So, I have come to appreciate longboards more because of their design and the fact that they offer more to recreational surfers.
8-14 foot surfboards are a good choice if you are beginning to surf and want to surf all year long.
They provide good flotation and glide, making it more enjoyable to surf in waves that are 1-2 feet tall.
What Is A Longboard Surfboard?
A longboard is an extended-length board with a long, narrow shape. It is perfect for beginners or intermediate surfers because it is made for surfing both big and small waves. It also has a long, solid, and deep shape.
Longboards have a wide and flat nose, which allows them to ride over holes, and take you in and out of waves. They are usually made of an old-fashioned polyurethane (PU) foam coated in fiberglass or hardwood for durability and sand-abrasion-resistant material for extra performance.
Longboard Surfboard Overview
So, before I go on and further explain why you might need a longboard surfboard instead of any other board for surfing, here’s a quick overview of its features:
- Surf level: Beginners to advanced surfers
- Surf conditions: Great for catching those small waves. However, surfing pros can ride them in bigger swells too.
- Longboard Surfboards Pros: With a longboard surfboard you practically glide on the surface of the water because there is plenty of place for flotation, and thanks to the low to medium rocker, you are super stable and well-balanced.
Even if you are inexperienced, you can still ride a longboard surfboard well on low-level waves in poor surf conditions. Their shape and length lets you ride them quickly so you can catch more waves with lots of speed.
Additionally, if you are just now learning the techniques, the longboards provide stability which will enable you to master the basic moves more quickly.
Longboard Surfboards Cons
One of the cons of longboard surfboards is that you can’t duck dive. This is a problem when trying to paddle out on big days. Instead, you’ll need to learn the turtle roll technique. These boards also don’t turn well.
They’re not very maneuverable and are meant for longer, slower lines on the wave. Additionally, it’s best to nose dive at the takeoff on a longboard because of the length and low rocker.
The main problem with longboards is that they are difficult to transport because of their length. It is hard to move them around on land or in water.
Why Buy A Longboard?
You can ride a longboard in just about any wave size or condition, from mushy, knee-high waves, to overhead peelers.
A longboard is a type of surfboard that is helpful for beginners to use because it is easy to balance on. Longboards are also good for surfing in a variety of conditions.
How to Pick the Best Longboard Surfboard
Now that you know about the purposes of longboards and their features, let’s explore the different materials they are made of and the different types of boards available, so you can find the perfect one for you.
Material and Design
Their long length also acts as a built-in foot-brake. All longboards have rounded noses and wide bases that make them very stable. Their long length also allows them to be used as a foot-brake.
The rocker profile, or the curve from nose to tail, gives the board a nice, mellow feel. Most longboards on the market are constructed with an old-school PU foam coating and fiberglass.
In the middle of the board, there is a balsa wood stringer, which provides extra strength and flexibility. The rocker profile, or the curve from nose to tail, gives the board a nice, mellow feel.
Balsa wood is another popular material for longboards, especially among experienced surfers who appreciate its unique characteristics. The weight and flex of balsa wood boards make them ideal for surfing, and they are also environmentally friendly and durable.
Although epoxy longboards are durable and light, some professional surfers find that they do not perform as well as heavier boards.
Epoxy longboards are less expensive and more durable than other types of longboards, which is their main advantage.
Length
Most surfboards you see in the water will be around 6 ft. Basically, longboards are longer than surfboards. The minimum length for a longboard is 8 to 14 feet, with the standard being 12 feet. Most surfboards you see in the water are around 6 feet.
The length of your board is determined by what you need from it. A shorter board is more maneuverable and navigable, while a longer board gives you more space to turn.
If you want to use your longboard for surfing, cutbacks, and floaters, go for a shorter board that’s 8 to 10 ft long. If you want to nose ride and cross-step, go for a longer board.
Width and Thickness
w Choose a longboard surfboard that is not too wide or thick. Narrow boards are good for catching waves and work well in deep, steep waves. Wider boards are better for mushy waves and flat space turning.
The width of a longboard nose and tail varies depending on its function, but is typically between 22 and 25 inches wide. A wider nose is beneficial for nose riders, while a wider tail is good for radical surfing.
The Rocker
A longboard with more curvature at the bottom is ideal for riding bigger waves. The bottom curves can slow the board down and keep it floating on top of the water without adding any more weight to the nose or tail.
The nose concave on some longboards allows you to pick up speed by stepping closer to the nose.
Overall Conclusion
When choosing a longboard surfboard, you need to consider the board’s construction material, length, width, and rocker, as these all affect the board’s performance. Most importantly, you need to choose a board based on the type of activity you’ll be doing.
This will ensure you get the best board for your needs.
The design of the tail is not as important for longboards, but it does affect the performance of a shortboard.
There are several things to think about when considering the weight of a surfboard, including how it will affect the surfing itself, the storage, the transport, and the overall handling.
Take advantage of the rentals, many surf shops offer.
How you enjoy surfing largely depends on the surfboard you’re using. Try a few different types to see what works best for you.
The Best Longboard Surfboard For Beginners
This guide will introduce you to the best beginner longboard surfboards on the market and the features that make them ideal for beginners. With the right board, you can start your surfing journey off on the right foot.
Wavestorm 8ft Classic Longboard Surfboard
- Durable build
- Lightweight
- 81 Litter Volume, can support up to 200 lbs
- Great beginner board
- Very easy to paddle
- Easy to storage
Wavestome is a Surfboard company that offers quality boards. The dimensions are 8′ x 22.5 x 3.25, which makes it easy to travel with or store when not in use. It weighs 11.5 lbs, making it suitable for even those who have never tried surfing before.
This product is lightweight, so it won’t be a burden to carry to the beach or water. It’s great because it can be used by anyone, regardless of their age, experience with surfing, or physical size.
The board has a textured, grippy surface to prevent slipping, and a hard bottom to protect your surfboard from wear and tear.
This surfboard is a great choice for beginners because it is made with an EPS core with 3 Stringer System. The removable bolt-thru fins will help you when it comes to maneuvering the board, and the included ankle leash prevents you from getting pulled off your feet in case of a wipeout.
Boardworks Froth – Soft Top Surfboard Longboard
- Well build quality
- Easy to carry (Lightweight)
- 87.17 Liters of volume
This soft-top surfboard is perfect for anyone just starting out or anyone looking to have some fun in the water. The Froth Boardworks Longboard has a 9′ length and 3’6 width and an overall weight of only 13.35 pounds.
You can use it for cruising, catching waves, or just messing around out in the water.
A beginner surfer will need a surfboard that is larger than what a pro surfer would use. This board has been designed to be versatile and fun, with a large surface area for stability and a bottom made from durable, squishy foam to make it easier on your feet when walking out to catch waves.
This board is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their wake surfing skills. It is durable and easy to use, so you will be able to stay afloat even if you are new to the sport.
This board has a soft EVA outer skin that protects the fully glassed EPS foam core.
Benefits:
- Beautiful Surfboard
- Perfect beginner longboard
- Suitable for all activities
- Soft foam build, which provides more grip
Drawbacks:
- One fin surfboard
Wavestorm 8ft Foam Wax Free Soft Top Longboard
- Multi-color design
- Durable build quality
- Volume: 86 liters; weight capacity up to 200lbs
- Easy to carry/balance
- Perfect for beginner to pro-level
- It comes with all additional accessories
The Wavestorm 8′ Surfboard Longboard is a board that is good for beginners and those who have been surfing for a while. The board is able to hold up to 200 pounds and is 96 x 22.5 x 3.14 inches.
This soft foam construction makes it easy to surf for beginners. The strong EPS core and three-stringer system make this board durable, so it will last for many years.
The bolt-thru fins that can be removed offer stability in the water, so you won’t have to worry about your board flipping over or getting blown away by strong winds. With an ankle leash traction pad, it will be easier than ever before to get back on your surfboard after wiping it out.
The soft top of this surfboard makes it easy to stand up on, while the high-density polyethylene bottom will allow you toride waves with confidence. This product is made from polyethylene, which is a durable material often used in surfboard construction.
Benefits:
- Easy to balance
- Perfect for beginner to pro-level
- All accessories included
South Bay Board Co Guppy 8′ Longboard Review
- Soft top surfboard longboard
- 3 Stringers & EPS core
- 80 Liters of Volume; weight capacity up to 170lbs
South Bay Board Co. is a proud provider of surfboards for beginners, children, and adults of all level! With a variety of shapes such as Fish Boards, Single Fin Surfboards & Twin Fin Surfboards, they have something perfect for everyone.
SBBC is the perfect place to buy your first board or find something affordable.
The beginner foam surfboard has a 96 x 22″ x 3″ size and can support surfers who weigh up to 170lbs. This board weighs 15lbs with soft-top surfboard fins and leash included, making it easy to carry around. Its classic, easy-to-paddle design makes it the perfect board for beginners and intermediate surfers.
The rounded nose improves the board’s performance in paddling, while the widened chest area makes it easier for the rider to get up on the board. This board also has a classic squash tail that makes it easier to turn in small waves.
With its fast flat bottom decking, this longboard can be the perfect choice for you.
The longboard features a soft IXPE foam top deck for a comfortable ride, and an EPS closed-cell foam core for stability. It has one fiberglass rod and two wooden stringers for stability while cruising downhills, and can take tons of abuse without breaking!
Benefits:
- Easy to carry
- Easy to handle
- Suitable for beginner to expert level
- Fins and leash are included
Drawbacks:
- You have to be careful while waxing; some units got damaged while waxing.
