An Absolute Guide to Longboarding

 
There’s something magical about longboarding. It’s not just about riding waves; it’s about the effortless glide, and being able to surf in a wide variety of conditions. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to add a new dimension to your surfing repertoire, a longboard can open up a world of possibilities. To make the most of your longboarding experience we’ve put together a few fundamental tips.  

1. Paddling

Be mindful of your body position on the board.

Find a spot where you feel the least drag from the tail of your board, while also making sure that your nose isn’t catching on the water. Arching your back is a great technique to help you prevent your nose from catching!

Use long and smooth strokes.

Avoid fully extending your arm forward, as it tires you out easily, and prevents you from arching your back. Use a smooth, rhythmic motion to maximize your speed and efficiency.

Adjust your positioning according to conditions.

Shift your weight forward to catch smaller waves and back for steeper, larger waves to maintain optimal control.

2. Positioning

Stay active

Don’t stay in one place for too long, and continuously adjust your position to stay in the optimal spot for catching waves. The line-up and the conditions are always changing!

Take advantage of your longboard! (respectfully)

With a slightly bigger board, you have a paddling advantage over others. If you’re confident, position yourself slightly closer to the peak to get into the wave early.

That said, handling the impact zone or maneuvering around a crowded line-up can be tricky with a bigger board. Critically assess your skills before putting yourself into a line-up. 

3. Fading and Trimming

Fade to set up your line

Try angling slightly towards the breaking wave as you paddle before you start riding along the wave. Not only does this help you generate more speed as you take off, it can often make the difference between catching or missing a wave!

Trim to generate speed

Keep a low center of gravity​ and make subtle adjustments with your toes heel glide high or low on the wave to maintain the board’s speed and flow.

Generally, the higher you are on the face of the wave, the faster it will take you. 
 

4. Cross Stepping

Why cross step?

The longer your board is, the easier it is for you to lose your sweet spot. Not only is it stylish, cross stepping can help you read the wave better and adjust your position on your board for a longer, more enjoyable ride.

Similar to trimming the wave, there will be sections through waves where you can use cross stepping to help the board generate more or less speed.

Approaching cross stepping

Start by practicing cross-stepping on flat ground to develop muscle memory and balance.

Setting the rail of your board into the wave is crucial while cross stepping. Be mindful of where your weight is being put under your feet (heelside vs. toeside).

Nose riding!?

Going to the nose is not the sole purpose of cross stepping, but it sure is one of the funnest parts.

If you’re starting to feel comfortable, try gradually pushing your limits towards the nose. 

5. Turning and Carving

Why turn or carve?

Performing maneuvers like bottom turns and cutbacks can also improve your wave positioning and speed control. It helps you make the most of a wave.

Use your back foot!

Because of their length and weight, turning longboards effectively involves using your back foot for leverage, leaning into the turn while engaging the rails with the water. Don’t be afraid to get low! 

6. Fins  

Placement 

The (single) fin box on most longboards allows you to experiment and find a spot that works well with your level or style. Generally speaking, the further forward the fins are, the looser the board would feel. Accordingly, the further back you place your fin, the more stiff your board will be.

Size and style 

Selecting the right fin depends on your surfing style, the conditions you surf in, and the type of maneuvers you want to perform. Experimenting with different sizes and shapes can help you find the perfect setup to enhance your longboarding experience.

As a general rule to start, match the length of your long board with the size of your fin (ft to inch) e.g a 9’0 Gypsea would use a 9inch single fin.

Longboarding is all about enjoying the ride, feeling the flow, and making the most out of every wave. Our — Gypsea, Magic Mirror, and Carpet Ship— each offer unique features to enhance your surfing experience, no matter the conditions. Whether you’re cruising, turning, or nose riding, these boards are designed to help you have more fun in the water. Give one of these wave catchers a go or reach out to us at info@magiccarpetsurfboards.com

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