A shortboard is the surfboard shape designed with a pointed nose and narrow tail for fast maneuvering.
Shortboards became dominant in high-performance surfing during the second half of the twentieth century. Compared with traditional longboards, they are shorter, lighter, and generally have more rocker, the curve running from nose to tail. These features make rapid turns, vertical climbs, and aerial maneuvers easier.
The shortboard revolution was closely associated with advances in polyurethane foam, fiberglass construction, and fin design. The three-fin thruster, introduced by Simon Anderson in 1980, gave many shortboards a balance of drive, control, and maneuverability.
Shortboards are not automatically the best choice for every wave or surfer. Their smaller planing area makes catching weak waves harder than it is on a longboard or funboard. Board choice depends on wave power, rider ability, body size, and the desired style. The word “shortboard” describes a broad modern category rather than one universal measurement.