You love catching those waves on your longboard, but you are ready for a challenge. You decide to grab a shortboard to get that same feeling, but all you do is knock out.
You are about to give up until you decide to figure out some tips to help you ride the waves instead of letting the waves ride you.
PRACTICE GOOD STYLE
This is vital to do prior to you wanting to transition from your longboard to your shortboard.
You will need to work on the following:
- Smooth drop
- Proper stance
- Flowing turns
- Using your eyes to help guide you in the direction you want to go
- Correct placement of your hands and arms
These above things will be even more important when you go down in board sizes. Small errors will not affect you on a longboard, but these same errors will affect you on a shortboard and make it very difficult for you.
GAIN WAVE CONFIDENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
You will want to learn (and practice) to have more steep take-offs in the most vital part of the waves.
This will be the hardest thing you will have to do when you transition to a shortboard. You will need to learn where is the right take-off zone.
You will need and want to practice this as it will gain your confidence as well. This will allow you to catch more waves with ease.
DON’T DOWNSIZE TOO QUICKLY
We always tend to run before we can walk, but this is not always the best idea. When it comes to downsizing, we want to make it gradual.
By making it gradual, it will allow you to get accustomed to each length as you make your way down to the shortboard.
By jumping in to fast, you will find what you are used to will not be the same as it is on your new shortboard. You will not be catching waves as much as catching those face plants.
PRACTICE ON CRITICAL WAVES
Even though you are probably more comfortable surfing with your longboard in smaller, softer, gentle waves, you can catch many more waves with your shortboard.
To prepare for the most fun, you will want to try out those critical waves rather than keeping to the same waves you’ve known and love.
PRACTICE YOUR DUCK DIVES
Duck diving is amazing when it comes to surfing on your shortboard. You will save so much energy once you learn how to duck dive properly.
You will also gain so much confidence when you do this properly. You won’t be wiping out as much either.
GO BACK TO YOUR OLD LONGBOARD
If you keep wiping out and getting frustrated, go back to your longboard for a bit. Surf some waves, let the frustrations melt and have some much-needed fun.
GO CATCH THOSE WAVES LIKE A PRO WITH YOUR SHORTBOARD
Now you have all the must-have tips under your belt. The only thing left to do is get out there on your shortboard and catch those waves like the pro you are! Just don’t forget that practice makes perfect.
If you still feel unsure about your style or technique, contact us today to schedule your surfing lessons.