Since Gordon Clark discovered the optimal urethane foam formulation in 1960, many of the surf boards since then that are till now commonly used are shortboards, which comes in a variety of sizes about 6 ft. to 7 ft. in length, generally having a pointed snout and a broader tail with skegs varying from as many as two to five. Surfers in general find it quick to maneuver the shortboard in comparison to maneuvering the other boards.

However as the short board is smaller it does not float as well as the long boards and it is therefore generally harder to catch waves with this board.It often requires steeper, powerful and larger waves and so the shortboards generally have a late take off, meaning the surfer generally needs to catch the wave at the critical time.

Shortboard surfboards are meant for advanced surfers as they are designed keeping high performance in mind. The design helps the professional surfers perform advanced maneuvers that are required in professional competition.

The basic design of the shortboard is a shape that is customed to maximize performance in all surfing conditions. The aim and focus of shortboard surfboards is to yield all variables of power generations, control and speed. These boards are generally customized as made as per each surfer’s specifications. Shortboards are also known as Thrusters or Performance Boards. Also due to their narrow outline and small figure, they become less stable and harder to paddle compared to long boards.

The three basic types of shortboards that are available are mentioned below

Standard Shortboard: The board features a standard rocker and volume and is an all round board meant for everyday surfing.

High Performance Shortboard: The board features less volume and more rocker at the tail. It is designed for extreme maneuvers.

Small Wave Shortboard: The board has more volume and less rocker and is meant for small wave performance surfing.

As the shortboards are generally small and unstable, they are not meant for novice surfers, these boards are known to push forward the surfers level of performing on the waves. You will see many of these boards in surfing competitions.