1. Master the Wave
Once you've spent hours and hours learning how to surf, paddling out and riding the waves back into the shore, you will get a sense of the power that is in the ocean and how it can be harnessed for a great sport. After many seasons and many accomplished adventures in surfing, some athletes begin to look for more of a challenge. These athletes may take to the longboards and the very biggest waves. Other surfers are drawn to the tricks and challenges that can be done closer to shore on a shortboard.
2. Shorter and Wider Surfboard
Shortboards are surfboards that are between five-and-a-half and seven feet. They are 16 to 19 inches wide and have anywhere from three to five fins on the bottom. Whereas a longboard typically has only one fin the back, a shortboard has one long fin down the center and two smaller fins along the rails. These fins can help maneuver the board through the waves and cut over between them, giving the surfer more control.
3. Custom Built for Expert Surfers
Shortboards are harder to paddle and more difficult to handle. They are typically custom-made for surfers who have particular styles. The basic shortboard is built for speed and maneuverability. They are also called thrusters or performance boards. Fishes are boards with wider, snouter fronts. A high performance short board is lighter and move curved, possibly with two extra fins.
4. Going Long for the Biggest Waves
The bigger the board, the further out you can go to ride the biggest waves. Short boards are not built fro riding the very big waves way out in the ocean. They are very difficult to paddle out there anyway. Most shortboard riders want to catch a good wave closer to shore so that they can work on their turns and jumps anyway. For those surfers who may like long rides and an occasional jump close into shore, an intermediate board called a fun board is available. It is usually six to seven-and-a-half feet and is wider and heavier than a shortboard, making it a bit more stable.
5. Cover Your Risks
Always surf where others are riding waves or with a partner, since you will be taking more risk on the performance board. Also, keep your eyes on your surf mates at all times. Learn CPR in case one of your surf buddies has an accident. Water safety includes going at it with a clear mind. Surfers may seem to be rebels and anti-social at times, but they are clear on one thing they don't want to surf with partners who are on drugs or impaired in any way.
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