Longboards vs. Shortboards

What's better?

Eh.....eh!

Come on argue with me!

Shortboards rule!

They're not the same, but it's still a comparison...

Of course this is a comparison. First of all, I spent 3 days on a longboard, then got off and will ONLY ride short boards now. Sorry... but it just looks cooler.

But... I gotta respect the longboarders. They do what they do and that's cool.

I like the first post. It gets to the heart of the matter. I put the info on this website: http://comparati.com/42-Longboard-Surfboard-vs-Shortboard-Surfboard

-NNPPTT

pro's and con'

so come on then surfer types, i'm actually curious now. what are the pro's and con's of longboards and shortboards? From what I understand longboards are

  • longer. more specifically 8 - 12 feet or so.
  • older. the original, and some therefore claim, the best.
  • buoyant. it's got more surface area.
  • rounded. they have rounded noses.

whereas shortboards are

  • shorter. 6-8 feet in length.
  • pointed. pointed noses.
  • maneuverable. shorter, easier to point and shoot.
  • upstarts. invented in the sixties.

I am told that on a shortboard, because they lack buoyancy, it is harder to catch waves so you need bigger waves and quick timing to catch the wave at the right moment.

So, hmmm. Longboarders are the soul of surfing, shortboarders the science? Enlighten me further. What have I got wrong above, and what is missed out? Additional question:

  1. do both longboards and shortboards have skegs? if so, do they have 1,2,3, 5 or some other number.

Let's get some answers here dammit ;)

It's not a competition

Whether or not longboard or shortboard is better is not a competition. Both have plusses and minuses. I use both, depending on conditions. For where I surf a longboard is generally better as the waves are slushy small onshore. If you're learning, a long board will reward you with rides easier, but a shortboard can be frustrating. Shortboards, because they're smaller are much more manuverable.

Generally, you need a bigger wave for a shortboard (2-3') whereas a longboard you can ride in waves as small as 1 foot. This is more to do with width than length- going from 18" to 22" wide makes a huge difference. A mini-mal is a good learners board as its short enough to be manuverable (not as quick as a true shortboard), but wide enough to plane at low speed.

I generally don't take my longboard out in anything bigger than 5-6' because it's to hard to get out the back.

There are elements of soul and science in both. Both have come a long way in the last 10-15 years.

short vs long

Joe is right. Both have their merits. However, for me short boarding rules.

I find it far more of a challenge which can only make it more addictive. On wee wave days tho, some mellow longboarding is good fun.

Another factor that could influence yer decision, is your weight and fitness. It's not often you see tall fat people surfing on shortboards, longboarding would be easier for them as more stability, and less paddling required to catch even the smallest of waves. Whereas they might struggle on a shortboard with less buoyancy and more paddle power needed.

NB- Not all longboarders are fat ;-)

longboards vs shortboards

no.1 You yourself put longboards first.
no.2 get a van, longboards fit in them and you can sleep, eat, drink, get changed out of the cold scottish winter gales.

but, which is better?

you nicely explain how to deal with the practicalities of longboarding but is it better? WHY? and what if you can't afford a van? or your van is too small. Eh?

shortboards fit in cars better

Two surfers are getting ready to paddle out:

Surfer one: "Dude, guess what! I got a new longboard for my wife."
Surfer two: "Nice trade."

Anyway, whatever.

Worst joke ever!

Worst joke ever!

really though?

I don't believe that this is really the worst joke ever.... Is it? Eh? Eh? Surely the worst joke ever must involve nuns or sheep and the welsh? And Dr. Who.

Here's one

What d'you call a donkey with only 3 legs?

...wonkey

haha

funny