BEST FOR: COMPETITIVE LONGBOARDERS
McTAVISH FIREBALL

£618, www.tikisurf.co.uk

This design, which uses a lightweight foam core and tough epoxy resin skin, was used by Gareth Donovan when he won the Australian longboard championship in 1995. The resin skin makes it hard-wearing without significantly increasing the weight, so preserving the original board’s manoeuvrability and quick acceleration on the wave. The wide nose is designed for board-walking and classic noseriding, if you have the skill, although they’re a tough call on such a light and nimble board. You’ll need to be strong, agile and experienced to get the most from the Fireball, but if you have the skill, it offers an exciting, dynamic ride, fast enough to cope with bigger surf.

Verdict: A competition-standard board adapted for the school of hard knocks.

BEST FOR: ATHLETIC SURFERS
FIREWIRE FLEXFLIGHT

£675, www.firewiresurfboards.com

Turning a 9ft longboard in the middle of a breaking wave is never easy, but the Firewire is more manoeuvrable than most thanks to its lightweight foam core, high-density skin and parabolic balsa rails (the balsa wood goes up the outside of the board instead of forming a wooden “stringer” up the middle). In combination, these give the board extra flex: when you push down through turns, the board seems to push back. It’s a weird feeling – a bit like standing on a stiff plank of wood – but it gives you spring and speed as you turn off the bottom of the wave. This board is so light, you can throw it about all over the place, which is great if you like to work your way energetically along a wave. If all you want to do is cruise, however, you’ll find it nervous and twitchy.

Verdict: A light and nimble high-performance board.

BEST FOR: LIGHTWEIGHT NOSERIDERS
CIRCLE ONE NOSERIDER

£455, www.circle-one.co.uk

Jeff Townsley of Circle One is a veteran British board-shaper, and the Noserider is good for showcasing his skills. Once it’s on a wave, the design allows you to walk the board, sidestepping from the back end to the front and “hanging five” (or even 10) with your toes over the nose in true 1960s style. The difference between this board and classic designs of that era is that it’s much lighter, so easier to turn. That may be missing the point, because the old noseriders’ weight locked them onto the wave and gave a great sense of gliding once up and riding. But at least you’ll be able to carry the board back up the beach on your own.

Verdict: Inexpensive and indestructible, but heavier surfers may fight to keep it stable.

BEST FOR: MIXED CONDITIONS
BEAR WOMBAT

£550, www.downthelinesurf.co.uk

At 6ft 8in in length, this takes some key elements of longboard design and shrinks them into an adaptable shortboard that’s both fun to ride and easy to paddle. It’s wide, thick and super-buoyant for its size, while the lack of rocker makes it easy to get moving. A reasonably strong and fit surfer can have fun with it when the surf is small, but won’t have to swap boards if a big swell pushes in and the waves grow significantly. Newbies and heavier surfers will still find it hard work, though.

Verdict: A good choice for younger, lighter surfers.

BEST FOR: BEGINNERS
HAWAIIAN SOUL WOOD VENEER CLASSIC

£380, www.aldersportswear.com

Hawaiian Soul is a mass-producer of boards, so you won’t find a famous shaper’s name underneath; nonetheless, they’re hard-wearing, well designed boards. This one doesn’t have much rocker (bottom curve), which makes it easier to paddle. However, you should be aware that it’s harder to turn than the high-tech Firewire. For 90% of the longboarding population, this lack of manoeuvrability won’t be an issue; what’s important is that the board will get you catching waves quickly – a vital characteristic in the early days of building your strength.

Verdict: Who cares if surf snobs turn up their noses? You'll be having too much fun to notice.

THE LONGBOARD ADVANTAGE

Shortboards are sharp performers, but longboards are better for British beaches. Here’s why. Ease of paddling Longboards are more buoyant, easier to paddle and quicker, so you can catch waves while shortboarders flounder. Greater stability Losing your balance paddling hard for a wave is far less likely on a big, fat longboard than with a short, flighty “thruster”. The small size of summer waves Shortboards are designed for big waves, and are almost unusable if a wave’s green face is less than 2ft tall. Head start on the competition Because it’s easier to get moving, a longboarder can start to surf a wave farther out to sea than a shortboarder. More relaxed attitude Shortboard surfing is addictive, demanding and exhausting. With a longboard, just catch a wave and enjoy the ride.

Prices are the best found online

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