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cross-stepping, trimming, turning
manoeuvres, tube riding and the
classic hang ten.
The original riders used to say that the
essence of Longboarding is style.
The simple joys of Longboarding is
that you will just catch far more waves
than anyone else on a shortboard no
matter the size but in particular when
it is smaller. You get to enjoy the pure
essence of surfing just like Duke
Kahanamoku and just enjoy the glide.
You will get more days on the water
– you can always find somewhere
smaller if it is too big, but you will be
having far more fun than anyone else
when its small. It is difficult to explain,
but when you feel a longboard
glide over the water, it is an entirely
different feel to that of a shortboard, it
is ageless and mesmerizing.
If you have had an injury or just
getting a few years under your belt
then longboard is for you, it is more
comfortable to paddle, easy to catch
waves, more straightforward to stand
and everything is at a slightly slower
pace.
Longboarding is also an excellent
tool for the beginner for all the same
reasons; easy to catch waves, easier
for balance and now with the new soft
top range the issue of wiping out has
fewer repercussions.
It really is about getting back to the
roots of surfing, why you did it in the
first place. Every surfing knows what
it was like when he caught his first
wave and stood up even if only for
a few seconds and Longboarding
takes you back to that moment.
It’s not about hassling for waves of
shredding waves; it’s about the fun
and comradery of it. Those images of
surfing in the early 60s with 6 guys all
on the same wave they were having
a ball. On a longboard, you can
forget the need to big airs and radical
manoeuvres and immerse your soul in
the love of surfing again.
But like all sports you can cruise, or
you can push yourself to learn some
of the critical manoeuvres, the most
thrilling of which is ‘riding the nose’
there is nothing more capitation then
having ten toes over the nose of your
board, and all you can see looking
down is water rushing by.
If you already surf get a longboard
to enjoy those smaller days and if
you don't surf, this summer get a
longboard and head to the beach,
go somewhere where it's small and
simply enjoy the glide!
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