Among professional surfers, longboard surfboards are not as popular as shortboards, but they certainly have their benefits, including easier paddling.
In simple terms, a longboard is a surfboard that’s over 9 feet long depending on who you ask and usually at least 20 inches wide.
Longboard surfboards generally fall into one of two categories: the noserider longboard and the performance longboard.
The noserider is designed for staying in the pocket of the wave, where you’ll find the most thrust and power.
A performance longboard is narrower and allows for easier turning and greater speed, essentially replicating the benefits of a Shortboard.
What Size Longboard Surfboard Should I Get?
The longboard surfboard’s length and width will dictate the ease at which you can surf and paddle.
As a complete beginner, you should look for something that is over 9 feet and ideally around 9.5, with a width of approximately 23 inches.
Your size won’t make that much of a difference, but you can reduce the width by an inch if you’re small and increase by an inch if you’re much taller.
Don’t worry too much about getting a longboard surfboard that is an exact match for your weight and height. Just keep those approximations in mind and make sure the board is between 15 and 17 lbs. in weight.
A longboard surfboard of this length and weight allows you to have more fun surfing smaller waves.
Are Longboard Surfboards Good For Beginners?
Shortboards are quicker and more agile, but there is a trade-off in that they’re not great for paddling, longboard surfboards provide the stability that a beginner surfer needs and are ideally suited for waves of just 1 to 3 feet, which is the limit that a beginner should be aiming for.
How Much Is A Longboard Surfboard?
A new longboard will cost you around $500 to $1,000.
If you find a good shaper, you can get a good longboard surfboard for roughly the same price and ensure that it’s custom-made for your weight, size, and level of expertise.
It’s a lot of money for a beginner to pay, so if you don’t have any experience or a big budget, you may be better off with a used longboard surfboard.
There are a number of used surfboard retailers throughout the United States, and if you purchase them in-person you can avoid those high shipping charges.
Just remember, the board isn’t the only cost to consider.
You will also need a wetsuit, protective bag, and potentially a bike rack or car rack to transport it.
Can You Noseride A Performance Longboard?
Not all longboard surfboards are built for noseriding.
It all comes down to the design and the stability provided when standing on the nose.
Performance boards ride better in the flat part of the wave while traditional longboard surfboards are all about riding the pocket.
How Much Does A Longboard Surfboard Weigh?
Longboards are much heavier than their shorter counterparts.
They typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds on average, although it all comes down to the materials used and any accessories that have been added.
Popular Models of Longboards
Not sure where to start your search?
Take a look at the following Longboards, all of which can be purchased from Amazon and other popular retailers:
Wavestorm Classic: An 8-foot board with several amazing designs to choose from. It features 3-marine-ply stringers and a 3 fin setup. You can buy the Wavestorm from Amazon, but Costco seems to have the best price.
Wave Bandit: Always a good choice for Longboards, the Wave Bandit features a premium finish and should last you for years to come.
California Board Company 9 Foot: A long and wide board available as a soft top.
Summary: Benefits of a Longboard Surfboards
Not only are longboard surfboards better suited for first-time surfers, but they also provide all of the following benefits:
- Easy to catch small waves
- Great tool for practicing your surfing skill
- Learn to noseride
- Enjoy a long and relaxing ride
- Lots of buoyancy
- Great for padding
- Added stability
Longboarders might not enjoy the same maneuverability afforded to Shortboards, but Longboarding certainly has its benefits, especially for beginners looking to catch waves, learn a few moves, and have some fun.
Check out your local surf shop to see if they have a longboard surfboard for you.
