Surfing Waves

Up until today i had never really experienced what a true longboard surfed like. I recently aquired a 9'2 Murphy noserider. I was constantly putting off taking it out as we had a small swell.

Anyway today was the day. First off the thing paddles sooooo easy compared to my shortboard. It took me a while to get used to the sheer volume and size of the board but i quickly overcame those difficulties.

All in all i have mixed opnions about longboards based on todays experience. I will take it out again but only if the mood strikes me. To be perfectly honest i really thought the board was well too much board for me

Still i can see why some people love longboarding just not for me though

Maybe try something a little shorter. I have a 8'6" Cobalt performance, love it. Tons o' fun. And it doesn't feel like you are surfing on an old-growth-redwood, but still gives you that longboard feel.

Most longboarders will tell you there are (4) types of longboards. These are the noserider, the high performance, the pig and the last group (diamond, sqash and pin tails). The conditions determine which board works best. For example:

Pin - Low tide points / reefs, chest to head; high tide beachbreaks up to shoulder high. Ideal size: 10'1 x 23.5" x 3.25"

Pig - High tide points / reefs, knee to head, or anyplace windy. Ideal size: 10'4" x 23.5" (back from center 10-12") x 3.5"

Nose - Anyplace, any tide, as long as its clean, glassy, & under about shoulder high. Ideal size: 10'0" x 24" x 3.5"

Hi Perf - low tide Beachbreaks at any size; low tide points & reefs if oh+. Ideal size 9'10" x 23" x 3.25"


I happen to like riding my Sakal Noserider most of the time, but when it's choppy. My pig deals with wind & chop better, because of the small nose & full bottom. It also deals with catching micro waves well because the flotation is in the back half where you need it to catch a slow wave.

There is a lot more to longboards than trying it out for one session. I use to ride shortboards and minimals, so been there done that, but I respect everyone out there in the line up.

its just the size that overwealms me considering i have not ridden anything bigger than a 7'8 and i havnt been on that for over 6 months so it felt really awkward attempting a log in comparison to my shortie



If a non surfer just read what i have written above they might have a few strange ideas about what im on about

Well there you have the difference between long and short board. The short board is quick down the line and turning. The longboard is slower down the line with not as quick of turns.

One thing they do both have in common is maneuvers. Different kinds that is for sure but it is common between the boards. Were you walking the board switching sides or trying to nose ride? If yes and you were doing it well than good for you!!!!! If not you may want to go out and give some long board tricks a shot. I would be interested to know what you tried.

I know reading this may sound like I am trying to be a smart ass but that is not my intension at all. Just the way I worded it I think.

I didnt really try anything special other than running up the nose. I do want to become competant on a longboard as that will just round off my surfing abilities i just find it hard to drag myself off my shortboard

Go with what works, Brah. If you're happy on a shortboard, why change? If you're looking to experience a different "feel" and want to use a longboard, it'll just take a little time to get used to it. They both have their own virtues and vices, they are different, but both are fun and can provide you with unlimited stoke. Why limit yourself?

seen this? www.shortcuttolongboarding.com

LOL - Edit - HELLO Lee - didn't realise it was you.............

i had the same train of thought up untill the other day. i've gotten on longboards rainging from 8'6 to 9'6, hated the lot of them. then the other day i took out this 9'8 noserider and had one of the best days surf i've had in a while. yes it took some time to figure it out, for the first hour i was quite miserable wishing i had brought my 6' egg. but once i figure out how to turn the board, by getting back on that tail and putting it into position then walking the nose it was all up hill from there. i'm not going to be putting my shortboards away or anything but i think a have found a new passion, especially on those small days where you can't do much with a shortboard. i'm rambaling a little, but what i have to say is give it another try, but change your whole approach, if you come at it with the same mentality that you do when you take out the shortboard, it will never be something you will enjoy, but if you go out to just mess around, walk the board and be a little kid again, you will see that it can be a whole lot of fun.

No chance of me longboarding in th enear future as i just sold it to help pay for my custom

Im sure ill try it again someday but for now ill hone m shortboard skills

Hey Home Boy!
Hook up with me and I'll loan you a longboard anytime!

See you in the lineup!

Otter wrote:Hey Home Boy!
Hook up with me and I'll loan you a longboard anytime!

See you in the lineup!

Cheers Brah - Just got myself a car so i can actually travel beyond the cliffs and OB

Whooo hooooo! San O, here we come!