Ever wondered why your mid-length board feels sluggish or frustrating? You're probably riding it wrong — and Devon Howard is here to help.

Whether you're a shortboarder looking to explore more glide or a longboarder aiming for versatility, mid-length surfboards offer a beautiful, flowing style of surfing — if you understand how to ride them correctly. This episode clears up the confusion and helps you finally get the most from your mid-length.

• Learn the key design differences between single fins, 2+1s, and twin fins — and when to use each

• Discover why your shortboard habits may be sabotaging your mid-length sessions

• Hear Devon’s practical tips for size selection, duck diving, and rail engagement for more speed and style

Press play to unlock smoother turns, better flow, and a deeper connection with your mid-length board.

Key Points

• Devon discusses the mid-length surfboard category, including egg, long fishes, and single fins, emphasizing the broad spectrum of designs within this category.

• Devon explains the evolution and characteristics of the egg design surfboard, including its history with Donald Takayama and Skip Fry, and its suitability for different wave conditions.

• Michael compares the experience of riding a mid-length surfboard to a step-up board, emphasizing the importance of drawing lines out and surfing off the rail.

• Devon discusses the inspiration behind his mid-length surfing style, referencing Tom Curran and Torrin Martin, and explains his preference for certain fin configurations based on wave conditions.

• Devon explains the modern evolution of mid-length surfboards at Channel Islands, blending traditional and modern design elements to suit various surfing conditions.

• Devon and Michael discuss the technique of duck diving a mid-length surfboard, emphasizing safety and the importance of body positioning and strength.

• Devon advises on the appropriate wave conditions for riding a mid-length surfboard, suggesting chest-high to a few feet overhead waves as ideal.

• Michael and Devon discuss the benefits of owning multiple types of surfboards, including mid-length, longboard, and shortboard, to enhance surfing skills and enjoyment.

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Devon's Insta:

@devon_howard

Inspiration:

https://cisurfboards.com/products/ci-mid

Devon surfing

https://vimeo.com/445271963

Torren Martyn

https://youtu.be/cOHc2TSvCI8

Mikey Feburary 

https://youtu.be/exwNbChf_oc

Alex Knost

https://youtu.be/e91uJK4vr10

Machado

https://youtu.be/feTz87pDMWs

www.surfmastery.com

For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we’ll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we’re here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced.