If you're looking to take your surfing skills to the next level, learning how to surf on a shortboard might be the perfect challenge for you. Shortboards are designed for speed and maneuverability, offering a more advanced surfing experience compared to longboards. But can you learn to surf on a shortboard if you're still mastering the basics? The answer is yes! However, it's important to understand that surfing on a shortboard requires different techniques and more skill than riding a longer board. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to surf on a short board, from the right gear to mastering the key moves.
Before diving into tips and techniques, let’s talk about gear. The first step in learning how to surf a shortboard is selecting the right one. Shortboards typically range from 5'5" to 6'5" in length and are narrower than longboards, making them more responsive on the wave.
Skill Level: If you're still relatively new to surfing, consider starting with a board that is slightly longer, closer to the 6'0" range. As you improve, you can move to a shorter board.
Wave Conditions: Shortboards perform best in steeper, faster waves. If you're surfing in flatter, slower conditions, a longer board might be more appropriate.
Volume and Shape: The volume of the board affects its buoyancy and ease of paddling. A shortboard with more volume will make it easier to catch waves.
One of the first things you’ll notice when switching from a longboard to a shortboard is how much more responsive the board feels. Because shortboards are smaller and thinner, they require a bit more effort to balance and maneuver.
Here are some steps to get comfortable:
Practice Your Paddle Technique: Paddling on a shortboard can be more challenging due to the board's size and shape. Make sure to keep your strokes long and consistent. Keep your body low and your arms relaxed for better control.
Positioning: When lying on the board, make sure you’re centered. Too far forward and you’ll nose dive; too far back and you’ll have trouble catching waves. Finding the sweet spot is key.
Pop-Up: Getting to your feet quickly and with control is even more important on a shortboard. Practice your pop-up on land to develop muscle memory. Your pop-up should be smooth and quick. It’s all about timing—waiting too long can cause you to miss the wave, while popping up too early can leave you off balance.
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Once you feel comfortable paddling and getting to your feet, it’s time to start working on the key maneuvers that will help you truly ride a shortboard like a pro. These techniques will make your surfing more dynamic and enjoyable.
The Bottom Turn: The bottom turn is one of the most important maneuvers when surfing on a shortboard. It sets you up for all the moves you’ll do on the wave. This turn occurs as you reach the bottom of the wave, just after paddling into it. To perform a bottom turn:
The Top Turn: Once you've made the bottom turn, it's time to move up the wave and execute a top turn. This is where the shortboard really shines, as its smaller size allows for sharp, quick movements. To perform a top turn:
Carving and Fluid Turns: Carving is about making smooth, fluid turns that maintain your speed while riding the wave. Unlike on a longboard, where you can slide into turns more gently, shortboarding requires sharp carving turns that keep you in the pocket of the wave. To carve:
Riding the Wave: Riding the wave on a shortboard is all about positioning and reading the wave. Shortboards excel in catching fast, steep waves, so learning to stay ahead of the breaking section is vital. Keep these tips in mind:
While shortboards are ideal for high-performance surfing, they also come with challenges. The smaller size makes them harder to balance, and they require more precision to catch waves. That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding of wave selection and timing. Here are some tips:
Timing: Shortboards require precise timing when paddling for waves. You’ll need to paddle faster and harder to match the speed of the wave. If you paddle too early or too late, you’ll miss the wave.
Wave Selection: Shortboards are best suited for steeper, faster waves. If you’re surfing a flat wave, it can be more difficult to gain speed and perform maneuvers.
At Ohana Surf Project, we specialize in offering professional surf lessons for all levels. Our surf instructors have years of experience, and we provide top quality surf lessons for surfers of every skill level. We also provide surf rentals suited to different styles and conditions, so you can find the perfect board for your session. If you're looking to improve your shortboarding skills, we can help guide you through personalized lessons to suit your needs.
Our team will focus on your unique challenges and help you master techniques like pop-ups, bottom turns, and carving. If you’re ready to tackle the waves with a shortboard, we’ll provide all the gear you need, including boards, wetsuits, and other essentials. Plus, we offer photos to capture your best moments on the water.
Learning how to surf on a shortboard is an exciting challenge. With practice and dedication, you’ll be able to master the techniques that make shortboarding such a thrilling experience. Whether you're catching your first wave or carving down the line, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of riding a shortboard.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, we’re here to help you every step of the way at Ohana Surf Project. Our lessons are designed to make learning fun and safe, while helping you improve your skills. We believe in the power of the ocean to bring people together, and we can’t wait to see you out there, riding the waves on your shortboard!
