Given the warm climate and the fact that the island is surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that Australians have had an obsession with surfing since the day it was born. Surfing in Australia was popularised following a visit to the country in 1914 by Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian swimmer who—post his Olympic swimming career—took the native Hawaiian art of surfing and spread its message around the world. The original surfboards were longboards, but of course, they weren’t called that, that came later in the 1960s when the revolutionary shortboards were introduced to the sport.
Surfing was around before Kahanamoku landed on Australian shores, but his visit really gave it a boost and spread the message around the country. There is also claims that Indigenous Australians were surfers, as suggested in John Ogden’s book, ‘Saltwater People of the Broken Bays’.
”These were very good water people, with excellent surf skills. It was their livelihood. Theirs was a canoe culture and they were known to take these craft out in large surf. They fished with spears or lines and hooks and would dive off rock ledges into the surf. Their traditional way of life broke down within a couple of years of the arrival of the First Fleet, mainly due to smallpox.”
John Ogden
Longboarding these days is not as popular, but still has its fans. There are a range of longboard clubs that host events throughout the year all over Australia. Given there are estimated to be between 2.5, and 3.5 million surfers in Australia, it’s no surprise that longboarding still has a place in Australian surf culture.
But, can you throw your longboard in and surf at any old spot? Well, yes, but you generally want to find a spot with smaller waves and some room to move. Longboarding is a bit more laid back than hitting the shortboard. A reason why you might see an older crowd clawing at a bit of nostalgia atop a longboard.
What Is A Longboard?
Well, a longboard is long. Around 9 feet long, or 275cm.
It’s a more relaxed style of surfing. Instead of darting back and forth in the surf, you’re cross-stepping and nose riding. You’re not going to want to tackle huge waves on a longboard. The extra weight and length can make it difficult to manoeuvre and duck dive.
Why Should I Ride A Longboard?
Here are some reasons by the experts at Surfer Today.
- 1. Wave-catching advantage over shortboards: you’ll ride more waves than many others, but remember never to sit further out than your peers;
- 2. Feeling what Duke Kahanamoku used to feel: the joy of traveling 100 yards in Waikiki, with your eyes closed, and just feeling the breeze on your tanned skin;
- 3. Unexpected fun factor in small waves: one-foot summer rollers? No problem. Your longboard will do enough;
- 4. The effortless glide: have you ever felt how the entire plank slides over the water? It’s a heavenly feeling;
- 5. The perfect comeback board: have stopped surfing for a year? Getting back to the waves is definitely easy if you own a longboard;
- 6. Longboards are a unique tool for beginner friends and family members: invite new surfers into the clan. A longboard will change their lives after a dozen of wipeouts;
- 7. A survival alternative to injured surfers: have you had a problem with your shoulder? Do you feel pain in your back? You will catch waves effortlessly with a log;
- 8. Getting back to the roots of low-performance surfing: call it retromania or just trimming. Forget tricks and maneuvers for a while. Immerse your soul in love;
- 9. New challenges in the nose of the board: there are complicated skills and tricks to be unlocked. Find your balance in new areas of the deck;
- 10. Relax and enjoy the ride in its purest form – don’t take surfing too seriously: take off, pop up, close your eyes, and fly down the line;
- 11. Longboards are great for older surfers: it is never late to learn how to surf. A longboard is a perfect pick for new veteran beginners
The Best Longboarding Surf Spots In Australia
Noosa Heads, Queensland
A famous, really good looking beach, Noosa Heads will have you rolling 200metres on a wave which gives you ample time to take in your surroundings from atop your longboard.
Crescent Head, New South Wales
Steady, rolling waves is what keeps longboarders coming back to Crescent Head. With 25km worth of coastline to surf on, Crescent Head should be high on the list of places to start your longboarding journey.
Snapper Rocks, Queensland
You’ll get a bit of every kind of surfer at Snapper Rocks. Expect to see rusted on longboarders beside those tackling the waves on a shorter board. The longer waves, however, are made for longboard riding.
Yallingup, Western Australia
Head down to the Margaret River region of Western Australia and sample some wines, after that, take to Yallingup Beach with its exposed reef break that provides reliable surf. It has both left and right-handers ready and waiting for you.
