tip: Start by practising in areas with gentle waves that are good for beginners. This will help you build the confidence and skills you need to catch waves.
Nose Riding Basics
Nose riding is a classic and stylish move in longboarding. To start, make a turn at the bottom of the wave by pressing down on your back foot. This slows the board down and positions it correctly on the wave. Then, carefully walk towards the front of the board, placing your front foot toes-first while lifting your back foot for a smooth move forward.
For a successful “hang ten” (where all ten toes are over the front of the board), both feet should be parallel to the board’s centreline, with your toes hanging over the front edge and your weight balanced evenly. This move takes practice and patience, but it’s a lot of fun once you get the hang of it.
Turning Techniques
Turning is essential for controlling your board on the waves and adding some flair to your surfing. Here’s a simple guide to help you achieve this manoeuvre:
- Shift your weight: To turn, lean your body in the direction you want to go. In other words, if you want to turn left, lean slightly to your left; if you want to turn right, lean to the right. Your board will follow the direction of your weight shift.
- Carving: This is a smooth, sweeping turn. To carve, lean into the turn and use your body to guide the board through a gradual arc. This technique helps maintain control at higher speeds.
- Kick turn (for sharper turns): If you need to make a sharp turn, you can lift the front of your board by pressing down on your back foot (the one near the tail of the board), pivot the front of the board in the direction you want to turn, and then gently set it back down.
Safety Measures
Safety should always be your top priority, especially if you’re just starting out. Wearing helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injury if you take a tumble. If you do fall, it’s crucial to position yourself away from your surfboard to avoid collisions and potential harm. Tuck your arms and roll onto your shoulders to minimise injury during falls.
Managing your speed and keeping a safe distance from others is also essential when it comes to longboarding.
Pro Tip: Staying relaxed during a fall can help you better navigate choppy waters. For example, simple techniques like counting the seconds you’re underwater can help you stay calm and remind you that submersion usually lasts much shorter than it seems.
Ready To Start Your Longboarding Journey?
Having read this guide, we hope we’ve provided enough pointers to help you start your longboarding journey.
In summary, mastering the art of longboard surfing involves a combination of selecting the right longboard and practising the essential techniques listed above. From getting your stance right to paddling effectively and catching waves, each step is crucial for building a solid foundation.
Remember, if you’re new to the sport – don’t feel overwhelmed watching skilled surfers. Perseverance is key to progress. Maintaining a childlike curiosity toward longboarding keeps the experience fresh and enjoyable. Longboarding is a personal journey where each surfer has the opportunity to discover their unique surfing styles and techniques. Embracing this mindset will make the learning process much more enjoyable, motivating you to continue improving.If you could benefit from a surfing lesson with an experienced surfer, contact Rapture Surfcamps today! Our seasoned coaches will happily teach you the basics of longboarding and help you master cool tricks to enhance your skills. Whether you’re an intermediate refining your technique or a beginner eager to learn, Rapture Surfcamp offers a supportive environment to achieve your goals. We can’t wait to hear from you!
