Shortboard surfing is an exciting and challenging aspect of the sport. Unlike longboarding, which is typically easier for beginners, shortboard surfing requires more skill and experience. This guide will provide a detailed, easy-to-follow approach to help you learn how to ride a shortboard. From paddling techniques to turning, this guide covers everything you need to know to ride a shortboard like a pro.
What is a Shortboard?
A shortboard is a type of surfboard that is shorter, usually ranging from 5’5” to 6’6” in length. It has a more curved shape, which makes it ideal for performing fast turns and maneuvers. The shortboard is designed for more experienced surfers who have mastered the basics of surfing, including balance, paddling, and wave selection.
The shorter length of a shortboard allows for greater maneuverability, but it also requires a higher level of skill. Unlike longer boards, shortboards are less stable, making it essential to be precise with your movements.
Choosing the Right Shortboard
Before you start learning to ride a shortboard, it’s important to select the right one. Choosing the right board will make your progress faster and easier. Here are some tips for picking the best shortboard:
Length and Volume
Length: The ideal length for your shortboard depends on your height, weight, and experience level. If you are transitioning from a longer board, a 6’0″ to 6’4″ shortboard is a good starting point.
Volume: The volume of a shortboard affects its buoyancy. More volume makes it easier to paddle, but too much can reduce the board’s ability to perform sharp turns. A moderate volume is ideal for a balance between speed and maneuverability.
Shape and Rocker
Shape: Shortboards have a pointed nose and a narrower tail. This shape allows for quick turns and faster rides.
Rocker: The rocker is the curve of the board from nose to tail. A board with more rocker will be better for steep waves, while a flatter rocker is ideal for smaller, slower waves.
Make sure you get a board that suits the type of waves you plan to surf. If you’re still learning, try a board that offers more stability without sacrificing too much maneuverability.
Basic Skills You Need
Before you dive into shortboard surfing, you need to master some basic skills that apply to all surfing. Here’s what you need to focus on:
1. Paddling
Paddling is an essential skill in surfing, especially on a shortboard. The shorter length means you’ll need to paddle harder and faster to catch waves.
Tips for paddling:
- Keep your body flat and relaxed on the board.
- Use long, strong strokes to propel yourself forward.
- Keep your head slightly lifted so you can spot approaching waves.
- Keep your arms extended and avoid unnecessary splashing.
2. Pop-Up
The pop-up is one of the most crucial skills for shortboard surfing. It’s the motion of going from a prone position to standing on the board. A quick, smooth pop-up is necessary to ride a wave properly.
How to pop up:
- Start in a prone position, lying flat on your stomach on the board.
- As the wave approaches, begin paddling to gain speed.
- When you feel the wave lifting you, push your chest up and spring your legs underneath you.
- Place your feet firmly on the board. The front foot should be near the middle, and the back foot should be positioned near the tail.
- Stand up with your knees slightly bent, and your arms balanced for stability.
The pop-up should be quick and fluid. Practice this movement on land first to build muscle memory before attempting it in the water.
3. Balance
Maintaining balance on a shortboard is more challenging than on a longboard. Since the board is smaller and less stable, you’ll need to focus on keeping your center of gravity low.
Tips for balance:
- Keep your knees bent and your body relaxed.
- Look straight ahead, not down at your feet.
- Keep your weight centered between the front and back foot.
- Practice standing on your board on land before entering the water to get a feel for the balance.
How to Ride a Shortboard: Step-by-Step
Once you’ve mastered the basic skills, it’s time to ride a shortboard. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step approach:
1. Paddle Out to the Waves
To get to the right position to catch a wave, you’ll need to paddle out. On a shortboard, this requires more effort since the board is smaller.
- Paddle hard and fast to get through the white water (the broken waves).
- Use your arms in long, powerful strokes, but be careful not to exhaust yourself too soon.
- Try to keep a steady rhythm, and avoid unnecessary splashing.
As you paddle out, keep an eye on the waves. Try to pick a spot that isn’t too crowded, and where the waves are breaking in your favor.
2. Catching a Wave
Catching a wave on a shortboard requires timing and precision. You need to position yourself just right to get enough speed to catch the wave.
How to catch a wave:
- As a wave approaches, paddle towards it, ensuring that you’re in the sweet spot where the wave will break.
- Start paddling before the wave reaches you, so you build up speed.
- As the wave lifts the board, give a final burst of speed with your paddling.
- Once you feel the wave picking you up, quickly pop up to your feet.
The key to catching waves on a shortboard is being fast and aggressive. If you hesitate or paddle too slowly, the wave will pass you by.
3. Riding the Wave
Once you’re up and riding the wave, the real fun begins. On a shortboard, you’ll need to make quick adjustments to maintain your position and ride the wave effectively.
Tips for riding the wave:
- Use your body to steer the board. Shift your weight slightly on your front foot to turn.
- Keep your knees bent and your body low to stay balanced and in control.
- Make quick, sharp turns to adjust your position on the wave.
- To turn, push down with your back foot and lean into the direction you want to go.
- Keep an eye on the wave and stay focused.
4. Turning and Maneuvering
Turning on a shortboard is a key part of the ride. There are several types of turns you can perform, depending on how fast the wave is moving and where you want to go.
Types of turns:
Bottom Turn: This is the first turn you’ll make after catching a wave. It sets you up for riding along the wave. Push down on your back foot and turn the board towards the wave’s face.
Top Turn: Once you’re on the wave, you can turn back towards the top of the wave. This is where you can perform sharp, fast maneuvers.
Cutback: This is a more advanced maneuver where you turn back toward the breaking part of the wave, usually to avoid getting too far ahead of the wave’s face.
5. Exiting the Wave
Exiting the wave properly is essential, especially for safety. As the wave begins to lose power, it’s time to exit. There are two main ways to exit:
Riding Out: If you’re still in the sweet spot, continue riding the wave until it fades out.
Bailing: If you’re losing control or the wave is breaking in front of you, it’s best to bail out. To do this, jump off the board and swim safely away.
Tips for Progressing on a Shortboard
Once you’ve got the basics down, here are a few tips to help you progress:
Practice Regularly: The more you surf, the better you’ll get. Try to surf as often as you can to improve your skills.
Watch Other Surfers: Observe experienced surfers and learn from their techniques. Pay attention to their body movements, how they catch waves, and how they turn.
Stay Patient: Shortboard surfing takes time to master. Be patient with yourself and practice consistently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to ride a shortboard, it’s common to make mistakes. Here are some of the most common errors and how to avoid them:
Paddling Too Slowly: Not paddling hard enough can cause you to miss waves. Make sure you’re paddling with enough speed.
Standing Too Late: Waiting too long to pop up can make you miss the wave. Be quick when you feel the wave lifting you.
Not Maintaining Balance: Keep your weight centered and knees bent. Avoid standing too upright or too stiff.
Overturning: Making sharp turns too early can cause you to lose your position on the wave. Wait for the right moment to turn.
Conclusion
Riding a shortboard is a rewarding and thrilling aspect of surfing. It requires skill, patience, and practice. By mastering basic techniques like paddling, popping up, and balancing, you can start to ride waves confidently. Remember to stay patient, practice regularly, and enjoy the learning process. The more you surf, the better you’ll become at handling the shortboard and performing impressive maneuvers. Happy surfing!