Ms. Q
Expository Writing 102.12
14 November 2014
Back to the Basics: Traditional Longboard Surfing The sport of longboarding is very popular with the youngest grommets to the oldest waterman enjoying the thrill of riding waves. The best surfing to be found in New England has been reported to be just south of Boston. Rhode Island, "The Ocean State", receives the best swell, or surf-able waves, of the New England states and has a thriving surfing community along its forty mile coast (Magic Seaweed). With so many great breaks for longboarding in the Rhode Island region, like East Matunuck State Beach and Narragansett Beach, it is little wonder that the sport has taken off.
Longboards are the best board shape for everyday surfing. Many surfing novices tend to think that shorter boards are a better choice because they are a couple hundred dollars cheaper and are popular within pro surfing competitions because the shape allows for the riders to do tricks. However, when looking to buy a surfboard, a longboard is the best option for both amateur and expert surfers living in the Rhode Island area. Longboard surfboards utilize a classic template that is geared towards beginner and intermediate surfers getting started or longtime surfers who like the feel and fluidity of riding a longboard. Longboards are able to catch the small waves in RI, which means they’re great for everyday surfing. Not only do these boards last longer than their shorter cousins, like the fish board or fun board, but they are also a more cost effective purchase.
A classic longboard is the most traditional surfboard shape and were what surfers in Malibu, California & Waikiki, Hawaii originally rode throughout the 1950's & 1960's. Longboards, or “logs”, typically range from 8 feet to 12 feet in length. On average, these boards are at least 2.5 inches thick and twenty inches wide (Surf Science). The thickness allows them to paddle incredibly well. Someone learning to surf should