Longboarding Kills Shortboarding??!

I think it's great to mix things up a bit.Might even make you a tad better.When you jump back on the short board it might take just a hair longer to get dialed in again but overall I think it's a benefit.

 

For more than 20 years, I only rode shortboards. I my first longboard maybe 10 years ago, because it looked like so much fun on small days, as opposed to being frustrated trying to make something out of nothing on a 6'4. Felt like I was stuck in a rut.

As far as it affecting my shortboarding, yea.... for about two waves.

Yesterday was so good in the morning. Surfed for I don't even know how many hours on a hpsb. Came home, ate, did a few things around the house, and got the second session on a borrowed 9'6 hplb. Having the choice is a beautiful thing. Took about two waves to settle into the longboard thing. So it goes both ways.

 

Variety is good when it comes to surfing. Personally, I'd like to be competent on all sorts of shapes and size boards

 

Longboards are fun when it is too small for short boards. It is better than not being out at all.

 

I still ride both as long as you switch up a lot it won't matter. Just remember friends don't let friends SUP.

 

I've never gotten in to LBing and was thinking about picking one up too... I always ride short fatty's (like my women) on small days, but I want to get a log. It would be nice to have the option.

 

There is nothing wrong with riding an SUP. There aren't always rideable waves out there.

 

What I think many people overlook is how much fun longboarding is in bigger surf also (chest-1ft overhead). Makes you feel almost in tune with the water, the way they did it long ago back when surfing was about riding the wave and not just about seeing how many turns you can throw in. Definately an awesome experience. I'm in my twenties and after buying a longboard last year that is 8'9, I find myself using it more often than not even in the bigger stuff. Turns well as I have tri fins, but is still a longboard.

 

There are probably very few proper longboard waves on the East Coast. Ideally you would want a point, or a reef, and some long period swell from far away.

But that doesn't mean it cannot be done... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-QTtMDycjs

 

Sick style

 

I hate paddling those big logs through the break zone. My " longboard " is now a fish. A good compromise for me.

 

After riding my longboard I think it's easier to ride my shortboard. I fell like I can throw the thing around.

 

Staying in line with your swing analogy... You can compare paddlinand manuvering on the lb to swinging a bat with a donut on it. Your sb will seem much lighter the next time you take it out. The only drawback is your pop up on the lb will beach more stable making the first couple waves on the sb squirrely. You'll probably only experience this for a little bit until you get your muscle memory up.

 

man I was in the same boat. Shortboards only. I got a log a couple summer ago and I kid you not it has changed my life. I still ride my shortboards when it's actually good but the other 95% of the time I surf so much more often and get so many more waves on the log. I ride the log in some good surf too. I feel like the Duke charging down a big one.

 

Personally- I feel longboard actually help my improve my style and i feel as if i surf better when changing back... but you gotta actually ride the longboard right... not just cruz down the line without turning- you gotta work on your cut backs and off the lips and floaters on your longboard! once you turn one of those things you will be going crazy on the shortboard! But thats just my option... if you just trim down the line.. and dont turn, its not going to help..

 

I absolutely agree with this. I rode shortboards exclusively for years. When I started riding longer boards, it forced me to pay more attention to foot position and weight distribution. The movements required to make a longboard perform are exaggerated versions of what you need to do to get the same response on a shortboard. Longboarding will make you a better surfer in general, and it will increase your time in the water. Also, switching back and forth is no big deal.

 

IMO, ride the board that is best suited for the conditions. Have a small quiver... If its small out ride the longboard, if its bigger out ride the funboard or shortboard... Pretty simple I think. Best surfer out there is the surfer having the most fun. Frankly, people riding a shortboard on a 1' day is just silly and you look dumb pumping and pumping.. no point to struggle.. whip out the log and start cruising.. as everyone said before, it usually takes a few waves to get used to what you're riding again.

 

Absolutely! I think it's kind of like a baseball player in the on-deck spot, warming up with the heavyweight on the bat then when he goes to swing for real he has that exploding power... just like riding the longboard then going to the shortbaord / fish... def helps you whip it around.