Longboarding is an essential part of surfing culture, offering a smooth, stylish ride with plenty of versatility. Whether you're looking for high-performance maneuvers, a balanced all-rounder, or a classic noseriding experience, there’s a longboard to match your style. In this guide, we’ll compare three categories of longboards—high-performance, all-rounder, and traditional (logs)—and highlight some of the best models available.
High-Performance Longboards
High-performance longboards are designed for surfers who want to combine the smooth glide of a longboard with the agility of a shortboard. These boards are usually lighter, have more rocker, and feature refined rails for sharper turns and better speed generation.
Key Features:
-
Narrower outline and refined rails for increased responsiveness
-
More rocker to handle steeper, more hollow waves
-
Lightweight construction for speed and maneuverability
-
2+1 fin setup, thruster or quad set ups configurations for drive and control
Recommended High-Performance Longboards:
-
Thunderbolt TJ Pro V – A collaboration with Taylor Jensen, this board is a dream for surfers looking to link powerful turns while maintaining the flow of a longboard.
-
Harley Ingleby HIHP – Designed with a thinner profile and refined rails, this board allows for quick transitions and top-tier performance in critical sections.
-
Harley Ingleby HI Speed – A hybrid model that merges shortboard performance with longboard flow, making it one of the fastest high-performance longboards on the market.
All-Rounder Longboards
If you’re looking for a versatile board that performs well in a variety of conditions, an all-rounder longboard is the way to go. These boards offer a balance of stability, glide, and maneuverability, making them suitable for beginners and experienced surfers alike. For the average surfer wanting to get a longboard these all rounders are the most forgiving and most versatile of the three main categories
Key Features:
-
Moderate rocker for a blend of speed and maneuverability
-
Fuller outline and softer rails for forgiveness and control
-
2+1 fin setup for customizable ride options
-
Great for small to medium waves
Recommended All-Rounder Longboards:
-
Torq TEC Don – A well-balanced longboard that works in a wide range of conditions, from mellow ankle-biters to fun head-high waves. Good value for money for a longboard of this quality
-
Thunderbolt HI4 – A versatile performance longboard that delivers a mix of speed, smooth transitions, and traditional flow. Quite high performance for an all rounder
-
NSP Elements Longboard – Durable, affordable, and beginner-friendly, this board is great for riders looking to improve their skills. Great value and long lasting. Easy to surf for all levels
-
Aloha Fun Division Longboard – A great all-rounder for surfers who want a balance of stability and maneuverability, making it perfect for progressing surfers. Excellent value for money. Available in either Ecoskin or lightweight epoxy constructions
Traditional Longboards (Logs)
For those who love classic noseriding and stylish trim, traditional logs offer the ultimate glide and flow. These boards typically have a single fin setup, a fuller outline, and minimal rocker, making them perfect for stylish cross-stepping and hang tens.
Key Features:
-
Single fin setup for smooth, drawn-out turns
-
Wide, full nose for noseriding stability
-
Minimal rocker for effortless glide
-
Heavy construction to maintain momentum and flow
Recommended Traditional Longboards:
-
Thunderbolt Skindog Cherry Picker – A beautifully crafted log designed for maximum noseriding ability and timeless style. Unique tail design for enhanced nose-riding
-
CJ Nelson Sprout – One of the most iconic logs, offering the perfect balance between glide, trim, and noseriding control.
-
TCSS Logger – Designed for traditional logging, this board is a favorite among purists who love smooth, stylish surfing. Good value for a board of this quality
-
Modern Retro – A classic longboard that stays true to traditional surfing roots, perfect for those who appreciate a timeless approach to waves. Nice and heavy for classic styles of longboard surfing
Which Longboard is Right for You?
-
If you want to carve, turn sharply, and generate speed, go for a high-performance longboard.
-
If you need a versatile board that works in most conditions, an all-rounder longboard is ideal.
-
If you love classic trim, noseriding, and old-school flow, a traditional log is your best bet.
No matter your style, Blitz Surf Shop has the perfect longboard for you. Check out our collection online at www.blitzsurf.co.nz and find the perfect ride for your surfing adventures!
