The Unexpected Renaissance of Longboarding: Why Teens Are Riding the Retro Wave
There’s something undeniably captivating about watching a surfer glide effortlessly on a longboard, their movements fluid, almost meditative. It’s a style that feels like a throwback to the golden age of surfing, yet, as I’ve recently discovered, it’s experiencing a surprising resurgence—and not just among the older generation. This weekend’s Egmont Honey Pro in New Plymouth is a testament to this shift, with a wave of teenagers taking center stage in a sport long associated with seasoned veterans.
The Allure of Longboarding: More Than Just Nostalgia
Longboarding, with its nine-foot-plus boards and iconic moves like the ‘hang ten,’ has always had a certain timeless charm. But what’s striking about the Egmont Honey Pro is the youth dominating the lineup. Take Luana Matthies, a 15-year-old from the Gold Coast, who’s currently the top-ranked woman in Australia/Oceania. Or Izaro Williamson-Sasia, another 15-year-old, who’s already New Zealand’s under-18 and Open Women’s champion. These aren’t just kids dabbling in a retro hobby—they’re redefining what it means to be a longboarder.
Personally, I think this trend is about more than just nostalgia. Longboarding offers something that shortboarding often doesn’t: a sense of connection to the wave itself. As Williamson-Sasia puts it, it’s about ‘riding the wave with style, flow, and grace.’ There’s a artistry to it, a focus on form over flashiness, that seems to resonate with younger surfers. In a world where extreme sports often prioritize adrenaline-pumping stunts, longboarding feels like a return to roots—a reminder that surfing is as much about harmony with nature as it is about competition.
The Community Factor: Why Longboarding Feels Like Family
One thing that immediately stands out is the sense of community in longboarding. It’s not just a sport; it’s a culture. Rori Reyntjes, an 18-year-old from Torquay, credits her local longboarding club for her love of the sport. ‘It became family,’ she says. This isn’t unique to her—nearly every longboarder I’ve spoken to mentions the tight-knit nature of the community. It’s a stark contrast to the sometimes cutthroat world of competitive shortboarding, where the focus is often on individual achievement.
What many people don’t realize is that this community aspect is a big part of why longboarding is attracting younger surfers. In a world where social connections are increasingly digital, longboarding offers a tangible sense of belonging. It’s a sport where you’re as likely to share a wave with a friend as you are to compete against them. And as Emma Perrier, a 25-year-old competitor, notes, ‘There’s nothing better than sharing waves with all your friends out in the water.’
The Practical Side: Longboarding as a Survival Skill
Here’s a detail that I find especially interesting: longboarding isn’t just about style or community—it’s also practical. Jack Tyro, a 19-year-old from Christchurch, picked up longboarding out of necessity. ‘In Christchurch, the waves are often one to two feet, or it’s flat half the time,’ he explains. ‘I started longboarding so I could catch more waves.’
This raises a deeper question: Is longboarding becoming a survival skill for surfers in less-than-ideal conditions? If you take a step back and think about it, it makes perfect sense. Longboards are more stable and easier to paddle, making them ideal for smaller waves. What this really suggests is that longboarding isn’t just a niche sport—it’s a versatile tool that’s broadening the appeal of surfing as a whole.
The Future of Longboarding: A Sport for All Ages
What makes this particularly fascinating is how longboarding is breaking free from its ‘old man’s sport’ stereotype. Yes, it’s true that longboarding has traditionally been associated with older surfers, but the Egmont Honey Pro is proof that the sport is evolving. Teenagers are not only participating but excelling, bringing new energy and innovation to the scene.
From my perspective, this is just the beginning. As longboarding continues to grow in popularity, we’re likely to see even more young talent emerge. And with events like the Egmont Honey Pro gaining international attention, the sport is poised for a global resurgence.
Final Thoughts: Riding the Wave of Change
If you ask me, longboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that sometimes, slowing down and embracing tradition can lead to something truly revolutionary. As I watch these young surfers take to the waves this weekend, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism. They’re not just riding longboards; they’re riding a wave of change, redefining what it means to be a surfer in the 21st century.
So, the next time you see a longboarder gliding across the water, don’t just see a throwback to the past. See a glimpse of the future—a future where surfing is inclusive, community-driven, and open to anyone willing to embrace the wave.
