Can I learn to surf on a shortboard?
Ava Arnold
Updated on January 15, 2026
To recap, yes you can learn to surf on a shortboard, but doing so will typically cost you a lot of extra time and effort vs getting started on a longer surfboard with more volume.
Is it hard to surf on a shortboard?
One of the most challenging aspects of learning to surf on a shortboard is definitely the pop up. As much as may seem cliche to practice popping up on the beach or elsewhere, it really helps. Popping up in one fluid motion requires practice and repetition of that move, in and out of the water.How long does it take to learn to surf on a shortboard?
Learning to surf requires between two hours and one month of practice. If you're struggling for more than two months to ride a wave, then there's something wrong with you. The first thing you'll need to master is lying and balancing on a surfboard - that could take you between half-an-hour and two or three hours.Can you surf small waves with a shortboard?
Finding a small wave shortboard tends to be more difficult because shortboards aren't usually designed for small waves. Generally, shortboards are designed to perform well when the waves are bigger and more powerful.Is it easier to surf on a long or short board?
Longer boards are better for beginners or for surfers who prefer the style and grace of surfing a longboard, Longboards are more forgiving and stable allowing beginners the stability needed to learn how to balance on a surfbaord.Can a beginner start surfing with a shortboard?
What Board should a beginner surfer get?
Foam surfboards are a great choice for beginners! For beginner surfers, an 8 to 9-foot foam longboard surfboard is one of the best options as an entry-level surfboard for a number of reasons. Foam surfboards are stable, user-friendly, and easy to paddle which makes catching waves and standing up a lot easier.When should I switch to a shortboard?
Wait For Good WavesTo ride a shortboard, the waves must be AT LEAST stomach high and have sufficient power. Remember, the extra volume in your longboard helps with paddling faster and overall buoyancy on small waves.