Popular Surfer Errors when Riding a Performance Longboard.

When suggested to many surfers the idea of stepping onto a Performance Longboard Surfboard, this is something that most surfers consider the perfect upgrade. It vows the glide and paddle drive of a long board but the agility of a shortboard. But many of the middle-level and advanced surfers are found disappointed as they jump into the sea without having really comprehended the high-performance longboard requirements. And in case you are considering switching, it is always good to know these pitfalls that the surfers usually find themselves in in order to prevent getting into their traps.

Mistake 1: All Longboards are the same.

Among the most common myths, there is viewing a longboard as a longboard. A High performance Longboard surfboard is constructed with cleaner rails, smoother rockers, and skinnier foils which focus on maneuverability. Retro Longboards, conversely, typically have fuller rails, less rocker and broader noses intended to be trimmed and noserided. Surfers that want a performance board to noseride like a retro log, or a retro board to turn like a high-performance shape are sure to be disappointed. The first mistake is to use the wrong style of surfing to achieve your goals.

Error 2: Purchasing On Length Only.

Many surfers will only be obsessed with the length when buying a new board. Of course there may be a performance longboard at 9'0" and up but length is not the only puzzle. The distribution of width, thickness, and volume is equally important--or more so--as far as the way the board feels under your feet. An example is a 9'1" that has a pulled in nose and a thin tail will have completely different behaviors on the water compared to a 9'1" retro log with a fat nose and fat rails. Sometimes just look at the entire design and not only the size.

Error 3: Wave Type and Conditions are not followed.

A Performance Longboard Surfboard is brilliant in shoulders to head high waves that do not have dirty faces. But put the same board into effeminate, knee-high summer mush and you will soon be under-powered. A lot of surfers want a single board to deal with it all. The thing is that, whenever you ride crumbly, slow waves the majority of the year, a Retro Longboard or a board with more glide would give you a better experience. It is very important to match your board with your local break in order to achieve the best in your surfing.

Error 4: Ignoring the Fin Set-Up.

Fins have received a backseat treatment but they have an enormous impact on the way your longboard acts. Usually a high-performance board comes in 2+1 fin set up or even a thruster to sharpen the turns and control. Retro shapes are better suited to one or larger center fin to be stable and have drawn-out lines. When you install the incorrect fin configuration on your board, then you will feel that the board is working against you. It is not the fault of the board--it is the arrangement.

Mistake 5: Hoping It Will Be So.

The other pitfall is the underestimation of learning curve. The High Performance Longboard Surfboard is less forgiving than the retro log. The rails are stiffer, the volume is reduced and the turning reaction is faster. That is, errors in foot position, trim or timing are revealed immediately. Whoever takes on one of these boards often assumes that he will immediately begin to rip just like the pros and only to find that he has to revise his technique a great deal. Moving out can be embarrassing, yet it is also where the real development takes place.

Blunder 6: Leaving Paddle Power Behind.

Performance shapes are smooth in that they tend to be less volumized in the front. They may not always have the gliding smoothness of a standard longboard, but since they are faster than a shortboard they are rowing at a higher rate. Surfers accustomed to the paddling ability of a 9'6" retro log are also taken aback with how much harder it is to chase a wave on a thinner 9'0" performance model. Realizing this trade-off allows one to establish the appropriate expectations.

Error 7: Selecting Form in lieu of Content.

It is too simple to become sold on the flashy images of surfers tearing on a Performance Longboard Surfboard and believe, That is the board I need. However those surfers are often riding custom shapes that are well-balanced to their local breaks and surfing abilities. One of the quickest methods of owning the wrong board is to pursue the aesthetics or the fashion without thinking of your own surfing capabilities. Be forthright on what level you surf and what kind of waves you mostly do.

Error 8: Failure to make Technique Adjustments.

Changing equipment is not a simple matter of replacing Retro Longboards by performance models, it is a matter of changing your approach to surfing. With minimum footwork adjustments, retro logs enable you to cruise, trim, and noseride. Performance longboards demand more involvement of rail, rapid weight shifting and more aggressiveness on the back foot. Surfers who fail to change their posture and style mostly feel awkward and rigid on such boards.

Wrapping It Up

One of the most fulfilling items in your quiver is a Performance Longboard Surfboard, however, only when you treat it with an appropriate mentality. Any errors are ultimately reduced to inappropriate expectations: selecting the wrong design, not paying attention to the wave conditions, and failing to modify technique. Knowing the differences between High Performance Longboard Surfboard and classic Retro Longboards, you will be able to select a board which suits your objectives and your waves.

Surfing involves being connected, flowing and fun. These pitfalls should be avoided and your performance longboard will not be just another board but it will be a window to a brand new world of surfing.