When it comes to surfing, choosing the right board is crucial. Longboard surfboards are a popular choice among surfers due to their stability, ease of use, and versatility. But what exactly is a longboard surfboard, and how do you choose the best one for you?
A longboard surfboard is typically longer and wider than a traditional shortboard, with a rounded nose and a wide tail. This design allows for more stability and ease of use, making it a great option for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed surfing experience. Longboards are also versatile and can be used in a variety of wave conditions, from small and mellow to large and powerful.
Choosing the best longboard surfboard for you depends on several factors, including your skill level, preferred wave types, and personal preferences. Advanced surfers may prefer more maneuverable models, while less skilled surfers may want a board with stability in mind. Additionally, the type of waves you typically surf will also play a role in determining the best longboard for you. By considering these factors and doing some research, you can find the perfect longboard surfboard to help you catch more waves and enjoy your surfing experience to the fullest.
5 Benefits of a Longboard Surfboard
As someone who has been surfing on longboard surfboards for years, I can attest to the many benefits they offer. Here are five of the most significant benefits of a longboard surfboard:
Stable
One of the most significant benefits of a longboard surfboard is its stability. Longboards are wider and thicker than other types of surfboards, which makes them more stable in the water. This stability makes them an excellent choice for beginners and surfers who want to improve their balance.
Speed
Longboard surfboards are also known for their speed. The extra length of the board allows surfers to catch waves earlier, giving them more time to gain speed and ride the wave. This speed makes longboards an excellent choice for surfers who want to ride bigger waves.
More Floatable
Longboard surfboards are more floatable than other types of surfboards. This floatability makes it easier for surfers to paddle out to the waves and catch them. It also makes it easier to stay on the wave once you’ve caught it, as the board will stay on top of the water instead of sinking.
Surfing On Small Waves Easier
Longboard surfboards are also great for surfing on small waves. The extra length and width of the board make it easier to catch smaller waves that other surfboards might not be able to catch. This makes longboards an excellent choice for surfers who want to surf in a variety of conditions.
Adaptability
Finally, longboard surfboards are incredibly adaptable. They can be used for a variety of surfing styles, from cruising to nose riding. This adaptability makes them an excellent choice for surfers who want to try different styles of surfing without having to buy multiple surfboards.
In conclusion, longboard surfboards offer many benefits that make them an excellent choice for surfers of all levels. From their stability to their speed, floatability, and adaptability, longboards are a versatile and reliable choice for anyone looking to improve their surfing skills.
What Are Longboard Surfboards Made Of
Longboard surfboards are made of a variety of materials, but the most common construction is polyurethane (PU) foam covered with layers of fiberglass cloth and polyester or epoxy resin. This construction is known for its durability and flexibility, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced surfers.
Common Constructions for Most Longboard Surfboard
- Polyurethane foam (PU): This is the most common material used for the core of longboard surfboards. It is lightweight and easy to shape, making it a popular choice for surfboard manufacturers. PU foam is typically shaped into the desired shape of the board and then covered with layers of fiberglass cloth and resin.
- Epoxy resin: Epoxy resin is a popular choice for longboard surfboards because it is more durable than polyester resin and is less likely to yellow over time. Epoxy resin is also more resistant to dings and dents, making it a good choice for surfers who want a board that will last longer.
- Fiberglass cloth: Fiberglass cloth is used to cover the PU foam core of the longboard surfboard. It is typically applied in multiple layers to provide strength and durability to the board. The number of layers used depends on the desired strength and weight of the board.
- Wood: Some longboard surfboards are made of wood, which provides a unique look and feel to the board. Wood boards are typically heavier than foam boards, but they can be more durable and have a longer lifespan.
In summary, longboard surfboards are typically made of polyurethane foam covered with layers of fiberglass cloth and polyester or epoxy resin. This construction is known for its durability and flexibility, making it a popular choice for surfers of all skill levels. Other materials, such as wood, can also be used to make longboard surfboards, but they are less common.
Best Longboard Surfboards
When it comes to longboard surfboards, there are a lot of options out there. Here are some of the best longboard surfboards that I have come across:
Best Longboard Surfboard Overall: Bing Silver Spoon
The Bing Silver Spoon is a great all-around longboard surfboard that combines the template of the Bing Lightweight with a deep blended concave, giving you lift for noseriding while maintaining speed and glide down-the-line. With a 3-stringer (bass wood) cluster square tail design, this board is suitable for small to medium surf for any type of wave from points, reefs to beach breaks. The step or “spoon” tail provides lift for noseriding and thins out the tail for more maneuverability. The Silver Spoon has the nice weight of a traditional noserider but is moderate enough for surfers of all levels to enjoy.
Best Longboard Surfboard for Advanced Surfers: Takayama Model T
The Takayama Model T is a well-rounded and versatile longboard surfboard that is perfect for advanced surfers. With a broad, easy noserideable nose, and wide, surprisingly loose tail, this board is what every one of Donald’s team riders has in their competitive quiver. With its 50/50 rails, single fin, square tail, and volan cloth, this board is the perfect compliment to Donald’s R-Pin Retro. Where the R-Pin Retro excels in shoulder high and bigger surf, the Model T’s perfection lies in waves from shoulder high to ankle small.
Best Longboard Surfboard for Fun: Robert August What I Ride
The Robert August What I Ride is a board that maximizes your fun regardless of the conditions. It comes with 60/40 rails that make it responsive and fast yet forgiving. Along with the rail design, its signature tear drop concave under the nose, greatly enhances your nose riding. The combination of these features makes this our most versatile (and popular) board. We always try to have a few on the rack in our shop.
Best Longboard Surfboard for Speed and Easy to ride: Stewart Redline 11
The Stewart Redline 11 is the ultimate 9’0 surfboard! It turns like an 8’6,” paddles like a 9’6.” and noserides like a 10’0.” Bill says this is the “best all-around longboard he’s ever designed”. The nose bottom has a deep single concave that continues back past the half-way point. This concave is what makes the Redline 11 paddle, turn and nose ride exceptionally great. That single concave flows into a double concave with a heavy V in the rounded pin tail, which makes it loose, fast, and easy to ride.
Best Longboard Surfboard for Performance and Stability: Infinity RNB
The Infinity RNB “Round Nose Blurr” is one of our most popular performance surf designs of all time. It is the perfect blend of performance vs stability and a noticeably fast board. This design bridges the gap between a traditional shortboard style outline and wider stubby style shapes. This board allows riders to ride a shorter and narrower board while maintaining similar stability of a board 2-3″ wider simply from the design of the outline. The RNB features a slight single concave and a deeper double between the fins. Very versatile in the small stuff and can mix it up in some juice as well with the 5 fin option.
Best Longboard Surfboard for Adaption: Walden Mega Magic
The Walden Mega Magic is a great longboard surfboard that has the famous Magic Model elements: patented concave bottom, hard rails & lots of rocker. The Mega Magic is our Magic Model with the most condensed volume. We take volume from the length and redistribute it to the width and thickness while maintaining our famous Magic Model performance. It has a broad, easy noserideable nose, and wide, surprisingly loose tail.
These are just a few of the best longboard surfboards out there, but they are definitely worth checking out if you’re in the market for a new board.
How to Store a Longboard Surfboard
When it comes to storing your longboard surfboard, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that your board stays in good condition. Here are some tips on how to store your longboard surfboard properly.
On a Rack
One of the best ways to store your longboard surfboard is on a rack. You can either use a freestanding rack or a wall rack. A freestanding rack is a good option if you have a lot of space, while a wall rack is a great space-saving option. Make sure that the rack you choose is sturdy and can support the weight of your board.
Storage Tips
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when storing your longboard surfboard:
- Keep your board out of direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can cause the wax on your board to melt and can also cause discoloration.
- Do not leave your board in a car: Cars can get very hot, especially in the summer months. Leaving your board in a car can cause the wax to melt and can also cause damage to the board.
- Avoid storing your surfboard on hard surfaces: Storing your board on a hard surface can cause pressure dings and can also damage the fins.
- Make sure your board is secure: Your board should be secured to the rack or wall mount to prevent it from falling.
- Always rinse your board with fresh water: After each use, rinse your board with fresh water to remove any salt or sand.
- Always use a surfboard bag or surfboard sock: A surfboard bag or sock can help protect your board from scratches and dings.
- Do not hang your surfboards by the leash: Hanging your board by the leash can cause stress on the leash plug and can also cause the board to warp over time.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your longboard surfboard stays in good condition and lasts for many years to come.
Best Longboard Surfboard Brands
When it comes to choosing the best longboard surfboard, finding the right brand can make all the difference. Here are some of the top longboard surfboard brands that are worth considering:
Bing
Bing Surfboards has been a well-known surfboard manufacturer for over 60 years. Their longboard surfboards are designed with a classic look and feel, making them perfect for surfers who enjoy a retro style. Bing surfboards are known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality board.
Takayama
Donald Takayama was a legendary surfboard designer and shaper who built surfboards his entire life. Takayama Surfboards continues to produce some of the best longboard surfboards on the market. Their boards are known for their speed, maneuverability, and responsiveness. If you’re looking for a high-performance longboard, Takayama is definitely a brand to consider.
Robert
Robert Surfboards is a high-performance board building company that is helping to define the future of modern surfing. Their longboard surfboards are designed for surfers who want to push the limits and take their surfing to the next level. Robert Surfboards are known for their speed, agility, and responsiveness, making them perfect for surfers who want to ride big waves and carve up the surf.
Stewart
Stewart Surfboards provides a range of surfboards from shortboards to longboards. Their longboard surfboards are designed with a classic look and feel, making them perfect for surfers who want a traditional longboard. Stewart Surfboards are known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality board.
Infinity
Infinity Surfboards specializes in high-end, high-performance surfboard and SUP designs for all ocean sport activities. Their longboard surfboards are designed with a modern look and feel, making them perfect for surfers who want a more contemporary style. Infinity Surfboards are known for their speed, agility, and responsiveness, making them perfect for surfers who want to take their surfing to the next level.
Walden
Walden Surfboards offers a wide variety of longboard surfboards. Their longboard surfboards are designed for surfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. Walden Surfboards are known for their quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, so you can be sure you’re getting a high-quality board. If you’re looking for a versatile longboard surfboard, Walden is definitely a brand to consider.