How to Be a Great Longboard Surfer

Riders who are just beginning to learn to surf often do so on longboards. The elongated board is more bouyant than short boards, and provides a larger surface to stand on, making it easier to balance. Longboards are not as agile as short surfboards, but tricks like the knee drop, cross stepping and riding the nose can be performed on a longboard. With lots of practice, you can become a great longboard surfer.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lay face down on your board and begin paddling away from the wave as it approaches. Push off the board using your hands and pop up, landing both feet on the board at the same time. Begin to push off the board at the foot of the wave. Make sure to catch the wave early to prevent the nose of the board from tilting downward and submerging underwater.

    • 2

      Surf across the face of the wave. Keep your knees bent and your feet planted. Ride in the same direction as the wave to maintain a long steady ride.

    • 3

      Perform a knee-drop turn. Widen your stance on the longboard and drop your back knee to the surface of the board as you turn. Lean in the direction you wish to turn, using your balance and feet to control and move the board.

    • 4

      Cross step across the board. Find a nice trim line and steady your board. A trim line is the path in which the board glides across the wave without turning. Bring your rear foot up and place it in front of your front foot. Repeat this step, crossing your feet as your walk up and down your board while riding.

    • 5

      Ride on the nose of the board. Find your trim line on the wave. Cross step to the front of the board and bring both feet up to the edge while maintaining your balance. Place your feet side by side on the nose of the board, curling your toes over the front edge. Cross step back to your original riding stance.