LONGBOARDS
Longboards hold a special place in the realm of surfing.
Leaving an indelible mark on surfing culture over time, longboards continue to be relevant - and amazingly good fun - today.
No matter how much surfboard technology and design advance, there is nothing like the feeling of sliding across a beautiful, long point break wave on a longboard.
Ancient Polynesians first used wooden surfboards (the predecessor to longboards) to ride waves but it was the iconic Duke Kahanamoku who spread the love of surfing outside of Hawaii with his longboard riding skills, cementing his name as one of the most influential surfers of all time. 'The Duke' famously rode 10' or longer hardwood longboards that weighed over 100 pounds (some close to 175 lbs.).
By definition, longboards are over 9 feet although minimals, eggs, mid lengths, etc. often get bundled in with the longboards category. Regardless, longboards, with a large, rounded nose and longer, wider outline are great for helping learners to work the wave. And, for the longboard connoisseur, there is nothing more exhilarating than 'hanging ten' on a classic noserider longboard at your favourite point break.
Every well rounded surfer should have a longboard in his or her quiver.