Surfing discipline

Longboard

Longboard surfing uses a long, high-volume board known for smooth glide, easy wave-catching, and a traditional style that includes walking the board and noseriding.

Part of Surfing

Overview

Longboarding is ridden on a board generally nine feet or longer, with plenty of volume and a rounded nose. The extra length and floatation make it stable and forgiving.

The style is associated with a smooth, flowing approach: trimming along the wave, cross-stepping up and down the deck, and riding the nose.

Longboards catch waves earlier and handle smaller, gentler surf well, which makes the discipline popular across a wide range of ages and skill levels.

What defines it

Boards are long and high-volume, giving stability, glide, and the ability to catch waves easily.
Signature techniques include cross-stepping (walking the board) and noseriding manoeuvres such as hanging five or ten toes over the nose.
Well suited to smaller, slower, more rolling waves where glide and trim matter more than tight turns.
Emphasises timing, footwork, and flow rather than rapid, radical manoeuvres.
Both traditional and high-performance longboarding exist, differing in board design and riding approach.

Getting started

1The stability of a longboard makes it a common starting point for learning to catch waves and stand up.
2Practising the pop-up and finding a centred, balanced stance are useful early steps.
3Lessons from a qualified instructor in small, gentle surf help build the fundamentals.