I just got a shortboard and i need to know the basics?

Question

i learned surfing on a longboard a lil over a year ago and the board is 6'1" i'm 5'2" and i weigh like almost 90 lbs. i'm 13. [almost 14!] i just want to know the basics. how different will it be? is it harder to catch a wave? any tips? i'm not looking at doing tricks right now until i get a good grip on cruising. i had a friend told me its harder to catch waves so u have to pump harder and kick with ur feet. idk. maybe i misinterpretted what he was saying. but is there any tips that will make catching and riding easier? thanks a lot so much.

Answer 1

for someone of your size it will not matter much.....

its true however that it is much easier to catch the wave on a longboard.....

for most people on a long board they paddle long before the wave breaks to catch the wave and therefore it is much easier....lot of people on shortboards do not get a big headstart and get in position right before the wave breaks to paddle because it is harder to catch...........

tip----never go to knees----straight to the feet...........

Answer 2

Well i think that it is harder to paddle and catch a wave on a shortboard compared to a longboard. The shortboard also has its advantages too, which you'll find out yourself. Couple tips are that sit on your board and kinda make the tip near your chest and when a wave comes get in it and then let go and start paddling. You should also pop up different than a longboard, but  you have to find out because Therese different way for different people.

Answer 3

i have been surfing my whole life, going from a long to short board will be quite a change, because the board size, it will take a while to get use to it, just be pacient and surf alot

-good luck

Answer 4

On a shortboard, you have to start your paddling at a different point on the wave.  Position yourself in the lineup so that you are closer to where the wave breaks.  When you find a good wave, balance yourself so the board is trim, just like on a longboard and paddle your heart out.  It will take a while to get used to the timing, of course, but you should be able to pick it up pretty quickly.

Instead of "popping up" think explode up...you want one fast move from paddling position to standing up.  This is where core muscle strength (abs!) is important.  Be sure to have your feet centered over the stringer when you get up, too.  There is a lot less room for error on a shortboard.

Also, if you are on a steeper, faster wave, when you catch it the nose of your board will be out of the water and you might be tempted to push it down before or as you stand up.  Don't.  This will send you over the nose really fast.  

If the wave is crumbly (not steep), and you are trying to catch it on a shortboard, it will be harder to get enough speed.  One thing that helps me on this type of wave is to put my hands flat on the deck of the board instead of grabbing the rails when I am ready to stand up.  It gets rid of a great deal of drag.

Answer 5

longboards are easier for smaller waves, shortboards are easier for larger waves. since you're 5'2, your shortboard should be about 6'1 or 6'4. Shortboards are way easier than longboards because you have more control and balance on it.

when you paddle into the ocean or beach, you have to swim and paddle quickly to catch a ride and keep yoru body on the board until you're on top of the board and put your feet into one position. one foot in the front, one foot on the back and pull up your legs towards the board and pull out your arms to keep balance. that is a trick i learned to keep more balance so you dont sink or fall into the waters.

Answer 6

i think it's so much easier to paddle and catch waves, but not to stand up. it's hard to balance. i went through the same thing as you when i was 14. now i'm 15 and so happy to have such freedom from a big board.