Riding a longboard, kneeboard, shortboard - technically it’s all the same
Longboarding, kneeboarding, shortboarding – technically, there’re all the same
No matter which surfcraft you ride – shortboard, longboard, or kneeboard – the technique required to perform well is really all the same. As the information presented on Surfcoach is illustrated with examples of shortboarding, I have had emails from longboarders asking can they benefit from the information as well. And the answer is a definate yes.
Although I have primarily worked with shortboarders, I have coached elite kneeboarders and longboarders. With kneeboarders, elite surfers in this discipline, move their bodies exactly the same as elite shortboarders, except from the knees up. With longboarders, the use of the arms, bending and straightening, and twisting the body - are all a part of quality surfing. Except with longboarders, there is a lengthening of turns to accommodate the extra rail in the water.So when I talk about straightening your body and throwing your arms to create speed, or turning your head to look where you want to go [ both common mistakes in performance if they aren’t done ], these have just as much relevance to the other disciplines of the sport as well. Technically, moving a surfer’s body to create force and aid balance, just has to be modified to the surfer’s choice of equipment.
In addition to the above, when coaching longboarders and kneeboarders in competition tactics and wave selection, these skills are exactly the same as for the shortboarder. So the competition surfing package on Surfcoach, is relevant for all competitors.
With the amount of information and the number of instructional videos yet to be produced and added to this site , I have no other course at this stage, but to present the information in the shortboarder view. But surfers from all disciplines can be assured that the information and direction will have positive implications for all.
