The Old School World of Longboard SurfingLongboard Surfing is the original form of surfing invented by the Polynesians in the sixth century. More history and info on this can be found on my history of surfing page on the left. Longboarding has come a long way since the original days of the Polynesians. The boards have been made of anything from foam and epoxy to bamboo and fiberglass. A longboard is typically any board above about 8’ before you get into the gun range for big wave surfing. One of the most well known longboard surfers and shapers is Donald Takayama out of Hawaii. Takayama has been shaping longboards since age 11 when he was tutored by the great Dale Velzy. Takayama’s shapes are highly coveted and to get a hand carved is next to impossible these days unless you are a pro or have the bank to cover it if you can even convince him.
After getting out of competition Takayama decided to solely focus on his shaping and the surfing world tanks him greatly for it. While a great surfer and competitor his true contribution to surfing are the amazing shapes he cranks out year after year. Some of his older displays can be found in the surfing museum in Hermosa Beach, Ca. Another famous surfer/shaper in the world of Longboard Surfing is Joel Tudor from California. Tudor turned pro at only 14 and won his first ASP event at only 15. Crazy!!! An original skateboarder, Joel brought his skateboard maneuvers and styles to the world of longboarding and it hasn’t been the same since. Noah Shimabukuro is a young, up and coming longboarder also from Hawaii who took after Tudor and quickly brought a unique contemporary style to the world of longboarding. I have been fortunate to see Shimabukuro surf at the US Open in Huntington Beach and it is definitely going to be interesting to see his career develop. Noah is sponsored by Takayama and Takayama speaks of him as a son. Noah has a unique vibe and amazing surfing abilities that anyone would be lucky to own. Shows the benefits of growing up on the surfing homelands. 
As for the style of longboarding a lot recently has come from the style and moves of longboard skateboarding. The most popular moves are hanging ten and 5 over the edge. This is where you side walk to the front of the board and hang one or two feet over the edge.
If you’ve never had this feeling you are truly missing out. To be riding a wave and looking at nothing but the face and the ocean with the sun and wind in your face is truly a life calming moment. Ride on and keep pushing. Who knows where longboarding will go in the future as board design is constantly progressing and riders like Noah are continuing to progress and inspire the next generation. Return from Longboard Surfing to Homepage |
