Judging Criteria – Longboard

Longboarding is all about style, flow, and making it look effortless.

Judges want to see you use the whole wave—and the whole board—while showing control and classic longboard style. The surfers who stand out are the ones blending smooth, stylish surfing with confident, well-timed moves in the most critical parts of the wave.

Here’s what judges are watching for:

• Nose riding & rail surfing – Cross-step up, hang toes, trim the line, then flow back
• Using the critical section – Are you surfing where the wave is at its most powerful?
• Variety – Mixing nose work, turns, and transitions
• Speed & power – Keeping momentum while still looking smooth
• Commitment – Going for it when the section demands it
• Control – Clean, composed surfing from start to finish
• Footwork – Smooth, confident movement up and down the board

Just like shortboarding, conditions matter. Clean peeling waves? Expect more emphasis on nose riding. Messy or fast conditions? Control, positioning, and smart surfing come into play.