Nose riding and cross stepping return to center stage as the hunt for longboard glory begins

Old school style makes its annual comeback

The WSL Longboard Tour opened its season at Huntington Beach, marking the start of the hunt for longboard title glory, according to World Surf League event coverage. Cross steps and nose rides returned to prominence, reminding shortboard purists that grace and patience remain a legitimate competitive strategy.

A different rhythm entirely

Where shortboard heats reward explosive power, longboard competition rewards flow, timing and a willingness to walk calmly toward the nose of a moving board while everyone on the beach holds their breath, a skill that looks effortless and is, in fact, anything but.

A growing audience takes notice

Longboard’s rising popularity has brought fresh eyes to the discipline, with spectators increasingly drawn to its unhurried, stylish approach as a refreshing counterpoint to the high-speed aerial displays dominating the rest of the tour calendar.

Fazit

Season opened, style restored, nose rides very much back on the menu. For full tour coverage, visit the World Surf League. For more British satire on a related theme, see The London Prat’s UK Heatwaves End in Thunderstorms.