For those who want to switch from longboards to shortboards - A comprehensive guide from history to how to choose

Top longboard pros tend to have a marathon runner-like build, using their light bodies to move the board efficiently, while top shortboard pros have highly developed latissimus dorsi muscles to lead explosive paddles and hard top actions, and thigh muscles to sink the board.
Of course, everyone's body type is different, but it is true that long and short runs require different amounts of exercise and use different muscles.

・Differences in related equipment <br>Surfing equipment is not just about the board. Various small items are required. Are there any differences between long and short surfboards when it comes to surfing-related equipment other than surfboards?

First, regarding the fins that are attached to the surfboard , longboards generally use a large single fin. There are also models that can be ridden with three fins by attaching stabilizers to both sides, or with twin fins, but these are basically fins designed specifically for longboards.

Shortboards also come in tri-fin , quad-fin , and classic twin-fin varieties , but all of these are basically fins designed specifically for shortboards.
This may be to be expected, as until recently fins and boards were one piece.

Next is the leash cord that connects your board to your body. Some people may think that this can be used for both long and short boards, but leashes for longboards are generally 9 feet long. Leashes for shortboards are 6 feet long, so there is a 3 foot (approximately 91 cm) difference in length. This difference exists because longboards allow you to walk on the board, and shortboards are as light as possible to eliminate resistance in the water.

There are also differences even among wetsuits that look the same. While longboarders' wetsuits are often stylish with front zippers that allow for layering, shortboarders' wetsuits are back-zippered or zipless, so that the zipper does not hinder vigorous movement. Furthermore, the shoulder fabric is thinner to accommodate more intense paddling, and each manufacturer has meticulously researched and improved the cut of the crotch to accommodate more intense board movements.

In addition to the things I've just mentioned, board cases are also different, as are racks and stands . There are some things you can reuse, such as earplugs , plastic containers and buckets , but basically it's best to think of all the related equipment as being different for longboards and shortboards.

As you can see, longboards and shortboards are complete opposites in surfing, and there is a huge gap in every aspect, which is enough to describe them as different sports.

Is a long board a beginner's board before riding a short board?

What I want to reconsider here is the commonly held belief that longboards are for beginners and shortboards are for advanced riders.
If you've read this far, you'll understand that this is a big mistake. Because longboarding and shortboarding are different sports. Beginners who want to do shortboarding should ride a beginner's shortboard, and advanced people who want to do longboarding should ride an advanced longboard.

I see a lot of people who want to try shortboarding start with a longboard as their first practice, but the points and waves are different. The paddling technique is different, and the way the board moves is different. What's more, the muscles used are different, so is this really going to be good practice for shortboarding? Of course not. The valuable time you've gained from longboarding is almost meaningless when you try shortboarding. In fact, you'll end up picking up habits specific to longboarding, like paddling with your arms a little too far apart or taking off by kneeling and intentionally delaying the pace, which has only negative effects. The related surf gear is also different, so it's a complete waste of time and money.

This isn't just for beginners. It applies to those who have gained some experience on longboards and are thinking of switching to shortboards once they've improved a bit more, as well as veteran longboarders who are thinking of trying shortboarding someday. No matter how much you improve at longboarding, you'll never get better at shortboarding. It's a waste of time to spend in the water on a longboard while thinking about trying shortboarding. If you use that time to practice shortboarding, you'll definitely improve at shortboarding.

However, even so, I think there is still some anxiety about switching from a longboard to a shortboard or starting out on a shortboard. This is simply because boards are smaller than longboards and are generally considered harder to ride and handle.
From here on, we will introduce knowledge and techniques to dispel such anxieties, and guide you so that you can switch to short swings with confidence and improve smoothly.

Surfboard outline and dimensions

First, let's take a look at what you need to know: how a surfboard's outline and dimensions (length, width, thickness) affect your surfing.

-About the outline <br>Simply put, the outline is whether the nose (tip) is pointed or round. Similarly, whether the tail (back) is narrow or wide. Whether the board is rounded overall or long and thin. Whether it is curved or flat when viewed from the side. These are things like that. There are many other factors, but the ones I have just mentioned are related to the board's water contact area.

A pointed nose reduces the water contact area, resulting in less resistance and quicker turns. A rounded nose increases the water contact area, providing stability and improving straight-line stability. It also shifts the center of gravity forward, making it easier to accelerate.

If the tail is narrow, the water contact area will be smaller, and the reaction of the back foot will be stronger and the turn will be sharper. On the other hand, if the tail is wide, it will be more stable, take off faster, and have a stronger rebound, so it will accelerate more when you step on it.
The curvature of the board is called rocker, and if it is curved, the water contact area is reduced and the board is more agile. If it is flat, the water contact area is increased and the board is more stable.
Also, even if the water contact area is the same, a rounded board tends to have better rotational ability, while a long, thin board tends to have better straight-line ability.

-About dimensions <br>The length, width, and thickness of a surfboard also have a big impact on surfing.
First of all, the longer the length, the more linear the movement. The shorter the length, the more rotational the movement, resulting in faster reaction and improved maneuverability.
The wider the board, the less lateral movement there will be and the more stable it will be. It will also make the board less likely to sink, making it easier to move forward even in weak waves. However, if the board is too wide, it will become sluggish when turning and its maneuverability will decrease.
The thicker the board, the stronger the buoyancy and the more stable it becomes. As with wider boards, it is less likely to sink, which improves performance in small waves. However, at the same time, it becomes harder to get the rails in, which makes turns more obtuse.

Additionally, most boards now have a CL value. This indicates the volume of the board, and is a very useful number because the outline and dimensions are all reflected in this CL value. Simply put, a larger number means stronger buoyancy and a more stable feel. A smaller number means a board with sharper maneuverability.

・Advantages of longboards and shortboards<br>Now, let's consider the advantages of longboards and shortboards, keeping in mind our knowledge of outlines and dimensions.
Longboards have a rounded nose, a wide tail, little rocker, and are larger in length, width, and thickness than shortboards, so they are stable, have strong straight-line stability, and take off quickly.
There are many different models of shortboards, but they all have a smaller water contact area and smaller dimensions than longboards, making them more agile and maneuverable.

Up to this point, you might be thinking that shortboards are just difficult to ride, but from here I would like to talk about the evolution of shortboards, which I mentioned at the beginning.

An era of technological innovation and high buoyancy

-Advancement in shaping technology <br>This is thought to have occurred due to changes in needs.
Until then, competitions for the world's top professionals had awarded points to sharp turns made on thin boards, but as air actions became more popular, higher points began to be awarded to more difficult air actions.

Naturally, top pros needed boards that would allow them to perform difficult air actions. To perform airs, the board needed to have a strong buoyancy to bounce off and launch into the air, and it also needed buoyancy to prevent it from falling over and stalling when it hit the water.
Each shaper worked hard on research and development to ensure that their pros could win and meet the expectations of the pros, and by fine-tuning the rails, rocker, volume balance, etc., they were able to create shortboards that were highly buoyant but also had excellent maneuverability.

From then on, the world's top competition scene evolved as if by magic. Instead of the same light and nimble maneuvers as before, everyone started doing air reverses, alley hoops, and full rotations as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
The high buoyancy of the board gradually spread to the average surfer. For the average surfer, it was not just for making airs, but it was a board that could be moved in the same way as a thin board, but it was stable, took off quickly, and was easy to pick up speed on, so it became mainstream.

・Introducing the Easy Surf model with even more buoyancy
LOST surfboard shaper Matt Biolos-Mayhem took that high-buoyancy technology and set out to create something new: a shortboard with extra buoyancy that could be enjoyed by beginners, bigger surfers, and even older surfers.
Up until now, boards of this type have certainly been stable, but they only move in a straight line, so they can't even be called shortboards. The challenge was to see if by applying the latest technology, we could make this super buoyant board move quickly.

The challenge was also driven by the fact that Mayhem himself, who is quite large, wanted to ride it, and so the challenge was a brilliant success, resulting in the birth of the LOST Easy Surf model . Its super buoyancy defies conventional wisdom, and anyone riding the wave will be amazed at how smooth and quick it moves. This makes it possible to enjoy surfing even small waves that previously had been given up on, and in some cases, a board that is so unfair it can take off as fast as a long wave has been created.

To introduce the representative model,

This is the " ZEKE " designed by Mayhem . This model is basically made for small waves, but because it is easy to catch waves and move, it is very popular with beginners, female surfers, and older surfers.
The largest size is 5'9" and holds 38.75cl, which is an incredible volume for such a length.

By creating a deep groove called a deep single concave on the underside of the center of the volume, the board accelerates and floats up more. Also, the board becomes easier to lean and makes quick turns possible.

At the same time, unlike previous small wave boards, it has a rocker, making it quicker and easier to handle.

In addition, the tail section has an elevator wing and rocket tail structure, which makes it easier to initiate a turn when putting weight on the back foot.

The Easy Surf model is an ultra-buoyant board packed with a variety of cutting-edge technologies, giving it athletic performance that even surfers who have only ridden high-performance boards will be pleased with.

-A model made for those switching from longboards <br>Among the Easy Surf models, there is actually a model that Mayhem made for those switching from longboards.

"PLACEBO RE-LOADED . "
This model was created for the "returning surfers," older surfers who want to take up surfing again after a long break from the sport they did in their youth, and for those who are thinking of switching from a longboard to a shortboard.It is an ultra-buoyant board packed with the latest technology.
There are two sizes: 6'2" 45'5cl and 6'4" 49.0cl, and they are like longer versions of ultra-buoyant boards.
It is the longest and most voluminous of all the Easy Surf models, which gives it an incredibly fast take-off, excellent straightness, and the ability to accelerate without sinking even in small waves.

The rounded nose also ensures more stable surfing, while the thinner rails allow for smoother turns.

In addition, the triple wing and rocket tail on the tail make the tail width extremely narrow, giving it control performance that makes the board seem longer.
The RE-LOADED provides the length and volume needed for longboarders to confidently perform shortboard movements.

How to choose the size of a surfboard

Now that we've introduced some recommended shortboards that allow you to safely switch from longboards, we'd like to talk about how to choose the right size surfboard.

- Choose a board based on the CL value <br>As I mentioned briefly earlier when talking about dimensions, the CL value is a number that represents the volume of the board, and this number is very useful as it gives you a good idea of the overall image of the board.
However, deciding on a board based solely on CL value carries the risk of making a mistake, because even with the same CL value, a shortboard can be stable but slow to move, or conversely, move well but lack stability, depending on the outline.
There are also models that perform better when ridden with a higher CL value, and conversely, models that perform better when ridden with a lower CL value.

First, decide on a model and then look at the size range based on that model's CL value to find one that suits you. In the case of Love Surf, the appropriate weight is listed on all boards, so it's easy to understand if you use that as a reference.
We recommend that you remember which model, which CL value you rode, and how it went, as this will be very helpful when buying your next board.

- Choosing a board that suits your body type <br>Some models are more suitable than others depending on your body type. At Love Surf, all boards have an appropriate weight listed, but even if you are the same weight, there are tall, skinny people and short, fatter people. Simply put, different heights mean different stance widths, so tall, skinny people should choose a longer, thinner model depending on their body type. Short, fatter people should choose a shorter, wider, thicker model.

- Choose a board that takes your level into consideration <br> Many models are designed for advanced surfers, beginners, or other surfing levels that are recommended. Simply put, it's the difference in CL value. Advanced surfers make the most of the power of the waves and their own body weight to gain speed without any loss, resulting in strong thrust and not sinking even with little buoyancy. Conversely, beginners will improve more quickly if they practice with the help of buoyancy in order to get a feel for the board accelerating.

If you are considering the same model, you can consider the CL value according to your level and weight, but as we explained a little earlier, there are models that are better ridden with a narrower CL value and models that are better ridden with a higher CL value.

For example, if you add more CL than necessary to a high-performance model that has been trimmed to maximize maneuverability, the balance of the model will be lost.Also, if you reduce the volume of a model that is originally designed for high buoyancy in small waves because you don't need it, the model's characteristics will disappear.
Although there are exceptions, if you look at the size lineup of a model, if the overall CL value is low, it is a model that is suitable for advanced riders, and if it is high, it is a model that can be ridden by beginners.

So far we've talked about choosing a surfboard, and if you're switching from a longboard we recommend the "RE-LOADED" to start with, but when choosing a different model, choose a model with a high CL value across the entire size lineup, and one or two sizes larger than the recommended weight listed. Even if you don't choose one, modern boards will still move well, so don't worry.

Once you've decided on a board, you'll be ready to go with shortboard-specific fins, leashes, wetsuits, etc.

How to prepare for switching from long to short

Once you have all the equipment, it's time to switch, but before you enter the water, make sure you're prepared.

-Longboarding and shortboarding are different sports <br>As we've mentioned many times so far, longboarding and shortboarding are completely different sports. Experience and knowledge gained from longboarding are almost useless. In fact, there are habits associated with longboarding that can have a negative effect on shortboarding, so it's better to start from scratch.

- Put longboards aside to improve your shortboarding skills <br>If you want to improve your shortboarding skills quickly, put longboards aside completely.
If you say, "I'll ride a longboard depending on the wave conditions," you'll inevitably end up relying on the longboard you're used to riding.
Again, no matter how much you ride long waves, your short waves will not improve. Even if you can't catch any waves on a short wave, paddling short waves is much more meaningful than riding long waves.

- Create an image of moving lightly using your whole body <br>The biggest difference from longboarding is the lightly riding that uses your whole body. It is important to visualize this clearly by watching videos of shortboarders. Don't just watch the video, but make sure to visualize it in your head. By doing this, the rider will take your place and the image will remain strong.
Some people say that it's not good to get too carried away with your imagination, but if you don't first have a clear image, it's difficult to get away from long, leisurely rides.

Effective training on land

Even if you live near the sea, I don't think there are many people who can go into the sea every day.
Especially if you live far from the sea, I think most people can only go once or twice a week.
For such people, track and field training is also important in order to smoothly transition from long to short distances.
Here I would like to introduce an example of land training.

- Effective strength training <br>As mentioned above, different muscles are used when riding a longboard than when riding a longboard, but by compensating with strength training you can smoothly transition to a shortboard and even improve more quickly.

First, we will start with rubber tube training to improve paddling strength. This training involves attaching a rubber tube to a door or handle and pulling it with a paddling motion.
Rubber tube training is more effective when it is as close to real-life movements as possible, so if possible, it is effective to pull while lying on your stomach on a platform. There is also a convenient product called the "EXTRA Tube Training Set" that comes with a DVD and provides detailed instructions.

Next is push-ups. This is a popular muscle training that everyone knows, but this movement matches the movement of sinking the board during take-off and dolphin-through. By training properly, you can take off faster and increase the success rate of dolphin-through.

Next is your back muscles. If you don't keep your chest up as much as possible when paddling with a shortboard, your paddling and takeoff will be slower. To keep your chest up while lying on the board, you need back strength and flexibility.
Since back muscles can easily strain the lower back, we recommend training on a dedicated machine or bench, but if you don't have one, be careful not to put strain on your lower back as much as possible. Also, when training your back muscles, be sure to train your abdominal muscles at the same time, as this will cause imbalances.

Next up is squats. This is also a popular muscle training exercise, but imagine a surfing stance and lower your hips while keeping your back straight and making sure your knees don't go forward. As you lower your hips, at a certain point your body stabilizes perfectly, your entire weight is firmly transferred to the soles of your feet, and you reach a strange position where you feel like you can immediately move on to the next movement, so squatting while keeping this in mind is very effective. It works best if you focus on your butt muscles rather than your thighs.

I won't specify the number of repetitions or sets here because it's more important to continue without straining yourself. There's no point in damaging your body.

Jogging to improve cardiopulmonary function . As mentioned earlier, a short distance is like a 400m dash, which also utilizes the heart and lungs. Long rides on good waves can often leave you out of breath.
Suddenly putting a heavy burden on the heart and lungs can be dangerous, so it is necessary to improve cardiopulmonary function. The representative aerobic exercise is jogging.
However, if you're not careful, jogging can be more strenuous than strength training, so you need to adjust the distance and time to avoid putting too much strain on yourself.
Nowadays, there are watches and shoes that can measure your heart rate, so we recommend using such devices to jog safely.

・Image training using skateboards, etc.

We've already talked about the importance of creating an image, and using a skateboard to check your body movements can further solidify your riding image. One thing you shouldn't misunderstand here is that the goal isn't to move the skateboard. Modern skateboards for surfing practice are designed to be easy to move around in so that you can have fun and move on land. Just moving your upper body will allow you to move lightly and gain speed, but if that becomes a habit, it will have a negative impact on your surfing. The important thing is to ride the skateboard in order to imagine surfing.

・Aquatic training in a pool The most effective form of training you can do on land is training in a pool. This is perhaps natural, since although it is called land, it is done in water.
The most effective stroke is the crawl stroke, which has almost the same movements as paddling, but without the flutter kicks.
Placing a kickboard or similar between your feet will help maintain your form and make the exercise more effective.
Additionally, underwater walking strengthens the inner muscles of the entire body through the resistance of the water, making it an ideal training option for surfing, which is also a full-body exercise.
Recently, not only fitness clubs but also publicly run heated swimming pools run by local governments have increased in number, so if you look around, you might be surprised to find that the indoor pool at your local junior high school is open to the public.
Example: Tokyo's public swimming pool Let's Enjoy Tokyo

- Stretching to build a flexible body <br> Building a flexible body is important when shortboarding. A flexible body increases the range of motion of the joints, and if you can properly develop your inner muscles, you can increase the range of motion of your muscles. These are what are generally called flexible muscles. Flexible muscles have many benefits, such as allowing you to control the board even in awkward positions and making the action itself into larger movements.

First, it's important to note that stretching here is something you do after exercise, while pre-exercises are warm-up exercises. Warm-up exercises are a way to warm up your body and prepare for intense exercise, while stretching is a way to cool down and cool down overheated muscles.
After exercise, muscles are broken down, contract, and lactic acid accumulates. This lactic acid is the cause of muscle fatigue, but by stretching your muscles thoroughly, you can make it easier for the lactic acid to escape. Leaving muscle fatigue untreated can lead to muscle pain, as well as lower back pain and an inability to lift your shoulders.
Many people think that it is better to stretch thoroughly before exercising, but it is actually better to stretch thoroughly after exercise, and even more so, you should stretch on a regular basis. If you do not normally stretch, and you try to stretch your muscles too much before exercising, it can cause muscle injury.

Daily stretching aims to relieve muscle fatigue and also to loosen joints. Stretching the hip joints is especially important.
The hip joint is the most important joint in many sports that use the legs. Surfing is no exception, and flexible hip joints will make the action bigger and also strengthen the stance, which will increase the success rate of the action. It will also reduce loss of balance and prevent injury.

A common hip stretch is to sit down, bring the soles of your feet together, and place your knees on the ground. If possible, bend forward from there.
Another effective method is to lie on your back, grab each knee and pull it toward your chest, then move your knees from side to side, imagining that you are stretching the muscles at the base of your legs 360 degrees.

Although it is connected to the hip joint, it is also important to keep the area around the waist flexible.
If your hips are flexible, you can push your chest out when paddling, which increases your paddling speed and also increases your take-off speed. This inevitably increases your riding speed. Also, your hips will be more tenacious when turning, allowing for more powerful turns.
There are various stretches for the lower back that involve bending, rotating, and twisting, but it's hard to say which is best because some are better than others depending on the individual's lower back symptoms. However, you should avoid overdoing it and stretching to the point of causing pain. I think it's best to continue the movement without exerting too much force, so that you can stretch comfortably.

Next up are the shoulders. No matter what you say, unless you're going to a very special spot, paddling is the longest part of surfing. Therefore, shoulder stretches are important for speeding up recovery from fatigue and for loosening the shoulder joints.
If your shoulder joints are flexible, your arms will rotate more smoothly and you will be able to paddle with less force, which will naturally increase your paddling speed.

This shoulder stretch is also well known, but you can also raise your hand, bend your elbow so that it touches your back, and pull your elbow in with your other hand. Alternatively, with your elbow extended, bring your arm in front of your chest and pull it in with your other hand. Make sure that your shoulder muscles are fully stretched when doing both.

The way muscles are developed and used varies greatly. It's best to do your own research and create a stretching program that's comfortable for you. In some cases, it may be a good idea to consult with an instructor, physical therapist, or other professional. That's how important stretching is.

- Lose weight if necessary <br>From here on, we will talk about weight loss, which can be difficult for some people.
It's not that obese people can't ride a shortboard, but it's difficult to get the intense action that a shortboard is supposed to have. Surfing may be free to ride the waves however you like, but if you're going to ride a shortboard and want to get the action that a shortboard is supposed to have, you need to get closer to your ideal weight.
There are many different ways to lose weight. We often hear about reducing carbohydrates, fats, and alcohol, but I think it's best to find something that works for you.

After reading about the land training mentioned above, some people may think that it is difficult. However, it does not have to be difficult. Continuing to train at your own pace will help you improve your shortboarding skills faster.
The latissimus dorsi, pectoral, and thigh muscles typical of shortboarders can be developed through hard work, but it would be more accurate to say that they are acquired gradually.
Everyone wants to have a good surfing experience, so they paddle hard and push themselves to avoid falling. And in order to have a better surfing experience, they try harder, which naturally overworks their muscles. Land-based training is merely a supplement to that.

Shortboard surfing tips

From here on, I would like to introduce some tips for improving your surfing, assuming you are actually going into the ocean on a shortboard and want to try surfing.

・Points about paddling <br>Surfing begins and ends with paddling. If you can paddle well, you will be able to catch more waves and improve your overall surfing skills faster.
As mentioned earlier, the key to paddling is to relax and paddle lightly. To be more specific, imagine relaxing your arms and moving them with your shoulders. For this reason, it is very effective to keep the muscles from your shoulder blades to your shoulders loose.
Also, be sure to pay close attention to everything from your fingertips to your palms, the angle of your elbows, and the trajectory of your rotation.

The palm of your hand should be bowl-shaped to grab more water, but closing your fingers will increase water resistance and make the paddle stronger, while opening your fingers will make the paddle easier to turn. Changing the shape of your hand to suit the situation will allow you to paddle more efficiently.

If you extend your elbows, you can dive deeper and paddle more water, but the water resistance will increase. If you bend your elbows, the rotation will be lighter, but you will move forward slower. This will vary depending on your body type, the board you are riding, the current, etc., so it is difficult to say which is best, but in most cases it will work well if you imagine putting your hands in deep and bringing them out shallow.

The trajectory of your rotation is also important. Basically, it's easier for humans to generate power by pushing and pulling with their arms than by rotating them, so once your hands enter the water, paddling will be easier and faster if you draw a trajectory that grabs the water and pulls it in. Once you're out of the water, you can make a nimble paddle by rotating your hands so that you can return to the surface as efficiently as possible.

Finally, even if you use the same paddle, the paddle you use when getting out and when taking off is different. We will explain this later.

・Key points for getting out <br>Next, we will explain some key points for getting out.
Before entering the water, first determine your getting-out course.

First, take a good look at how the wave breaks. Where the wave holds on until the very end and refuses to break, there is a current flowing out to sea. You use this current to go out, but depending on the wind and terrain, there may also be a sideways current, so you need to observe carefully. It is also important to set a course that does not get in the way of people riding the wave.
Also, when paddling to get out, try to reduce water resistance and paddle like you are jogging, which will help you reduce the amount of energy you use up even if you are far away.

And then there's the dolphin-through, which is something that's unique to shortboards. By using the dolphin-through, you can get past broken waves and get out efficiently.

The method is to sink the nose like you're doing push-ups, then get on all fours and put your weight on your feet to sink the tail, and once the whole board is submerged, dive down with your body, and finally kick the tail to bring the board back to the surface.
The trick to dolphin diving is to determine the timing of the waves and prepare thoroughly.
Place your hands near the nose, sink the nose firmly, and wait for the wave. When the wave approaches, lift your buttocks and sink the tail, and then go underwater with the board. Finally, kick the tail, but this is just to keep the nose facing up in the water, so you don't need to use any force. It's more like pushing than kicking.

The rest is to fail many times and learn with your body. Where the wave is weakest and where you need to dive your board to get out smoothly will differ depending on the wave and the board. Naturally, even top professionals fail at dolphining. So, rather than striving for perfection from the start, it's important to work hard and come up with your own ideas to avoid being pushed back even a little.

・Tip for taking off <br>When taking off on a shortboard, instantaneous speed is important.
Set up where the wave is at a strong angle and breaking, and time your paddle so that it reaches maximum speed when you are pushed by the wave. Paddle like a sprint. Grab as much water as possible and paddle powerfully, with smooth, speedy turns. Shortboards have less thrust than longboards, so speed at the moment of takeoff is of utmost importance. If you lose speed at takeoff, your riding will be unable to maintain speed overall. If you accelerate well at takeoff, your riding will be faster overall, and as you gain speed, the thrust will increase stability, making the board easier to control regardless of your surfing skill.

To recap, the key points are the take-off position, the timing to increase paddle speed, and standing up quickly.

You want to get a good initial speed from the takeoff position, so aim for a spot where the waves are angled and powerful. Even if you're using a model with a particularly fast takeoff, it's a good idea to move a little further out to sea from that spot and aim from the outside with plenty of room to maneuver.

When paddling, carefully observe the breaking of the wave and its speed, and control the paddle so that it reaches its maximum speed at the moment the board is pushed. When paddling, the board naturally moves, so it may deviate from the desired position. To avoid this, it is important to watch the wave closely and control your speed.

All that's left is to stand up in a quick movement. The three-step takeoff we often hear about - first place both hands on the board, lift your upper body, then bring yourself to a kneeling position, and finally stand up - will cause your shortboard to lose speed. Imagine it as a two-step movement. Lift your upper body with both hands, and the next moment, bring yourself to a position where your weight is firmly transferred to the board, not on your knees. This allows you to move on to the next movement without losing speed at the all-important moment of takeoff.

・Riding Tips <br>The most important thing when riding a shortboard is speed. If you're only concerned with speed, then going sideways might be the fastest way. However, doing so will take you out of the wave's power zone and you'll quickly lose speed. For this reason, you need to keep capturing the wave's power zone by changing the angle and size of your turns to suit the wave.
I think longboards are similar in this respect, but with a longboard you move out of your power zone and then come back in, whereas with a shortboard you can make sharp up and down turns within your power zone and continue to maintain speed without leaving your power zone.

To do this, it's important to imagine using your entire body from head to toe. Immediately after takeoff, once you've gained speed, squat down and place your weight firmly on the board. Start the turn before you lose speed. Make your body more compact and turn with your face, shoulders, hips, and the board flowing, while focusing on your toes or heels. At the end of the turn, stretch your body for a moment and remove your weight from the board to gain further acceleration.

Shortboarders continue to accelerate during turns like this, but it's also important to use the buoyancy of the board. When you put your weight on the board and turn while railing, the board bends and enters the wave. When you release the pressure, the board, which had been sinking, accelerates by popping up due to its buoyancy. This force makes it possible to perform spectacular top actions.

But first, you need to have a clear image in mind. Before you enter the water, look at the waves and set a goal for yourself of what movements you want to practice on those waves. Then, once you're on the wave, focus on going faster, stronger, and bigger.

Choosing a board after you've improved

As explained in the riding tips, the key to riding a shortboard is sinking and then floating up. Therefore, the model and size that is best for you will vary depending on factors such as your weight, level, and wave conditions.
Here we will introduce how to choose a board once you have improved your skills, as well as explain the appropriate time to switch.

-Characteristics by model <br>At Love Surf, we classify shortboard models into three categories: performance , free surf , and easy surf .

Performance models are made with the same outline as those used by professional surfers in competitions, and often have narrower noses and tails and thinner rails. They have low buoyancy, making it easier to sink the board and enabling sharper turns and more dramatic action, all in order to earn points in competitions. The downside is that paddles and takeoffs are slower, and the board is less stable, so you'll need the skill to build up your own speed while paddling and riding.

Freesurf models are designed for fun freesurfing action, not for competing in competitions. There are a variety of outlines, with models featuring rounded noses and large tails. Overall, they tend to be a little shorter, wider, and thicker than performance models . This is to make them easier to maneuver and pick up speed even in poor wave conditions, and while the quality of sharp turns is lower than performance models , many models have a fast initial speed and move quickly, so freesurf models can be said to aid in action.

As the name suggests, easy surf models are designed for easy surfing. Models for beginners and those transitioning from longboards are also classified as easy surf models .
Overall, most of the boards have high buoyancy, excellent paddling and take-off performance, a sense of stability, easy acceleration, and yet they move well. In terms of action performance alone, they are inferior to performance and free surf models , but they are easy and fun models that will help you surf in many ways.

Choose from these three categories the one that best suits your needs.
If you are aiming for a highly refined action that rivals that of a professional, I recommend choosing a performance model with a CL value that is slightly larger than your ideal weight.
If you want to enjoy good surfing with consistent action no matter what the conditions, choose a freesurf model that is easy to handle. Be careful, though, as some freesurf models , such as action boards designed specifically for small waves, can be more difficult to handle than performance models .
Even though you've improved, paddle and takeoff speed remains your top priority. If you want to surf comfortably and enjoyably, choose an easy surf model . Choose a board with a slightly lower CL value to improve maneuverability without sacrificing takeoff performance too much.

・Characteristics of the material <br>Modern surfboards are made from different materials, and their performance changes depending on the material. Here we would like to introduce some of the materials.

Polyester has long been the most popular material. Compared to other materials, it is moderately soft, light, and has a ride that feels like it's sticking to the waves.

On the other hand, EPS has been evolving rapidly for the past 10 years or so, and is lighter, has stronger water repellency, and is more durable. EPS foam is finer than polyester and contains more air particles, which gives it a stronger rebound and allows for more powerful driving when turning.

Recently, EPS boards have begun to surpass polyester boards. The primary reason for this is strength. EPS foam and epoxy resin boards are said to be five to ten times stronger than polyester boards. They are simply less likely to break. Secondly, their lightness and resilience make them great for small wave performance. They allow for easy turns even in small waves, and their resilience allows for powerful drive even in small turns, making EPS the mainstream choice for professional surfers in small wave competitions.
That said, there are still many people who continue to ride polyester boards. They seem to be good at boarding on polyester boards, especially on days with big waves or good conditions, because they stick to the waves and make it easier to set rails, even on hard faces.
Regarding the differences in materials, I think there is no problem in choosing the one you like best, taking into consideration the intended use.

I would also like to explain the effects of carbon, which has become more common recently.

Carbon fiber is vapor deposited onto the board to increase its strength. Also, when applied as a band to the board, it increases the board's rigidity and reduces twisting and flapping. Carbon bands also increase the rebound force when the board bends and then returns to its original shape, resulting in stronger acceleration.
Carbon is not just a pattern, it all has meaning, so understanding that will be helpful when choosing a board.
★For more information about board materials, click here

As you've read so far, you'll understand that the type of shortboard you choose will depend on the waves you're looking for and the type of riding you're aiming for. In other words, you can use different boards to suit the situation. In fact, most shortboarders take more than one board with them to the beach. One main board and one for small waves, one main board and one for big waves, one for beach breaks and one for reef breaks, etc. One of the joys of shortboarding is being able to use different boards just like golf clubs.

-About when to switch boards <br>So, when is the best time to buy a new board?
Assuming you're switching from a longboard and practicing on a stable board with high buoyancy, you'll need to at least master takeoff. Takeoff isn't just about standing up, it's about getting up from a good position in the wave without losing speed, and then continuing on to the next movement while maintaining your speed. Ideally, you should be able to move a little to the side and turn.
If you switch to a board with reduced buoyancy in that state, you may feel a little uneasy when paddling and taking off, but you'll be surprised at how easy it is to turn.
As you improve, you will be able to ride more difficult models, allowing you to surf at a higher level, which is one of the joys of shortboards.

summary

So far, we have explained the knowledge needed to switch from a longboard to a shortboard from various angles, but at the end, we would like to summarize it in an easy-to-understand manner.

-Long and short are completely different sports.Historically , short evolved from long as a separate sport, and is the most evolved form of surfing.
When comparing long and short surfboards, the waves you ride are different, the paddling is different, the riding is different, and even the related equipment other than the board is different.

・If you want to ride a shortboard, you should try it right away . Longboarders who want to try shortboarding should try it right away. This is because longboarding and shortboarding are completely different sports. No matter how much you practice longboarding, you won't get better at shortboarding. Even the consumables have to be prepared separately, so it's a complete waste of time and money.
I highly recommend that beginner longboarders who plan to switch to shortboards as they improve make the switch immediately.

・Transferring is not easy, but there are tools, knowledge and techniques to help you. <br>Long and short are different sports, so transferring is like starting from scratch. This is not easy.
However, we believe that the latest boards, which have been born from the evolution of shaping technology and are highly buoyant, stable, yet maneuverable, as well as the knowledge to handle them and the skills gained from that knowledge, will help anyone get off to a great start.

・It's an amazing feeling when you finally become proficient at riding a shortboard .<br>Because shortboards are difficult, even small daily improvements are amazing.
If you practice with a clear goal in mind, the day when you can create a nice spray at the top of the wave won't be far off.

That's all for now, but please feel free to contact Love Surf about anything related to surfing, including switching from long to short surfboards. All of our staff will do their best to help you have a better surfing life. Please feel free to contact us.

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Thank you for reading to the end .