Longboards

Longboards buying guide

Longboards are built for glide, trim, wave count, and early entry. They are the right choice for Malibu-style point breaks, small summer surf, beginner progression, cross-stepping, nose-riding, and anyone who wants maximum time on the wave over quick tight turns. A longboard catches waves before anyone else in the lineup and generates its own speed through trim and flow.

Fin setups on longboards

Single fin — the most traditional longboard setup. One large center fin (typically 7" to 10.5") does all the work. Single fins create smooth flowing lines and a pivot off the tail — great for nose-riding and classic logging. Browse our large selection of single fins from True Ames, Flying Diamonds, FCS II, and Futures.

2+1 single fin (single center with side bites) — the most common setup in our longboard inventory. The center single fin provides direction and trim; the two small side bites add hold and control. Browse single fins and side bite fins.

Single fin sizing guide

9"–10.5" for nose-riding and traditional logging on boards 9'0" and longer. 8"–9" for all-around performance longboarding. 7"–8" for more pivot and quicker turns. Read Surfboard Fins Explained for more on template and size.

FCS II and Futures single fins fit any standard longboard box

Both FCS II and Futures single fins fit standard US longboard fin boxes — no special box required. FCS II single fins also offer screwless click-in on boards with FCS II center boxes. Browse FCS and FCS II single fins and Futures single fins.

Single fin brands we carry

True Ames — Greenough 4-A, California Classic, Skip Frye, and many more. Browse True Ames fins.

Flying Diamonds — CJ Nelson, Taylor Jensen, Kassia Meador, Mike Skvarna collaboration templates. Browse Flying Diamonds fins.

FCS II — Connect and Clique series in 7"–10.5", fitting any standard US longboard box. Browse FCS and FCS II fins.

Futures — single fins in multiple sizes fitting any standard US longboard box. Browse Futures fins.

Longboard brands we carry

Torq — our largest longboard brand by volume. Affordable epoxy longboards in multiple sizes.

Thunderbolt — high-performance epoxy longboards including the Harley Ingleby Diamond Drive and CJ Nelson Designs shapes.

Lewis — local Santa Monica shaper with hand-shaped fiberglass longboards including the Pin and Hull. Built for Southern California surf.

Salt Gypsy — the Dusty longboard in 8'6" and 9'0" in PU and epoxy soft deck, including Cynthia Rowley collaboration models.

The Critical Slide Society — Wave Master 5000 SLX in 9'0" and 9'6". Premium soft deck epoxy construction.

Firewire — select longboard models in Firewire's epoxy construction.

Longboard vs midlength

Choose a longboard if maximum paddle power, wave count, trim, cross-stepping, and nose-riding are your priority. Choose a midlength if you want more glide than a shortboard but don't want the size of a full longboard.

What else you need with a longboard

An 8' or 9' leash — longer than a shortboard leash. Browse longboard leashes. For bags, a longboard bag. For ding repair, visit our surfboard repair page.

Used longboards

Browse used longboards and read How to Buy a Used Surfboard before shopping.

Longboards FAQ

What size single fin do I need?

9"–10.5" for boards 9'0"+ aimed at nose-riding. 8"–9" for all-around performance. 7"–8" for more pivot. Browse single fins.

Do FCS II and Futures single fins fit my longboard?

Yes — both fit standard US longboard fin boxes with no adapter needed. FCS II also clicks in without tools on boards with FCS II center boxes.

What leash length do I need for a longboard?

Use an 8' or 9' leash for most longboards. For boards 10' and longer, consider a 10' leash. Browse longboard leashes.

Are longboards good for beginners?

Yes — longboards are one of the best boards for learning to surf. Stable, catches waves easily, gives you time to stand up. Soft-top longboards are an even better starting point. Browse soft boards or read A Guide to Buying Your First Surfboard.