When you head out to catch a monster wave, the first thing you need is to be armed with the proper board. The longboard surfboard is a popular means of achieving this aquatic high. The origins of the classic longboard surfboard date back to the early 6th century, when the ancient Hawaiians used boards that ranged up to 10 feet in length, crafted from solid wood. Through the 19th century and the earlier years of the 20th, the popularity of surfing waned and the sport was close to dying out altogether. But surfing was revived and now has a huge following all over the world.
Duke Kahanamoku is credited with the revival of modern surfing when he introduced surfing to the United States mainland and Australia. By the early 1920's surfing had become an essential part of the beaches in California. The Malibu beach surfing scene gained such notoriety that it wave birth to the eponymous Malibu Longboard. The materials used to build these boards gradually changed in the 50's. Solid wood was replaced by balsa wood which provided a less weighing board which was extremely durable. The design then took a quantum leap with the integration of polyurethane foam and fiberglass; this was in the 1960's.
Longboards today are different from earlier longboards. It weighs a lot less when compared to older models. The effect of drag by the waves on the board is reduced due to its combination of polyurethane and fiberglass. They usually average 9 and half feet in length, though some boards can go up to 14 feet in length.
Different Longboard Models
In addition to the single-fin longboard, other models exist which are variants of the classic design. The Tri-Fin or Thruster Longboard is one such variation. The thruster sports three fins under the board instead of on. This allows surfers to execute turns with increased control when compared to the classic Mal. The Gun is another variation in design. This board is shaped in the form of a teardrop and includes design elements found in a shortboard. This design allows the rider to paddle at an increased rate than the classic longboard.
But despite the most famous longboard design is The Malibu. Named after the popular Malibu beach, this board boasts a racy design that tends to be a bit on the narrow side. This design offers excellent manoeuvrability and speed. Perfect for hanging ten, the Malibu is the favorite board of experts and beginners alike.
When it comes to choosing a particular model though, you have to rely on your personal feel for the board as much as on anything else. It is advisable to first visit a rental shop and try out a few boards available there so that you can get a proper feel for what length and width are apt for you. It is really important to choose a board that is exactly tailor for your style to get the most out of your surfing experience, otherwise you might sour you fun, and nobody wants to do that. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and catch some waves.